Editor’s Note

Sudden thunderstorms, soft showers, unending drizzles–rain is a common theme throughout years and styles of writing and art. It takes on a new life, becoming a metaphor for violence, sadness, change, renewal, and so much else. In the real world, rain is an essential part of our environment that destroys and gives life at once. This issue’s theme was suggested due to the monsoon season where one editor lives during the time we were open for submissions. There is no monsoon season where I’m from; instead, we have summer rains where water drips from trees and it looks like the whole world’s turned green. For me, rain like that is a call to look more closely at the world around me. But rain is more than just one thing. This issue finds rain characterized in a multitude of different ways and given so many different meanings. It does the same for issues of the environment. Creators share worries about climate change, but this issue also focuses on the beauty and wonder of the natural world. 

I’m so grateful to everyone who’s made this issue happen. Especially to our wonderful editors–your dedication and commitment across time zones and countries is one of my favorite things about working at Ripple. There’s absolutely no way I could’ve done this without any of you and I’m so, so thankful that you’re a part of this team. I’m also grateful to everyone who submitted to Ripple Lit. Thank you for sharing your work with us and helping us create a new conversation around the environment. 

Working on this issue of Ripple Lit has been an amazing experience for all of us. We were so impressed by the quality of submissions we received on this issue and enjoyed reading each one. We’ve felt awe at the pieces being written as well as pride that we have the opportunity to read and publish this work. Each submission opened our eyes to something new–a new perspective, new idea, new voice. Every piece addressed the theme in a different way, and it was enlightening to see the different perspectives the submissions offered and how each integrated the environment with their themes and messages in their own individual way. We’re excited for you to read this issue of Ripple–we know you’ll love every piece as much as we do.

Thank you for your support of Ripple. We’re so happy that this issue has brought us closer to our goal of forming connections and creating conversations through art, and we hope you’ll be inspired to contribute to this conversation in whatever way you can.

Happy reading!

Nina Ballerstedt, Editor-in-Chief

The Editors of Ripple Lit