Editor's Notes: July 2017

A few weeks ago, I had a panic attack.

I haven't had one in years, but I live with mental illness every day.

I am certain I'm not the only one. Like many of you, I know what it's like to face anxiety that cripples and fear that tears you apart with its lies. Because that's what fear is: a liar.

This month, we are proud to share stories that stretch wide across the spectrum of the mind. Some of them are nearly physical in their intensity, wide open and vulnerable. Others are more poetic, almost lyrical. Still others are thoughtful and probing.

They are all important, and they are all necessary to our understanding of each other.

I encourage you to take the time to read our July issue with an open mind. Not every story is pretty, and that's what, we believe, makes Lady so beautiful.

Thank you to all the women who participated in this issue.

Wendi

Editor's Notes: June 2017

We have some exciting news to share this month! We were recently featured on author Catherine Lavender's website where we talked about what distinguishes Lady and why we love this work so much! If you want to check it out, you can read the full interview here. Thanks, Catherine!

Also, I can't wait for you to read this month's issue. The pieces we have included for June are striking in their focus, and they give a shift in identity perspective that is needed from time to time. No matter what you're facing as you scroll through our June issue, I think you'll find yourself connecting with one of these extraordinary writers.

Enjoy!

Editor's Notes: May 2017

Mother's Day is coming up next week, and this month's issue of Lady purposefully takes a long, hard look at being a woman. The two are naturally connected, although the former is certainly not a prerequisite for the latter, and we wanted to take this month to examine what the experience of being a woman looks like. It is certainly not a universal one. It is a uniquely complex life. And along with it comes stories upon stories, words that I hope you'll read with an open mind and welcoming heart.

I am a mother, and it is beautiful beyond description to know I have been entrusted with my girl. Still, I was a mother before she was conceived. Aren't we all? Mothers to friends, to those in need, to anyone who might be searching for comfort. What a gift we have as women to carry this incredible burden, this one shared ability to mother, no uterus required.

I celebrate you, reader and woman, this month. Thank you for being here.

All thrive,

Wendi

Editor's Notes: April 2017

Hi, friends.

Normally I fill this space with notes on this month's features, but after the atrocious chemical attack on Syrian civilians this past Tuesday, I want to take this time to ask for your support where it is most needed.

We write stories because we believe our experiences are meaningful in some way. We cannot help ourselves. The words have to get out. This is art. This is expression. This is beautiful. And we share so much more in common than not. As writers, we get the privilege of giving voice to life, and what we are seeing out of Syria this week are stories of horror. Stories of unendurable loss and pain. Stories that deserve to be heard and responded to with something more than just a retweet or share.

I know you're wondering how to help or feeling completely overwhelmed with questions about what you can actually do. I put my little girl to bed last night and couldn't stop the flow of tears as I pictured all the mothers and fathers in Syria who can no longer do the same. I felt hopeless and paralyzed. But our privilege—as writers who tell stories and as people with so much to share—is meant to lift up the brokenhearted and build community where only walls seem to exist.

You can help. You can provide real-time, on-the-ground support for Syrian families and children right now, and you can do it through Preemptive Love Coalition. For a decade, Preemptive Love has been working in hard places to secure funding and resources for people affected by war and famine. Children with heart defects who are left without medical care following a tragedy are given life-saving surgeries, and refugees fleeing their homelands are provided adequate nourishment, healthcare, housing, and opportunities to rebuild.

Yes, we are far away from the conflict. But I'm asking you to keep it close. Don't look away. Don't shut yourself off. Open your eyes and open your heart. Please give today.

To learn more about Preemptive Love Coalition, click here.

Editor's Notes: March 2017

Love is a story that keeps unfolding, always changing with the seasons, never losing its wonder. And, this month, Lady is sharing stories of love, the kind of love that never looks the same twice.

In Barbara Taylor's fiction piece, "The Bricklemeyers", we see a couple who is living—although not exactly thriving—in their twilight years, and we watch them look for meaning and purpose in ways they never have before. In Shivani Bindhyeshwari's poem, "A poem that did not rhyme", we are entranced along with the reader by a woman who cannot seem to be pinned down, no matter how hard her suitors try. She is a "tsunami". A mystery. And love is always defined by mystery, no matter where it's found.

Meagan Kimberly's "Tocarla" is a sensual and melodic take on the song of physical love, while Jessica Schaub's "Unwanted Character" is a peek into the relationship between writer and character, a relationship that's often far more intimate than any in the real world.

So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get settled in your comfiest chair. There's a lot of good stuff waiting for you in our March issue.

Thanks for reading!

All thrive,
Wendi

Editor's Notes: February 2017

So, January was a doozy, wasn't it?

