Aura, UAB's literary arts review, publishes talented writers and
artists in Alabama. With over 144 pages in this issue, Aura offers quality poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual artwork. For more information about Aura, see the editor's introduction reprinted below.
Editor’s Introduction
For two years, I have served as the fiction editor for Aura. Along the way, I've learned a little bit about publishing and a lot about editing. As an aspiring writer myself, I used to wonder what sort of creature was prying open the envelopes containing my manuscripts. Surely some multiarmed arthropod with letter-opener claws gleefully sissoring reams of my very best efforts along with the efforts of others. And I imagine tears of wanton ecstasy streaming form glassy, opaque eyes. Then, at the end of the day, this creature sweeps up the shredded paper like so much dead hair at the barber shop and takes the home in wheelbarrows to wallow perversely in piles of unread stories and poems and essays and letters from his own mother.
While I am still convinced there are such creatures out there, I have come to recognize the genuine difficulty of selecting one piece over another. And, there is the added pressure of the knowledge that somewhere some young writer is imagining me. What sort of ogre am I? Am I using her manuscript to roast spitted boars?
I have learned that each envelope contains not only someone's story, but it also represents my own responsibility to the greater artistic community. I consider that my duty as an editor of creative writing to give each submission thorough consideration, knowing that this is only a fraction of the effort that went into its composition, never mind the courage it takes to lick the bitter gum, seal that effort, and entrust it to the care of some invisible entity. In other words, as an editor, I reverse my imagination. What sort of creature reluctantly fed a swatch of her soul into the grimace of the blue, postal drop-off bin and walked away with pretzeled guts? Surely someone just like me.
So, congratulations to those whose efforts have been rewarded by the publication. Moreover, congratulations to those who try again--it is the far more difficult accomplishment and the far more rewarding.
----Jonathan Scott, Fiction Editor
This issue showcases many of the true
talents in Alabama including established writers and artists.
Poets
featured include Jonathan Scott, Ken Abbot, Myra Walker-Williams, Chris Mahan, William Virgil Davis, Mark Trammell, Jennifer Crossley, Lauren Markham, Joseph Farley, Lindy Owens, Fredrick Zydeck, Louis Faber, Lowell Jaeger, Sky Joiner.
Creative Nonfiction contributors are: Jim Owens, Chris Mahan.
Fiction authors include Kelly French, Jason, Jason Slatton, J.C. Freeman, Richard Dokey.
Artists in the Spring 2008 issue include Allison Bliss, Holly S. Schwalen, Xiao Jin Zou, Rachel Johnson, Jonathan Hicks, Alexander Mcalpine, Alyssa Mitchell, Amy Kilpatrick, Yui-Hui Huang, Alex McClurg, Miles Walls, Jeff Chambless, Nathan Prewett, Kathy Baty, Chad Johnson, .
Front and Back Cover art by Xiao Jin Zou.
Pacemaker winner 2006
CPSA Silver Crown 2005-2006-2007
Art and literature in Alabama. With our new focus, Aura is devoted to supporting the artistic and literary communities in Alabama. As a forum to showcase work and share ideas, we also plan to be active in hosting/participating in various artistic and literary activities. (Look for an Aura-hosted art show or literature reading near you.) Though still in development, we aim for our website to be a destination for aspiring and established writers and artists—a place to receive feedback on their work and to provide the same helpful constructive criticism for others. We hope you share our recognition that art and literature is alive and kicking in Alabama but continues to need the nurturing support of an appreciative audience and community. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy this issue.
