As The Wise Owl reaches its third year and proudly releases its 36th edition, we reflect on the journey that has led us here—a journey marked by exploration, resilience, and the nurturing of creativity across borders. It is only fitting that this anniversary edition takes flight with the elegance and spirit of the swallowtail butterfly. Known for its beauty, grace, and journey through metamorphosis, the swallowtail represents everything we aspire for The Wise Owl to be: a vibrant space for transformation and an international canvas for voices that touch the heart and engage the mind.

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In this celebratory edition, we are delighted to present interviews that honor both emerging and established creators. Longlisted for the Booker Prize, Yael van der Wouden shares insights into her novel The Safekeep, a poignant exploration of memory, love, and loss. In our art spotlight, Stephen Mead, curator of The Chroma Museum, reveals his dedication to preserving LGBTQI history through powerful, evocative art that speaks to shared identities and forgotten stories. Meanwhile, in our Talking Books segment, Susan Burch opens up about her cherita collection, Wear Plaid, a deeply personal work dedicated to her cousin Paige, whose memory shapes each poem with both sorrow and celebration.

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Our Wise Owl community has grown beyond borders, and this issue reflects the best of their creative spirits. Poetry, short stories, and creative non-fiction from voices around the globe captivate and inspire, while book and film reviews guide readers through some of the most exciting releases and cinematic gems of the year. The podcast segment features recitations by our very own poets and writers, transforming words on the page into an auditory experience that echoes the human experience.

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In Studio Talks, we sit down with Dr. Jas Kohli, a practicing physician and author of three novels, whose dedication to storytelling offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of words in the midst of a demanding profession. Additionally, we took The Wise Owl to the hills of Kasauli to attend the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, where we captured the energy, wisdom, and camaraderie of fellow literary enthusiasts on film.

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To our readers, contributors, and every voice that has enriched The Wise Owl, thank you for joining us in flight. Like the swallowtail, we soar, celebrate, and look forward to many more journeys together. Here's to three transformative years and to the countless stories waiting to be told.

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Happy reading!