“Atmospheric Cells” by Jane Cornish Smith, oil, collage, and encaustic on board, 2007.

Welcome to our October 2017 issue with the theme of “BREATHE.”

This issue contains the work of twelve talented writers, two for whom this will be their very first publication, a fact that always makes us proud. Alongside that, we are thrilled to be able to showcase the work of outstanding, award-winning writers in this issue—a fact that also makes us proud. In short, we’re thrilled to be presenting this issue to you, our loyal readers, each piece of writing enhanced by the wonderful artwork of Jane Cornish Smith who graciously allowed us to use her work to illustrate this issue.

As always, this issue exists, thanks in no small part to my devoted editors and readers who make my job easier, and to the contributors who have trusted us to bring their work into the world. Also, thanks for the gorgeous artwork, Jane. You made each essay, story, flash, and poem pop just a little bit more.

Thanks for reading.

Yours in Recovery,

Mary Akers
Editor-in-chief