Earthwords 2025 Staff Showcase
Katie Henry
Poetry Editor
This is an excerpt from Katie's novel-in-progress. The idea of this YA fantasy story was born all the way back when she was in 5th grade, and it has been a passion project of her's ever since. While she still has a long way to go, Katie hopes to someday get it published and write two more books to follow.
Elana Walters
Managing Editor
The Story of Thunder and Lightning is a retelling of a famous Chinese folktale, recalling the story of how the god of thunder and the goddess of lightning met and came to be.
Anna Ottavi
Public Relations
Sophia Considine
Executive Editor
Set in Australia, Sophia Considine’s pair of stories follow the basic plot of the familiar Grimm and Perrault versions while drawing on tellings from other cultures, particularly tales such as “Yexian” (China, 9th c.) and the cognate versions from Southeast Asia that conclude with the violent destruction of the stepmother and sister(s). Also shared with these less familiar versions is the transformation of the heroine into a strong, smart woman who “makes her own magic” and succeeds in marrying the prince. “Facing the Fear” combines the fast-paced linear narration typical of fairy tales with the psychological growth of the main character that is more commonly seen in contemporary adaptations. The companion tale, “Spoiled to Death,” is the same story retold from the stepsister’s perspective.
Jenna Schmitt
Poetry Editor
“Generational” explores womanhood and personal relationships in the past, present, and future. With a dash of fairytale surrealism, this story emphasizes the power and importance of the care, emotion, and honesty that women experience.