From the Editor, January 2017

With the start of a new year, many of us are tempted to draw up a list of resolutions to take us through the ensuing months. Some people try to eliminate procrastination or self-doubt. Other people resolve to eat healthier, exercise more, or focus on the positive aspects of life. In our house, my family has discussed what we, as individuals, could all stand to do better in 2017. Our conclusion? That each one of us will resolve to be active listeners in our everyday lives. Active listening can be difficult to master. It requires the listener to concentrate on what’s being said and to focus solely on the speaker. Our hope is to improve our listening skills, thereby improving communication within our household and beyond it. We’re convinced that if we really listen—instead of only hear—we’ll be surprised by what we learn.

Another individual resolution of mine is to read one book a week outside the realm of what I would normally choose. In general, I tend to pick up young adult and women’s fiction. But in this new year, I’ll be stocking up on literary fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, and nonfiction titles. This resolution will push me to the edges of my comfort zone; it will be a challenge for me, one that is both daunting and exhilarating at the same time.

Which brings us to a resolution we propose for our readers. Starting with this first issue of 2017, consider reading not only the pieces that fall under your genre of choice, but pieces from all parts of the magazine. We’re not asking you to do so in one sitting, of course. Take your time exploring everything we have to offer this month.

Welcome to our January Issue and the New Year!

Christina

P.S. Stay connected between monthly issues by subscribing to our blog or by following us on social media. See you there!

Columns
Heartsong: She Waited for Me by Kate Ristau
Beyond Broken: The Unarmed Truth by Darcie Whalen Korten

Creative Nonfiction
The Fall by Marina K. Ruben
When They Say Your Son is Normal by Jessica Franke Carr

Fiction
Go Fish by Lisa Ferranti

Literary Reflections
Whale Watching in Iceland by Mimi Thebo
Acknowledgments by Susannah Pratt
Essential Reading: Self-Help and Inspirational Reads compiled by Abigail Lalonde

Poetry
Giving Birth, in December by Maria Gapotchenko
Snow Angels by Jayne Guertin
Bequest for My Son by Louise Robertson
Unsolicited Advice to a Facebook Mom by Alexis Fancher
A Geometry of Falling by Wendy Vergoz

Profiles
A Conversation with Karen Craigo by Camille-Yvette Welsch
A Conversation with Sarah Pekkanen by Jude Walsh
A Conversation with Priscilla Warner by Rudri Bhatt Patel

Reviews
A Review of No More Milk by Camille-Yvette Welsch
A Review of Malafemmena by Sarah Ivens Moffet

Photos by Heather Vrattos and Rudri Patel