This magazine is not a political publication, but I would be remiss if I glossed over the actions of our president since his inauguration on January 20th. Our country is facing an unprecedented level of uncertainty right now, and, for many people, it calls to mind the threats we faced as a nation early in the 20th century.

This is the time for activism. This is the time for artists and writers and wordsmiths to do what they do best. I would love to have the privilege of sharing stories from refugees and immigrants, regardless of nationality, who are willing to write openly about the vetting process and their experiences in the United States. If you're interested, please submit your piece to submissions@ladyliterarymag.com.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the incredible pieces we have featured in our February issue, including one from returning poet Marguerite Bouvard, as well as a stunning new short story from our fiction writer, Anastasiya Chuleyda. This month's issue is designed to get you thinking about the lives of people in your community, outside your inner circle, and the world in a way that, perhaps, you havent before.

Be blessed. Keep writing. It matters.

Wendi

Editor's Notes: January 2017

Happy 2017! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and happy new year. Mine was busy prepping for the release of my latest novel, The Next Best Thing, as well as spending time with friends and family enjoying the season. It's my favorite time of year, so I'm always a little sad to see it go, even if the idea of a brand new year—and brand new memories—is exciting.

As we head into 2017, one of the things I've been telling myself is to be gentle: gentle with my body, gentle with my loved ones, gentle with my work, gentle with my mess-ups, and gentle with myself. I'm a little tired of goals. Maybe you're stoked about making a list of the resolutions you want to accomplish this year, and if that's the case, well, awesome! I hope 2017 is all that you want it to be and more.

But me? I'm tired.

I'm worn out from a year that was as emotionally taxing as it was beautiful.

I'm over the thrill of social media.

I'm numb to the noise of so many voices coming at me that I can barely hear what's good and true anymore.

So, this month, I'm eager to dive into pieces that strike me in places I had almost forgotten about, pieces that speak honestly about growing older—like Elisabeth Ferrell-Horan's "It Was A Cold One Last Night"—and approach change with the hope of something better—like Marguerite Bouvard's "Opening A Door". That's the kind of storytelling I need right now. That's the kind of storytelling I want to share.

Thanks for being here and starting your year with us.

All Thrive,

Wendi

Editor's Notes: December 2016

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

As we approach the end of what has been a tumultuous and—at times—heartbreaking 2016, I want to reflect on some of the changes I've made personally...and invite you to do the same.

Never before this year have I read as widely as I do today. I like routine. I like what I like. But in 2016, as our nation and world faced repeated episodes of gun violence, xenophobia, bigotry, racism, and sheer hatred, I found myself searching for information in unexpected places. I sought after voices that were different than mine. I watched documentaries I didn't necessarily have the stomach for in order to acknowledge someone else's pain. I turned off my Top 40 radio stations and turned on NPR and a dozen different podcasts. I listened to stories and read personal accounts and asked questions.

I also stepped away from the noise and tried to remind myself that sometimes it's okay to not know everything.

But I kept coming back to stories. I always come back to those.

The point of this magazine is to connect you—the reader—to another person, even if it's only for a moment. Our purpose here goes beyond entertainment or even understanding. If I were feeling a little...well, pompous...I might say our purpose here is enlightenment. But even if that's not always possible, storytelling is certainly where enlightenment begins. How else do we change? We either experience a thing on our own, or we see it through someone else's eyes. Those eyes could be the eyes of a loved one or a stranger; it doesn't matter. What matters is that we see.

I certainly hope that 2017 is a better year than 2016 was for so many. And I hope the rest of your year is filled with laughter and light. But, most of all, I hope you'll continue to find something meaningful in the stories you tell, the stories you write, and the stories you read.

We need them. Don't ever forget that.

Editor's Notes: November 2016

I started writing this letter a few weeks back, long before the results of Tuesday's election. And now those words feel empty and hollow. So I'm going to say something a little bit different today.

People are angry for all sorts of reasons, and rightfully so. One of the most important things we can remember during this time is that while we might not understand a person's frustration or fear or anger, we can respect it. As a woman, I am bearing witness to this week's events with a deep grief, a grief that I'm sure resonates with many of you. And what we need now, more than ever, is to listen to each other and unite together against what divides us, regardless of party lines: hatred, fear, bigotry, and evil.

I don't assume to know the political affiliation of any Lady reader. Perhaps you are a Hillary Clinton supporter. Perhaps you voted for Trump. Maybe you voted third party. And maybe you stayed at home on election day. But I do assume that all our readers care about their futures and the futures of their children, and that the election of Donald Trump to the highest position in our country is having an effect on them.

I know it certainly is on me.

This is why it's crucial for us, as people and as women, to speak up and speak out about the things that matter. Stories give us the capacity to step into the world of someone different, to suddenly see what that person sees. Stories are what bridge the gap between misunderstanding and empathy. They're what transform closed fists into open arms.

