A Year for the Books
/by Alex Mills
It seems like a silly ritual, but one of the things that has kept me anchored throughout this year is my mom asking me “What’s changed with you?” Usually I say something mundane like “the date” or “ I finally got my hair cut,” but one of the biggest risks I took in the 2020 timeline was applying to become a Poetry Editor for Wizards In Space. I was inspired by performing for Fandom Forward’s Open Mic Night at Camp GLA (to which it was my first time attending as well!). I was a bit nervous about performing as it’d been a long while since I performed in front of a crowd, but the feedback and encouragement I received was amazing. To have a small slice of happiness in the midst of the grief, anxiety, and frustration that has been the global pandemic meant the world to me, and it was then that I realized that I wanted more opportunities to give other writers and artists that same piece of magic.
When someone asks me “How long have you been a writer?” I typically answer since 2014, since that’s when I finally completed my MFA degree. However, since being immersed in a community that demands that I be honest and celebrate myself, I can truly say that I’ve been a writer since the fourth grade. I performed my first piece at a Parent Teacher Association meeting and have had way too many empty notebooks ever since. Years of writing, performing, editing, tutoring, and now teaching have allowed me to embrace the process in ways that I could not have imagined, especially now being a part of such a great literary team. Suffering from extreme imposter syndrome as it has been seven (7? AH!) years since I’ve earned my degree, I felt a bit of restlessness as I did not have any serious indication that I was a ‘writer.’
Although October will mark my official “year to the date,” my year with Wizards in Space has been informative, intentional, and inspirational. From watching our readers celebrate Issue 06 (my first issue!) by scavenging pieces of love and joy, and being able to curate all that is magical and cultured with Black Girls Create with These Bewitching Bonds, I have a deeper understanding of the work ethic, determination, and collaboration it takes to bring projects such as these from start to finish. To be a part of communities that remind me to celebrate the small wins, rest when necessary, and never be afraid to reach out for help has been such a luxurious privilege whose benefits I cannot begin to describe. It is no accident that our next project, Issue 07: Bridges & Barriers, tackles this in such a deliberate and creative way. I can only hope that we continue to center those stories in a medium that prioritizes art and activism.
The art is only as phenomenal as the people in front of and behind it. Our readers and contributors continue to bring Wizards in Space to higher heights, challenging our perceptions of sensational storytelling, prophetic poetry, and awesome art. This year, in both its highs and lows, has been one for the books. Luckily, Bridges & Barriers is just the book I, and you, deserve.
We’ve been so honored to have Alex as part of our Editorial Team! You can follow her on Twitter at @KAlexisWrite to keep up with her writing and fandom-related endeavors.