Welcome to Wellspring Literary Journal! Even though I worked on literary magazines for over 30 years, this online version took longer than I imagined to come to fruition. From learning new platforms to realizing I needed to shift deadlines and my methods of communication (who knew that telepathy wouldn’t transmit all of my grand editor’s notes?), I accepted, once again, that new ventures demand great humility. I do love this final product—and hope you do as well!

Since I was old enough to speak, I've craved one thing: collecting and sharing stories in all their vibrant forms. Lately, all conversations with loved ones, colleagues, even strangers, invariably lead to a single conclusion: stories, connection, and open dialogue are the cornerstones of positive change.

This is the foundation of Wellspring. We believe in the power of stories to bridge gaps in understanding, to spark empathy, and to forge connections. That's why we sought a diverse array of voices. From emerging writers to seasoned authors, former students to past teachers, our contributors hail from a variety of locales – East Coast, West Coast, and even Bulgaria!

In our pages, you’ll enjoy forms such as an Abecedarian, flash nonfiction, a triptych, and a long-form narrative poem as you move “easefully back/into the cradling memory of firsts" to discover the joys, and caveats, of leather pants and motorbikes, the allure of carmine stilettos, and how one eventually shifts into midwifing "the specter of death." Each piece situates you in an exquisite moment, then begs for at least one more read.

After retiring from Department Chair of Literary Arts at the Appomattox Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology in 2022, I wanted to keep a connection with the community that I called home for 20 years. The new Chair, my colleague, friend, and local poet, Gail Giewont, happily signed on to mentor Interns from the Print and Online Publications class. They helped with every step of the process. You can read the Note from The Interns for more! Nadia Bukach stepped in with tech expertise, Lisa Loving added her visual artist’s touch as well as her keen eye for wordsmithing, and Mary Jo McLaughlin saved me in more ways than I can enumerate, just know that she is a passionate, dedicated, and thorough reader. Each piece went through several readings by both student and adult editors. Thanks, especially, to ARGS’ students: Max Bell, Natalia Coronado-Mercer, William Gribbin, Madison Ingram, Star Lewis, Niala Myrick, Sarah Powers, and Adam Rowe.

Please check out the craft essays by Katharine Herndon and Kisha Hughes on the web page. We are accepting pitches for new craft essays, and they may appear on the website at any time! If you are interested in submitting a craft essay, please email me a topic!