A Conversation with Lisa Schantl, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tint Journal
A Conversation with Lisa Schantl, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tint Journal
Tint Journal is a pioneering online literary magazine dedicated to amplifying the voices of writers who produce creative texts in English as their second or non-native language. The journal features an interactive world map that highlights the diverse backgrounds of its published writers, emphasizing the translingual and transnational experiences of ESL authors. The publication seeks to challenge the stigmas associated with non-native English usage, celebrating the distinctive qualities it brings to literature.
Find the interview in our recent issue—Lexicon.
First of all, I’d just like to say that It’s such an honour to be able to have a conversation with you. Thank you so much for taking time to talk to me. I love that Tint Journal’s mission is to highlight the voices of ESL speakers. I’d like to start off with that. What was the initial inspiration behind creating this space for non-native English writers?
As the founder, I can speak from the beginning. We ’ ve been around for six years, the magazine was founded in 2018. The inspiration came during my time studying abroad in the States, where I took several creative writing courses. In one of my linguistics classes, we had to write a summary of a movie. I felt confident in my English skills, but when I received my grade, it was two degrees lower than my native English-speaking peers. I usually did well in English and was comfortable with the language. Something about it felt off. When I confronted the teacher about this, the first thing she said was: Oh aren ’t you the girl from Austria?
It became clear that she had judged my work based on the assumption that, as a non-native speaker, I couldn’t write well in English. After my confrontation, she reviewed my work again, admitted there were no mistakes, and changed my grade to an A. This experience sparked something in me. It was a turning point.
Later, I attended a publishing workshop where we were asked to pitch our own projects. Until then, I was quite shy and not too confident. But after they asked several times, I had an idea for something I hadn’t really thought about before. I thought: why not combine this experience of prejudice I had experienced with literature, that I loved? When I pitched it, several people immediately offered to help me. That workshop was a great incubator for what would become Tint Journal.
ESL writers bring diverse perspectives shaped by their unique linguistic and cultural backgrounds. How do you think their experiences, when expressed in English, reshape global literature and challenge traditional ideas of what "English literature" means?
Oh that’s a big question! I’m afraid I don’t have the perfect answer. It’s a process in the making. But I think one thing it shows us is that language isn’t a rigid concept. It adapts to our needs, depending on the people who speak it. I think the strength of foreign language literature in any language, is that it counters this monolingual paradigm. The notion that a state's culture and language are exclusive to its borders is simply untrue. It's a flawed belief that often gets reinforced because it serves the interests of political parties and their propaganda, promoting the idea that we are isolated entities that must be in conflict with one another.
What foreign language literature can do is show that we are all actually connected because of our trajectories and our movements and that can also be movements of the thoughts because we don’t have to travel to use or learn another language. it can just be because you want to connect with those speakers or because you feel comfortable in that language.
What foreign language literature demonstrates is that we ’re all connected— through our trajectories, our movements, which can also be the movement of our thoughts, and even our use of language. You don’t have to travel physically to use or learn another language. It can stem from a desire to connect with people or cultures or even because you feel comfortable in that language. This holds especially true for English, which is the most widely spoken second language in the world. This linguistic diversity is our strength.
Many ESL writers naturally weave words from their native languages into their English pieces. I’d like to know more about how you navigate this as an editor? Do you encourage writers to include a glossary, or do you prefer readers to infer meaning from context? How important do you think it is for readers to fully understand these native language elements, or do you see them as enhancing the richness and authenticity of the text regardless of comprehension?
I think there are two perspectives here. As an editor, we ensure we understand everything in the text. This is because we need to make sure the content aligns with our values. If there are foreign words or phrases, we either use Google Translate or ask the author for clarification and hope they’re honest with us. So from the editorial side, we want to know.
But from a reader’s perspective, it’s exciting to have the option to encounter phrases from other languages, even if they aren't explained. This can make you pause and reflect, encouraging you to shape the meaning in your own mind. There’s a beauty in that—a sense of discovery.
It might be helpful to include a glossary or translation if the writer wants to convey a specific meaning and to clarify intent. But personally, I enjoy encountering things I don’t fully understand. It takes me out of my comfort zone, which I think is important. One of my professors used to say, “We shouldn’t be afraid of the incomprehensible.” Ultimately, it’s up to the writer whether they want to provide that clarity or leave it open to interpretation.
Many aspiring writers face challenges not only in honing their craft but also in navigating the biases toward non-native English writers. What advice do you have for ESL writers looking to make their mark in the literary world?
Read the work of other non-native English writers, especially those exploring multilingualism in your languages . Their work often brings cultural and multilingual nuances that can be incredibly enriching. Having role models who share a similar background can be very inspiring. There are many out there—you just have to seek them out and listen to their stories.
When it comes to publication, look for magazines that embrace and foster cultural diversity. Avoid more rigid, traditional journals that may not appreciate your unique perspective. If you want a quick path, Tint Journal regularly publishes interviews and book reviews that could provide some good suggestions for you.
What advice would you give to writers who want to submit to Tint Journal?
First of all, we have open calls for submissions twice a year—October to November, and April to May. Please don’t submit outside those periods, as we won’t be able to review your work.
When you submit, be sure to follow the submission guidelines on our website. They’re not there to frustrate anyone but to help us manage the large number of submissions we receive. We look for things like whether the writer is truly an ESL author, whether they’ve read our guidelines and are familiar with what we do. This helps narrow things down.
Also, if you have any questions, make sure to reach out. We are always available. It takes a few days but we will make sure reply.
When you look at Tint, you'll see that there is a high standard for the quality of English. Even though it's a second-language journal, the level of grammar, syntax, and overall literary craft remains strong. So, it's important to have your text proofread before submitting. Too many errors, even in a piece with a great idea, can cause it to be overlooked. Consistency is key, and everything you learn in craft classes applies even more when submitting, as someone will be deciding whether your piece moves forward through the rounds toward publication.
I was already inspired before, but speaking with you has truly deepened that inspiration. I’m taking so much away from this conversation, even on a personal level. Thank you so much for your time!
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
Read the current issue here
Submission Guidelines - open until November 30 for the Spring 2025 issue
Upcoming Events - Tinted Tales, a reading across cultures on November 8th