Our literary magazine has always stood for inclusivity and diversity of representation, and we are so proud to introduce our twelfth issue, which we believe embodies the heart of our mission. 

The submissions inside come from 53 writers, poets, artists and photographers across eight counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Six submitters are included who have been in every edition of TWJ, and we had eleven new-to-us voices come through. We have worked hard to combine words and images in a way that is pleasing and engaging and are grateful for the varied and diverse pieces that were sent to us during this spring quarter.

Coming out of a long winter, a full year into the pandemic, we are so ready for spring and renewal and inside you’ll enjoy stories of hope and hilarity. This winter has been hard on our community and on our staff, so we are also grateful to present pieces about the difficult parts of life, offering encouragement and solidarity. 

The Spring 2021 Edition features Penn State DuBois professor Anthony Vallone and Clarion photographer Greg Clary. Vallone’s poem, “In the Spring of the Coronavirus,” describes how time has changed its meaning, how we long to “shed my skin” and have the “birds sing for me.” Clary’s photography is featured on the cover and throughout the magazine. His cover piece is an excellent study in contrast. The brightness of the flowers against the brown leaves and white snow. The promise of spring fighting through the late snows we encounter up north. 

There is no single definition of the work we are looking for or the people we want to hear from. Our region is diverse and brimming with storytellers of all kinds, and we hope we have succeeded in removing ourselves as gatekeepers and allowing the creatives of Pennsylvania to tell the story of our region in their own unique words and styles.

Now winter is loosening its grip, gardens are being tilled and outside activities are becoming possible. This next quarter will look a bit different for TWJ and Watershed Books, and for our world as a whole as well. We hope you will continue to plug into the local storytelling community by joining in all of the great virtual events that have been going on and (when you’re comfortable) by showing up to commune safely with other writers and artists. The encouragement and support from other writers and readers is irreplaceable! 

— Jess Weible and Sarah Rossey