Issue No. 11, 2017-18. Editor’s Notes

While organizing these selections of poetry, art, and prose—the ones published here, chosen by our editors—I saw a story taking shape. A line stretching through all the pieces.

This past year, a series of brutally cleansing waves had rinsed away some of the injustices which had buoyed the American arts industry for decades. From this shock rose a movement which had charged the arts with renewed political power, a power which I wanted to uphold here, in the 2017–18 issue of West 10th.

The criterion for political art is not always in subject matter. All the pieces here are fiercely unique, varying in story, style, and intent—the privilege of publishing these great works in one magazine is the opportunity to choreograph a message out of creative diversity.

So, as you read this issue of West 10th, you may sense a progression: a story coming together in increments, the slow spread of light over a landscape. In this issue, the poetry, artwork, and prose pieces have been arranged to form a story of a futuristic world being reborn from calamity. I like to think that the works here, though each inimitable, can collaborate and build upon each other to form a powerful narrative. Each piece can be read and admired separately, but read collectively, as a story, I find that they can create something strange and wonderful: a production.

The ambitions of West 10th would not be possible without the editorial board. The enthusiasm and passion of the editors this year manifested itself as we faced one of West 10th’s most competitive issues. I am thankful for their help and inspired by their brilliance. This magazine reflects their hard work and vision.

West 10th is built on the support of NYU’s Creative Writing Program. Each year, issues of the magazine are passed out in creative writing classes, and this collaborative effort to share fellow students’ published works in classes is an incredible privilege. At the forefront of these endeavors is Joanna Yas, whose wisdom, encouragement, and advice make up the spirit West 10th. I cannot express how thankful I am to have her support. Matthew Rohrer and Darin Strauss, our executive editors, took the time to read and select this year’s recipients of the Editors’ Awards; their support of West 10th challenges and encourages us even more to find the very best work. Thank you, Aaron Petrovich, for designing this issue of West 10th. Each issue has left me convinced of wizardry. I am beholden to Min Jin Lee, who answered the questions of an awestruck student with clarity, wisdom, and elegance. Having read Pachinko and Free Food for Millionaires, I was thrilled to discuss the future of the novel with a writer who is at its vanguard. Lee’s philosophy on writing is invaluable to any student, writer or not. Morgan Parker, our poetry contributor, gave us three original poems, all published here—thank you. When the board learned that Morgan Parker would be this year’s contributor, we were delighted and excited to work with such a formidable poet.

I would also like to thank the Lillian Vernon Writers House for hosting West 10th’s launch party. The Lillian Vernon Writers House is one of New York’s most treasured literary venues, and it is also the site of many of my most treasured college memories. Some of the most meaningful readings and classes of my college years took place here; I can point to spots in the building where a sentence has left me quiet, overwhelmed. I expect it to happen at tonight’s reading. Being here tonight to cele- brate the brilliance of young writers and artists makes me happy to have been a part of West 10th, proud to have been an NYU student.

For the past decade, West 10th has had the privilege of publishing extraordinary poets, artists, and writers, and this issue—our eleventh— represents another glimpse of the future. Their work appears here today, and everywhere tomorrow.

 Audrey Deng

Masthead

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Audrey Deng

MANAGING EDITOR

Juliette Maigné

POETRY EDITORS

E Yeon Chang
Jae Lee
Adam Young

PROSE EDITORS

Su Young Lee
Benjamin Mok

ASSISTANT POETRY EDITORS

Brittany Abou-Suleiman
Natalie Breuer
Simona Ivanova
Natalie Whalen

ASSISTANT PROSE EDITORS

Chelsea Cheng
Angelica Chong
Antoripa Dey