Note from the Editors

As bluejays and butterflies return from the South, the sunset casts shadows on blooming asters. Spring arrives in the Northern Hemisphere—an Earth renewing with budding branches. As writers and as readers, we are captivated by the rebirth symbolized by the onset of spring.

This issue, we received 480 fantastic submissions from 50 countries. Like the change and warmth brought by the spring, our hearts and minds were renewed by the people, the lives, the stories you told. We were so grateful to have the opportunity to review your work. To our wonderful global constellation of stars—our readers, our submitters, our Instagram followers, our podcast listeners, and everyone reading this message right now—thank you for making Aster Lit possible. Through the beauty reborn in this season and the light breezes that caress your cheek by the lakeside, your voices have truly inspired us.

As always, choosing our pieces for publication was painstakingly difficult. We truly wish we could publish every submission we receive. However, don’t worry if your piece didn’t make it this time. Our Summer 2022 Issue will be open for submissions starting in mid-April, and we would love to see you submit! We can’t wait to read more of your amazing work. In the meantime, you can follow us on Instagram (@aster.lit) to stay involved with our community and receive updates on issue submissions.

We love you. Your voice matters. Keep telling stories.

Sincerely,

The Aster Lit Team