Imitation Fruit Literary Journal
Issue 15, October 2016

Welcome to the 2016 issue of Imitation Fruit Literary Journal. This issue explores the theme of Rebuilding. How do individuals and communities work through trauma to find peace and healing after an immense struggle?

Natasha Phillips, our cover artist, was inspired by the theme of Rebuilding and created an illustration of re-birth after the various forest fires the state of California has been suffering through this year. Many communities are now tasked with rebuilding their lives after fire has destroyed their homes. Natasha's cover art encases the entire process of rebuilding to show destruction, healing and renewal. Natasha says, "Through love and compassion we can rebuild a stronger future."

The Imitation Fruit contest winning poem, Mending, by Carol Tyx compares the frustrating process of mending a hole in a sock to regaining health after a long illness. The poem is deeply layered and a joy to read more than once.

The story, "I Hear You Lima Charlie—How Me?" : A Radio Transmission From The Jungle War, by Bill Crawford, depicts a mentally tortured Vietnam Vet who struggles to connect to his present surroundings. He stumbles upon an unusual opportunity to re-connect with his battlefield past and finds a route to peace with himself.

As always, this issue of Imitation Fruit is filled with fun and adventurous writing and artwork. Thank you to all of our contributors and readers for making this journal a success!

Milestone Contest

Imitation Fruit Literary Journal will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in 2017! We want you to join the party and submit stories, poems, and artwork featuring important "Milestones." Take a look back over the years and highlight the turning point that means the most to you (or your fictional characters!).
The deadline for entries is April 1st, 2017. See the magazine submissions page for information on submitting content. The winner of the contest will receive a $25 gift card to an online retailer of their choice.

Imitation Fruit thanks Natasha Phillips for the inspirational cover art she created for the journal.

Natasha Phillips is a graduate of the California College of the Arts with a BFA in Illustration. She works in various mediums ranging from charcoal and pastel, to pen and ink, as well as acrylic and watercolor. She has exhibited various illustrations at a local art faire and is interested in both the exploration and emotional experiences of both human and animal subjects, often blending in aspects of the imaginary with a hint of nostalgia. She is a San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula native, and is thrilled to have her second piece published in Imitation Fruit. For more examples of her work please go to: http://minimonkee.wix.com/pretty-neko, or feel free to follow her on Instagram at: PRETTY_NEKO.

Enjoy!
Eva Barrows, Editor
eva(at)imitationfruit(dot)com