With the release of our second issue, Inkwell Literary Magazine is looking forward to a future filled with creative works that push people to look beyond their circumstances, to think outside the box, and to find joy in everyday life.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of the wonders of the inkwell - so it’s fitting that the theme for our second issue is optimism: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.

Our writers have shared vulnerable, inspiring moments with us and crafted works of hope for our second issue. From stories of love in unlikely places to poems on the comfort of friendship, we hope this issue shows you an optimistic look at the world and a new look at what it means to have hope for the future. We hope you see the sunrise after the storm, the life after death, and the peace after chaos.

“For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 ASV

He’s so in love with all the things I hate

He’s so in love with all the things I hate most about myself I always wished I could be more like the girls on my shelf.

Girl in Blue

Girl in blue,There’s a pressure in you—Let it out.All the little things you’ve built up,All the big things you’ve been hiding—Let them free.

Untitled

Though he rarely laughed, his eyes did often, so as I stood silent over his coffin, tears filled mine.

Note to A Friend

Here’s something nice I want to say: I’m blessed to watch you on your way On down this path to Glory, Humbly

Ella's Surprise

“Grandma, would you please tell us a story?” Mazy looked up from playing nurse with her cloth doll from their perch on the third glossy pine step. Her deep green eyes glittered with delight like the Emerald City of Oz.

Happiness Starts with Everly

Hayden rolled his eyes towards the entrance of the classroom at the sound of a tinkling laugh. Everly Jones, the bane of Hayden’s existence. Normal people just aren’t that happy. Hayden was sure of it.

Willow on the Atlantic

There’s nothing like these fog banks—how they stop time except for the few inches in front of your face, Willow thought as she walked toward the docks.

Franny and Ellis

It is an undeniable truth that in the small hours of the morning, reality becomes distorted. Sometimes a fairly strong breeze sets in, strong enough to make the leaves on the trees shiver and rattle like the bones of long-forgotten creatures, ancient and mysterious.

Totally Ticked Off

It started as a strangely comfortable yet alarming pulsating throb in my spine. I was about ten years old at the time. I can remember having this feeling during PE class while sitting on the cold, dusty rubber floor

When The Dog Bites

I’m convinced Julie Andrews would make the best Freshman Seminar peer leader. Why? Because of her song, “My Favorite Things.” Life in an abbey must have resembled college life a whole lot.

Volume I, Issue 2: Optimism