Particular Magic
Letter from the Editor as published in the December 2024 issue
As snow begins to fall outside my window, settling into intricate patterns that hush the noise of the unfinished yard work, I find myself thinking about the delicate art of survival. December arrives with its familiar weight—a heaviness that descends not just through the temperature, but through the collective spirit of creators navigating these complex times.
Winter has always been a season of introspection, of turning inward while the external world grows quiet and stark. This year feels different. The world seems to carry a more profound exhaustion, a deeper collective grief that seeps into our creative bones. Writers, artists, photographers, creatives of all kinds—we are not immune to the global narratives of struggle, of ongoing conflicts, of environmental uncertainty. Each headline adds another layer to the already heavy cloak we wear.
But here is where art becomes our most profound resistance and healing. When the world feels overwhelming, when silence threatens to consume us, our creativity becomes a lifeline. It is our method of processing, of understanding, of transforming pain into something bright. Every poem written, every canvas painted, every story crafted is an act of radical hope. We are not just creating; we are witnessing, we are surviving, we are transforming.
In the depth of winter, it’s easy to forget that beneath the frozen ground, seeds are preparing their silent revolution. They are gathering strength, storing energy, waiting for the precise moment when light and warmth will call them forth. We are not so different. These months of apparent dormancy are not about cessation, but preparation. Every word you write, every image you conceive, every melody you compose, every stoke of colour you leave in your wake is a seed of resilience.
To the writers reading this—those who are struggling, those who feel their creativity wavering under the weight of global and personal challenges—know that your art matters. Your process is valid, whether you are producing volumes or simply managing to keep a single sentence alive in your notebook. Some seasons are for abundant growth, and some are for gentle preservation. Both are equally sacred.
Blank Spaces has always been more than a magazine. We are a community, a collective breathing space for those who believe in the transformative power of artistic expression. This December issue is a testament to that belief—a celebration of creativity that refuses to be silenced, that finds light in the most unexpected places.
As we move through these winter months, remember that spring is not just a season, but a promise. It is the inevitable return of growth, of renewal, of possibility. Your creativity is that promise embodied—resilient, patient, and ultimately triumphant.
So keep writing. Keep creating. Because the world needs your particular magic.
Alanna Rusnak
Editor in Chief, Blank Spaces
