Article written by

Kafui Sakyi-Addo
Submissions Manager

The day that we have all been waiting for is approaching!

 In just a week, Aura will have its launch party and display our newest literary magazine. I spoke briefly with Olivia Blanton, Aura’s Managing Editor, to get her feelings about our launch party and this new edition. 

This particular edition explores family dynamics, growing older, nostalgia, love, and death. It contains some heavier elements while mainly exploring the lightness and joy that life can hold. Olivia mentions that “this edition is particularly interesting given that during the main part of the Covid-19 pandemic, the pieces were mostly dark. This time, they’re healing. Almost our entire magazine reflects that.”

This edition holds pieces from students from just about every major possible, many of whom are UAB students. Students from the STEM field and the creative field alike all connect in the common experience of using art to express themselves. Our theme reflects this and “speaks to the soul; it’s almost colorful,” Olivia agrees.

With the array of incredible artists and storytellers that this edition features, you are sure to find a piece that speaks to you. When asked what her favorite piece is, Olivia said “There is this one poem which speaks to the grasp that eating disorders have on one’s life in such a truly unique way that I can’t help but keep reading it over and over. Truly gripping.”

Our launch party for this newest edition is next Friday, November 12th in the Student Media office from 5pm-7pm. 

When asked how she is feeling about the launch party quickly approaching, Olivia said “I’m ecstatic. It feels so surreal that this date has finally come. Even through all of the amazing events we have put on this semester, our purpose at our core is to produce a literary arts magazine- and here we are!” We are so excited to celebrate with everyone after all of the hard work that has gone into this magazine! I cannot wait for everyone to get to see this particular edition that we, as a staff, have put our hearts and souls into. Please stop by and take a look when it is released!