Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for picking up this very first issue of Nightingale & Sparrow. This whole thing began when I messaged some friends with a sudden realisation: I think I want to start a lit mag. In the time I’ve been a part of the literary community, I’ve seen so many lives changed by small publications like this. I know what it feels like to finally get that first acceptance . . . and to be stung by rejections. I wanted to be a part of that, to give back to this community just a little bit of what I’ve seen it provide time and again.
So, with a bit of digging to finalise some of my favourite bird imagery and a bit of quick web design, I created Nightingale & Sparrow. And, even in my wildest dreams, I could hardly imagine the response it has already gotten. Before we’d even opened submissions, we were getting hundreds of page views a day on the N&S website. So many people shared their enthusiasm and support for this project from the very start and I could not be more grateful to each and every one.
We received so many amazing submissions for flight and I wish I could have included many more of these wonderful pieces. But I have no doubt that this issue has some of the best work available.
We have more than 50 amazing writers and artists in this issue, each sharing a unique glimpse into their interpretations of flight, be it literal or metaphorical. From birds and planes to daydreams and fleeing the things that scare you, these pieces ultimately moved us, as I’m sure they will you.
At times, your heart will soar like Sarah’s flight in Kimberly Wolkens’ “A Mother’s Love” or the mysterious beauty in Amanda Crum’s “A Murmuration of Starlings.” You’ll feel Karen’s sorrow as she cares for her father in Scott Moses’ “Right Now, Long Ago” and the water surrounding you in K.B. Carle’s “Submersion.” The imagery both in the words and in the accompanying images will move you. flight will make you feel something striking with every page.
So, thank you to each and every contributor and every submitter who trusted Nightingale & Sparrow to consider your work. Thank you to the friends and family who’ve helped support my fledgeling publication. And, of course, thank you to you, reader, for picking it up!
I truly hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I did in compiling it and I cannot wait to do it all over again for Issue II.
Editor-in-Chief, Nightingale and Sparrow
