Fall-Winter 2020 Letter from the Editor

In our last issue of Bluestem, which feels so long ago now, the pandemic had just begun and we were getting ready to stay inside. Many months later and we’re still in the thick of it. Lots of us—myself included—have been separated from our families and friends for almost a year. We visit with them through screens. Still others mourn friends and family they’ve lost to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to everyone—our students, our friends, our colleagues, ourselves—suffering from this tragedy. In particular, we’d like to acknowledge our outgoing Creative Nonfiction Editor, Daiva Markelis, for the loss of her father-in-law. Daiva has been a longtime editor of the journal, and contributed so much to its voice and presence. In retirement, we know she’ll keep making beautiful things—she’s an extraordinary writer and craftswoman whose quilts are as magical as her words.

What can we do in a time like this? We can be as kind to ourselves, and to others, as we can. One way I’ve been kind to myself is by trying to connect even more than usual with the literary community and the arts. I’m attending a lot more readings online, as well as hosting them. I’m attending plays from my couch. I’m telling writers and poets how much their work means to me, because it has been a light in the darkness. Art has the power to do that.

 This issue of Bluestem was a long time in the making, but it’s finally here, and we hope that it can offer you a small light in the darkness. The work in this issue is powerful, funny, clever, and experimental.

 We’re so excited about the voices represented here, audacious in their wild artmaking. Thank you to all our brilliant contributors to this issue, and may 2021 bring more togetherness and art to us all.

 — Bess Winter