I've been reading through so many powerful stories these past few weeks and I have to tell you all that I am more grateful for your work than I can say. Every woman who has submitted something to this magazine is a little bit braver than she was before because writing is an act of courage. Saying something when you could easily keep quiet requires gumption. And in the days to come, I imagine we will need these things in spades.

I hope you continue to write and use your voice, every single day.

All thrive,

Wendi

Editor's Notes: October 2016

Hi, Lady readers! You guys have been on my mind a lot lately as we've been receiving so many new submissions. The amount of growth we've seen in such a short time has been incredible! I have to admit I was a little timid about starting Lady up again after more than a year-long hiatus, but it appears I made the right decision. Not only are your submissions growing in number, they're also growing in strength. Thank you for trusting us with your work, for supporting one another, and for taking the time out of your day to read Lady. I am honored.

This month, we have an all-new What We're Reading feature, as well as two exquisite poems and a non-fiction piece. Take a look around, leave your comments, and share your favorite pieces! Also, don't forget that if you ever want to know more about our authors, you can visit our Contributor page and find individual links to each writer's bio, as well as information on her other works and social media accounts. Lady isn't just a place to read great writing; it's also a place to get connected to other writers! We need each other if we're going to succeed.

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful new season, so far. See you in November.

All thrive,

Wendi

Editor's Notes: September 2016

The days are growing cooler, and with fall approaching this month I transform - like many of my peers - into a very basic white girl who squeals over all things pumpkin and takes pictures of my boots among the leaves. BUT I HAVE NO SHAME. It's a beautiful time of year and I embrace the coming season with all the fervor of a craft store after Labor Day.

This month, we are celebrating the very first winner of our Write Stuff Contest, James Ellerbe. She penned a gorgeous poem called "Body Speak" about the experience of being human, bound by a body that changes and breaks and becomes something new with each passing year. There were so many wonderful entries and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who submitted their work! You can view James' poem in our September issue, as well as the list of honorable mentions. Congratulations everyone!

I also want to highlight the other new works we have featured in this issue, as well as a blog post I wrote with a few quick tips for self-publishing. It's a learning process, that's for sure, but I hope it serves to give you a boost of courage if you're thinking about going down that road. This month, we have a new fiction piece from Lily Iona MacKenzie called "Aileas Muse and the Angel" as well as a new poem from Monica Beaujon titled "To The Brim." Both are uniquely crafted and bold, just like we like 'em, and you can learn more about the authors on our Contributor pages.

Keep sending in your submissions and we will happily keep reading. Thank you for giving Lady the chance to be a part of your story!

All thrive,

Wendi

Editor's Note: August 2016

Hi everyone!

This note is going to be short and sweet. Many of us are getting back into the swing of things now that summer is coming to an end, and schedules are becoming fuller and fuller as we head into the fall months. I'm in the very same boat. In fact, I'm preparing to release my second novel (and the sequel to my first) titled The Next Best Thing on January 3, 2017. That might seem like a long time from now, but since I have elected to self-publish this time around there is quite a bit more work to be done on my part. I'm excited to share the second - and final - half of this story with you, but that means things are going to be somewhat quieter here each month. I do intend to talk about this process a bit more in September and offer some insight for any of you lovely ladies who might be looking to self-publish, but - for now - let me just say I hope your writing is going well and that you have a community of strong support around you. We all need that. I'm learning more and more that I cannot be successful (by my own definition) if I don't have community. Feedback on our work as writers is essential, and great stories cannot be written if we do not have each other.

Have a lovely August!

Wendi

Editor's Notes: The Write Stuff Contest

The year is half over already and the time for pumpkin spice lattes is just around the corner. (I'm only sorta-kidding.) But since we still have some free time before the craziness of back-to-school and fall festivities is upon us, I'm hoping you - our lovely reader - will use it to share, and maybe even participate in, our exciting news:

We have officially launched our very first writing contest!

That's right. Through the next two months, Lady will be hosting its first annual Write Stuff Contest! This year's theme is "First Impressions" and applicants are encouraged to use it in whatever genre they choose, whether it be poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction. Writers can submit as many times as they want in as many genres, but there will only be one winner selected. Entries should be sent to contest@ladyliterarymag.com with the subject line "Write Stuff Contest" and all entries should include title, author name, and genre. Contest deadline is August 31, 2016. The winner will be announced in our September issue and will receive a $100 prize, as well as a month-long feature on our homepage. There is a $5 fee for each individual entry which can be paid via PayPal to contest@ladyliterarymag.com or by clicking the PayPal entry button on our homepage. Official rules for the contest will also be available on our main menu if you need to double-check or have any questions.

