2023 Editor's Choice
Brooke Stelton - Editor of Photography, Art, and Creative Non-Fiction
“The Angels Came Weeping” is a detailed and colorful piece of art. This is my top pick as editor of Photography and Arts as the title really captivated me. One could see this and not know the context behind it, but I feel as if the title gave this piece the extra step necessary for a deeper meaning of an angelic being. The vivid and lively colors of this piece are amazing, and it clearly reveals all the hard work put into it. I believe that this beautiful piece could be seen in a stained-glass window of a church because of its enchanting appearance.
Jordyn Nalley - Editor of Poetry
When I first read the title, I already had an inkling of what this poem was about. It is written from the perspective of Icarus from Greek mythology, and I absolutely love Greek mythology and interpretations of it. What I find interesting about this poem is that Icarus is depicted as laughing when he fell, and it likens him to a shooting star. It seems to focus on pride and ambition as Icarus wants recognition from the gods. I also like the stylistic choice to have the last two words fall off the line. The words can be seen as Icarus falling, but I also think it looks like a feather floating down from one of his wings.
Joshua Soper - Editor of Drama, Screenplay, and Short Films
The Screenplay has a somewhat unique format for telling its story as is shown from the perspective of a radio play that lasts ten minutes. It references SFX effects occurring at specific moments. The characters’ actions and personalities are sufficiently shown throughout. The story is in the present time and takes place in a diner as the drama between the characters Herbert and Mildred unfold as they eat dinner. The writer consistently showed the design and tone of an old diner with an elderly couple going through relationship issues while learning to understand each other. It is unlike something I have read before and the style and direction of the play are intriguing to me.
Luigi Becher - Editor of Fiction
This piece stood out to me among the other submissions for its suspense and character development. I liked the protagonist’s moxie and enjoyed following him through this strange and horrific experience. I think a good indicator of how good a piece of fiction is is the incline I sit at while I read it- and this story had me hunched over like a goblin in my seat. It was great!
