Editor’s Note

The theme “Drought” was suggested by an editor experiencing a drought around the time we opened for submissions. This drought only happened in one part of the world; however, as submissions came in I saw a global connection to the theme. Authors interpreted “Drought” in so many ways, not just limiting themselves to environmental droughts. There was also so much diversity in the way each piece incorporated the environment. From calls to action and criticism of causes of global warming to elements of nature used as symbolism or to create a strong setting, each piece included the environment in a unique and interesting way. 

This issue, we received 54 submissions from 26 countries all around the world. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read everyone’s work and I’m proud of everyone who made the decision to submit their writing! I’m also so so grateful to the editors of Ripple Lit. For the last two issues you have all been SO amazing and dedicated to making Ripple happen. Even though you all have super busy personal lives and challenges you still manage to make time for this magazine and just having you here is amazing. And finally, I’m looking forward to meeting our new editors and I’m grateful to everyone who expressed interest in joining Ripple.

Each piece in this issue does something that makes it stand out - in its topic, format, or anything else. It’s been amazing to read this writing and learn more about the authors making up this issue. This issue was a joy to edit, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.

Nina Ballerstedt, Editor-in-Chief

We loved seeing the way everyone interpreted the theme and how creative and passionate the entries were - it was clear the authors cared about the topic and were driven to write about it. Submissions interpreted the theme more creatively than we ever would’ve thought to and we loved being surprised when we read a new submission and saw how the author had chosen to incorporate the theme. 

We looked forward to receiving every new submission, so we could enjoy the newest collection of words bringing a unique perspective. So many submissions stood out with their originality, the variety of subjects, and the passion for environmental causes. We also really enjoyed seeing the different poetic forms in submissions! As we analyzed each aspect of a piece, we were proud of every bit of hard work the writer had poured into it. We enjoyed feeling the emotions loaded in the submissions, each one relaying a different experience and special voice.

Each piece was brimming with both devastation and hope - the ability to look at drought and the climate crisis and so aptly describe its effects, while still being able to summon hope and fight for a better future, was a constantly inspiring common thread throughout submissions. We appreciate every writer who decided to submit to Ripple Lit, who allowed us a peek into their world, and who shed light on untold stories.

Thank you for supporting Ripple; happy reading!

The Editors of Ripple Lit