Letter from the Editors

Dear Readers,

Issue 27 is finally here, and we – Associate Editors Allison and Cat– are eager to present it in all its glory. This issue, from the art to the prose, centers sincere portrayals of complicated relationships, parenthood, and pain– while also weaving in the allure of myth and mystique. The editorial staff is thrilled by the works we’ve selected from these wonderful writers, poets, and artists, and we’re glad that Glassworks was chosen as home for their pieces.

Allison Padron adores the poem “Hurricane Season” and the fictional story “Tiny Bones,” both of which beautifully portray the difficulty of moving on after a traumatic season of life. That nonlinear, soul-reshaping process is present in many of the pieces in this issue, giving the narrative an undercurrent of tenacity and hard-won triumph. 

As someone who has been exploring the challenging relationships between the individual and the healthcare system, Cat Reed was immediately drawn to “The Pain Scale” by Audrey T. Carroll. The experience of being unheard and in pain, of not knowing the difference between an individual “normal” and the world’s “normal” is vividly portrayed in this personal and profound non-fiction piece. Another favorite of Cat’s is “The Monster We Made” by Kevin Neal, full of supernatural elements and darker themes– making it fitting for a fall issue and perfect for a chilly evening read.

Shaping an issue from start to finish is no simple task, and it takes a village to create the final product that is Glassworks. The talent of our contributors never fails to impress us— and neither does the dedication and effort that our entire editorial staff put into Issue 27. And, as always, we’re particularly thankful for the hard work and expert oversight of our Editor-in-Chief, Katie Budris.

We hope that Issue 27 gives each of you an intimate glimpse into the gut-wrenching, spectacular privilege of being alive.

Allison Padron & Cat Reed
Associate Editors

READ ISSUE 27 NOW