Dear Readers,

We are hanging on to the last of summertime sun rays with our sixth volume. Thank you to everyone who submitted to this volume and thank you to my fantastic team. This time, I decided to share a video of the volume jury deconstructing and examining this volume’s theme, “love.” You are welcome to watch the extended version of the video on Patreon for $5. We talk more in-depth about the depiction of love in storytelling, queer love, Hollywood’s influence, how women who love freely have been portrayed, and more.

Watch us discuss our theme, learn about how we approach submissions, get a glimpse into our thought process, and show us your appreciation for our hard work. Also, we now have a shop, y’all! Get your OyeDrum merch! And now, enjoy this year’s selected talent for volume six and bask in the warmth of this magnificent issue.

Yours,

Amarantha

Founder/Publisher

Volume Six Jury: allia abdullah-matta, Amarantha da Cruz, Neda Zahraie.

Poetry and Prose editors: allia abdullah-matta and Neda Zahraie.

Art editor and words/art pairing curation: Amarantha da Cruz.

Special thank you to jo reyes-boitel, Ðurdica Španjić, and to our OyeDrum community and supporters.

 Volumes Six Jury/Editorial Team Conversation Part I (full version on Patreon)

 Volumes Six Jury/Editorial Team Conversation Part II (full version on Patreon)