Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, says in her
speech for TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) that
back in the day, one’s creative genius was an outside being that
visited us; our “genius” was something that came through us,
yet was not part of us. What a novel idea, she says, that we
should not be held responsible for our own most celebrated
moments of creative clarity. This idea both draws and repels
me. As a writer myself, there is a egotistical part of me that
dislodges and flexes hearing that I am not responsible for my
own successful metaphors and line breaks. And yet, there is a
cowardly part of me as well that thinks, “So what if this poem is
the worst poem ever written? I’m not responsible for anything
I write.” How easy this is. And how daunting.
As editor of The Submission, I can say with true pride and
admiration that this has been quite the Outstanding year for
us. I am so lucky to have had the staff that I’ve had to share
the immeasurable growth we have embraced this year. Come
September, I will not have the opportunity to work with the
fantastic staff I have here or be astounded by the quality of
work we receive for every issue. It is my hope that The Sub-
mission will continue to be an outlet for the great thinkers
here at Purchase. Continue to produce. Continue to submit. It
takes real guts to send your work off to a staff of people who will
look and judge your work; whether you have struggled or suc-
ceeded, I commend those of you who have taken that chance.
Generally, there is no year that comes easily to anyone in
my experience. Our Double Issue, however, prompts a bit of
easing for us. We celebrate. We remember. Slowly, we move
on to brighter things. The genius, the ever-tugging pursuit of
“more,” beckons us with a slender silver finger. Answer her.
Enjoy the issue.
Sincerely,
Sarah A. Ditkoff
Chief-Editor of The Submission
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