Dear MPV readers,

Happy New Year, and welcome to Winter 2023-24 issue of The Mean Journal by MeanPepperVine. 

This edition contains a New Year’s themed poem, 2 photo essays, 1 flash fiction, and 6 short stories by writers and creatives from across the country. The writers range from a first time contributor to an online magazine, to a prolific Mizo social activist with 14 books under her belt.

Back in July, we had written about our plans to launch a few ongoing series that will not be restricted by our quarterly publication cycle. And we are glad to share that we will soon be doing just that, albeit a few months late. But really, what is a creative endeavour without a healthy dose of delay and procrastination, right?

Amita Basu has joined our team as Columnist and Interviews Editor, and she will be focusing on environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation behaviour. She will have a regular column focused on these issues, and she will also be interviewing artists and professionals in the field. We are really excited about this new chapter of MPV, and invite your feedback and contributions as we bump along on this journey.

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!

Ruati Chhangte, Editor

Salini Vineeth, Fiction Curator

Amita Basu, Columnist & Interviews Editor