We love reading your submissions each month, and we can't wait to see what you have in store for the Write Stuff Contest! Best of luck to all of you!

All thrive,

Wendi

Editor's Notes: June 2016

I recently finished reading Amy Poehler's bad-ass book, Yes Please. Besides being hilarious and honest, Amy's book also provided me with a number of highlighter moments in which I scrambled to save her wisdom for future reference, knowing it would come in handy someday. Turns out, someday is right now.

Amy believes you should treat your career like it's your boyfriend, your really unreliable, sort-of replaceable, forgettable boyfriend. On the subject of success, she says this:

"Career is the stringing together of opportunities and jobs. Mix in public opinion and past regrets. Add a dash of future panic and a whole lot of financial uncertainty. Career is something that fools you into thinking you are in control and then takes pleasure in reminding you that you aren’t. Career is the thing that will not fill you up and never make you truly whole. Depending on your career is like eating cake for breakfast and wondering why you start crying an hour later."

I had to put my Kindle down at this point, I was laughing that hard.

Amy goes on to define the distinction between career and creativity, a distinction I think is crucial when it comes to any kind of success, particularly that of a writer. I have fallen victim to the message that my career defines me more times than I can count. If my career is not lining up with what I think it should be, well, I'm a failure. Of course, this is an absolute falsity. It's actually kind of insane. I don't really have control over how successful I am in terms of book sales, reviews, or monetary gain. You know how I know this? Because I've lived it. I've worked and written and tweeted and posted my little heart out. I've edited and bled all over the page and stayed up late and made marketing plans. I've done all the things. I've met every expectation. But I simply haven't achieved the commercial success that I'd like because I am not sovereign over every person's wallet or keyboard. I can't make someone do what they don't want to do. In the end, success is a strange combination of hard work, consistency, and being in the right place at the right time. The good news is that I still have years ahead of me, God willing, and lots of things to say. And so do you.

Creativity is not the same thing as a career. Creativity is the thing that drives you, the part of yourself that cannot, and should not, be contained. Career is meeting deadlines, paying bills, and checking off lists. Forget for a moment about what the reader might think and write for yourself. Writing is a process of considering your audience one minute and telling them to shut the hell up the next. You can't do it all ALL THE TIME. It has to be done in pieces, in moments, so that your story can become what it needs to be: a cohesive work of art with something to share. Career is trying to control the outcome, but creativity is simply telling the story.

Earlier in the chapter, Amy tells us that we're really lucky if our career and our creativity merge into one. And she reminds us that "your creativity is not a bad boyfriend. It is a really warm older Hispanic lady who has a beautiful laugh and loves to hug. If you are even a little bit nice to her she will make you feel great and maybe cook you delicious food."

So be nice to yourself. Be nice to your process. And trust that even if your career feels like a terrible boyfriend right now, your creativity has only good things in store for you.

All thrive,
Wendi

Editor's Notes: May 2016

Well, it's been a little over a year since I shut down this space. And here we are again.

In 2014, when I decided to start Lady, I did it without really taking the kind of time I should have to prepare. This is one of my biggest flaws. I get so excited about an idea and jump right in before I've done all the things I need to make it a success. I get in a big damn hurry. And then it fizzles out, either because I lose interest or become discouraged, and I'm left with something else to add to my growing pile of half-finished projects. It's the curse of the creative, a frustrating piece of my personality I'm sure many of you can relate to, as well.

But sometimes an idea won't go quietly. And over the last few months, Lady kept coming back to me.

I realized that my biggest mistake before was not necessarily trying to launch a literary magazine on my own. After all, there are a number of start-up publications that are headed up by a single person. It was my feeling that Lady had to fit into a particular box. It couldn't just be something I enjoyed. It couldn't just give women, and especially new writers, a voice, something I'd actually written about on the original website bio. It had to be cool. It had to be relevant (a word that damages many a creative endeavor). It had to be all the things. I fell for the comparison trap. And I fell hard. Soon, I had little affection for this magazine that had been birthed from a place of deep love. I still loved words, but I didn't love what I was doing with them. So I shut the magazine down. It felt like a failure, but I look at it now and feel kind of proud that I stepped away instead of letting the magazine become an albatross around my neck. The worst thing that could have happened would have been allowing the whole site to suffer instead of admitting defeat. And now that a year has passed, I am ready to start over.

Today, I re-launch Lady with a few lessons under my belt and my original mission still very much intact. This is a place created for women, by women. It's a space where female writers of all ages and life experiences can come to share their stories. It's no longer my goal for Lady to win Most Popular. My goal is for Lady to showcase beautiful writing that is authentic, funny, and heartbreaking from women who are living life and, most importantly, talking about it. And that's what I'm doing.

Thank you for coming along. I hope you enjoy!