Issue 24 of Blue Mesa Review is over two hundred pages of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that reflects today's literary pulse. Blue Mesa Review continues to be a current literary conversation between editors and writers from all over the world. This issue in particular embraces both traditional as well as more experimental works. The beautiful cover art was contributed by local Albuquerque artist Travis Bruce Black.

Nonfiction in this issue includes essays by Donna Steiner and Peter Stenson, as well as interviews with established writers Gary Shteyngart and Dorothy Allison. This issue also includes a memorial tribute to New Mexican poet Patricia Clark Smith.

Fiction in this issue includes two flash fiction pieces by Francine Witte, first-place winner of the Thomas A. Wilhelmus award in fiction (chosen by Robert Olen Butler), James Brubaker, Adin Bookbinder, Raul Clement, and Chris Smith, just to name a few. The 2011 fiction contest winner, chosen by author Lori Ostlund, is also included.

Poetry in this issue includes reprinted works by Patricia Clark Smith and original works by Ginny Lowe Connors, Natasha Kessler, Jody Zorgdrager, Jim Davis, Ricardo Pau-Llosa, and Ivan Young, among others. Also included in Issue 24 is the 2011 poetry contest winner, chosen by celebrated poets Lisa Gill, Danny Solis, and Richard Vargas.