One of the themes in our Anthology was Outcasts, this theme was brought to life through the beautifully written fairytales by, Cherry Leung, Katelyn Madera, and Alyssa Viveiros. Here’s what inspired these talented writers’ tales:
. . . . .
Cat Witch’s Fox Friend
Written By: Cherry Leung
Artwork By: Alexandra Adelina Nita
It’s about being afraid of eating fish as an island girl (Hong Kong). Can you believe it? It’s an atrocity, traitorous, even. How do you grow up an immigrant’s daughter and lose such a vital part of your culture to Americanism, American gods, “American” magic?
Pipou represents the repressed queer child, the quiet sufferer. She is the child from Omelas who walks away just to fall into another pit-trap. The strange Nano is another facet of that. They challenge each other’s thoughts—because they’re both outsiders, and sticking together is how you survive on an island where you’re both pretending.
A greater monster looms below them all. Can you see it?
. . . . .
The Last Leaves of Autumn
Written By: Katelyn Madera
Artwork By: Katelyn Madera
Artwork Photography: Mimoza Lekperi
“The Last Leaves of Autumn” was inspired by Katelyn’s desire to see more queer representation in media, especially POC in literature. This tale explores the topics of the “taboo of queerness” and gender expression through court culture. This childhood friend-to-lovers romance is written in the form of poetry with changing narratives. This tale also highlights the importance of communication within friendships and relationships. With this tale, she hopes to add to the sapphic collection of literature and inspire future queer writers.
. . . . .
Screams in a Storm
Written By: Alyssa Viveiros
Artwork By: Alexandra Adelina Nita
“Screams In A Storm” tells the tale of a victim trying to escape the signs of the Ghost Hunters. I wanted to incorporate the feelings of insecurity and how that brings strife and chaos. I wanted to talk about how that can turn into obsession and how something supernatural could feed off those feelings. The Teen Wolf version of the Wild Hunt is something that has always intrigued me. The thought of getting wiped out of existence and not being remembered by the people who love you is a scary thought.