The Legend Special Edition Life in the Time of Corona

From the Editor:

In times of crisis we come together. In 2004, West Florida Literary Federation published an Emerald Coast Review with accounts of Hurricane Ivan's devastation on the area. Six years later, WFLF launched an online magazine, The Spill, offering writers an opportunity for catharsis during the 2010 Deep Water Horizon BP Oil Spill. Now, a decade later, we find our region in another crisis -- this one with a more global reach. Again, we wanted to offer catharsis for writers to explore the impact of the coronavirus on our region.  Since part of West Florida Literary Federation's mission is to preserve the literary works of Northwest Florida as well as encourage writers, we feel it imperative local writers document our community in this time of pandemic.

We were overwhelmed with the voices and words we received in this call.  You'll read pieces from health care professionals, including a personal account from one in the COVID-19 "hot spot" in our community.  Poetry, personal essays, images and even a piece of satire reveal our states of mind and lives during this time. Although the overall tone of this collection is somber, some humor and whimsy make us smile.

During the month we received submissions, our world changed rapidly and continues to change. By recording this historic event, we join the ranks of many who understand the importance of literature and art in society.

Thanks to our panel of readers who enthusiastically considered your work and its merit seriously: Karen McAferty Morris, Diane Skelton, Lucie Wade, and Jeannie Zokan.

Thanks to our submitters for sharing their thoughts.

Not all works submitted were selected by the readers, but all those who submitted are encouraged to revise and resubmit for the upcoming Phase II online edition. Please encourage fellow writers, WFLF members and nonmembers alike, to join in our documentation of Life in the Time of Corona.

It is with pleasure and pride we present Life in the Time of Corona to you. We hope you glean insight into and hope for the human condition from the perspectives expressed in these pages.

Thank you for reading our works.

Andrea Jones Walker
Legend Editor
May 2020