Editor’s Letter

Hello (again?)!

Back in June – was that a week ago or two years? – we published our sixth issue, Connection. It was an optimistic selection of pieces, reflecting the hope that many of us recognised coming hand in hand with the fear of COVID-19, and the resulting societal changes happening around the world. Yet, after months of containment, distance from friends and family, and restrictions to our freedom and abilities, it is easy to forget that hope. Easy to forget that the sacrifices we have made will all be worth it when we come out of this pandemic together, knowing we did our part to protect both those we love and those loved by somebody else. Our newest issue Looked In is the shadowy sister to Connection. This is a collection of fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and experimental mixed-genre – the weirdest, darkest, most existential pieces from our submissions, with a smattering of lightness to keep you reading on. 

Our aim for this issue is to reflect on how we at Expanded Field, and most likely you at home, have been feeling all year, and to emphasise that you are not alone. We also hope to remind you that being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely, as many of the authors here are examples of utilising the time and space given to us all for self-reflection and growth. We hope that our title choice reminds you of this and encourages you to take the time to look inwards, while being locked in, this winter. 

Many of us, myself included, are patiently counting down the days until 2021 with the dream of a better year, with new projects and challenges to overcome. I am reminded of these dreams reading ‘Ready’, but simultaneously find it difficult to not resonate with ‘Memories of my Father’ and laugh darkly at ‘God on Facebook’. We have seen an incredible increase in the output of creative work this year. Whether its long-quiet musicians and their lockdown albums, or the overwhelming amount of submissions we received, we hope to continue to benefit from the fruits of confinement and of course to share them with you where we can. 

For now, sit down and curl up in a nice big chair, and make sure you have plenty of time to reflect on this issue which we believe shows the depth in darkness.

Stay safe, and Happy Holidays!

Acacia Caven
Editor-in-Chief