Director’s Note
We know this much to be true: writers write. No matter if it’s during periods of prosperity or peace, eras of scarcity or conflict, our authors will be there, attempting to make art (some even manage to make sense) out of the mess we consistently make of things.
Here’s the thing: even within the mostly quiet and industrious demographic of those who pick up pens instead of swords, and despite the necessary isolation and disconnection from day-to-day drama, these writers require the sustenance community provides. For many, there’s seldom enough solidarity to go around; for some, whatever they manage to find is everything. During a global crisis, one thing we share is the impulse to protect ourselves and our loved ones. In extraordinary times, our vulnerabilities, if bravely and honestly faced, can be what unite us; they can be what save us.
Productive writing is seldom easy or painless (unless you’re Stephen King), and in 2020, as Nathan Leslie describes, it’s easy for paralysis to become the default setting. Gwydion Suilebhan and Bethanne Patrick found solace—and inspiration—by rekindling ties with old friends. For Ed Aymar, finding community was only half the battle; he took it upon himself to create a community that, before this year, would have been less necessary, even unimaginable. And how do we manage the communities we’ve already created? As Jeff Coker and Leigh Tivol illustrate, in some cases we need to recreate what exists, adapting and improving by whatever means necessary. In all of these instances we see ingenuity, urgency, empathy.
1455 is honored to share exclusive excerpts from an important and timely new anthology, ALONE TOGETHER: Love, Grief, and Comfort in the Time of COVID-19, with an introduction from its editor, Jennifer Haupt. This collection, inspired by feelings of disconnection and despair, became not only a clarion call for unity and creativity, it was a purposeful statement of conviction; a rallying cry for engagement and compassion.
The stated mission of 1455 is celebrating creativity and building community. These aspirations have only assumed urgency during the last year, as our world confronts the most significant pandemic in a century. For this issue of Movable Type, we’re sharing the stories of individuals who are inspired to sing during dark times. Despite facing the setbacks and disruption familiar to us all, they continue to do the work. The work of connecting people, sharing resources, and inspiring hope instead of despair.
About this darkness. It’s important we understand there are forces in our world encouraging confusion and exacerbating anxiety. These forces want nothing more than fear, lack of connection, and violence (the kind we inflict on one another and the kind inaction inflicts on everyone), and—above all—apathy. The writing here rejects indifference and asks for accountability, from ourselves and for each other. These writers, through their words and works, glow with purpose, revealing how we define, build, and find community. They prove that during the darkest times there will be some amongst us shining their light, in defiance of the darkness.
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