Dear readers,
This issue marks the second anniversary of The Mean Journal. Happy 2nd birthday to us!
As editors, we are constantly inspired and challenged by the remarkable works that come our way. And we are thrilled to see how our journal is slowly but surely carving out its own space in the vast universe of storytelling, fostering an amazing and diverse community of creative practitioners from different parts of the world.
As we mark this milestone, I am reminded of our resolve and conviction when we published our very first issue. Here is a paragraph from the Editor’s note in our inaugural issue, reproduced verbatim:
“As most of you must be aware, running a literary journal is a labour of love, reliant almost wholly on the passion and determination of the people behind them. Literary journals come and go, and few sustain for longer periods – not for of lack of love or dedication, but mostly due to monetary and time constraints. However, their contribution to the literary landscape is immense. The journals that have come and gone, the ones that have sustained for long periods, and those that are new and evolving, have, and will continue to play a vital role in bringing new literary voices into the world. It is with this passion and conviction that we determinedly set forth on this journey, with a deep sense of kinship with our fellow editor friends, and those that we admire from afar.”
These words still stand as true for us today, if not more so. Our Fiction Editor Salini Vineeth, and Interviews Editor Amita Basu, both highly accomplished writers themselves, have been the pillars and driving forces behind The Mean Journal. Their loving yet sharp, critical engagement with each piece have really set the tone for our editorial journey as a team, and I thank them for their wholehearted passion for our journal.
This issue contains 2 flash fiction pieces, and 6 short stories by eight powerful, diverse voices from across the country. We hope you enjoy these remarkable works, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you in the years to come.
Our Submissions are open through the year. Head to our Submissions Page to know more about collaborating with us.
We hope this issue inspires you in some way. Please continue to send in your works and ideas to us. Let’s keep creating together.
Happy reading!
Ruati Chhangte | Founder Editor, The Mean Journal
Find The Mean Journal on Instagram @MeanPepperVine