Editor's Letter

FOUND AND LOST AND FOUND AGAIN

by Louise Koren

One of the many things I love about Tales & Feathers is the boundless variety that people see in what it means to be cozy, to be slice of life, to be fantasy. Since our very first submissions period, I’ve loved having the opportunity to read the vast array of tales authors send us. I am delighted to continue sharing these stories with you, dear reader.

I am so thankful to the team who made this third issue happen, and who helped Tales & Feathers evolve into its new form and bloom once again. There are countless people who helped me grow into the role of lead editor, and who shaped the trajectory both of my own life and that of this beautiful magazine. So, as this issue began taking shape, it felt fitting to find a throughline of connection.

The pieces in this issue invite us to explore the idea of connection in a multitude of ways. The way we can be connected to the people around us and to the worlds we live in. How people crash together and break apart. How people meet and come to know each other. Either for the first time, for the last time—for the first time again—or anything in between.

But what do we leave behind? All of our connections leave echoes in us when they leave, whether the leaving is permanent, or just for now. It changes us and it changes our story. Sometimes an absence leaves a great hole, while other times it leaves a flower. And sometimes it isn’t the end. Love and connection can be found and lost and found again.

Together, we can experience how human it is to find connection in the people and world around us. Regardless of whether you are actually human, or mermaid, star, or perhaps even a sentient car. Connection is often beautiful, it can be painful, but it will always be an integral part of personhood. Whatever form it takes.

I hope you, dear reader, may find connection through these pages, to worlds and people you’ve never known before. For that is, after all, the beautifully unique power of storytelling, isn’t it?

Louise Koren
Lead Editor

This editor's letter, alongside twelve stories, is available for free in Tales & Feathers Volume 3. The full designed issue is available for purchase.