Bewilderness Journal, Fall 2025, Issue 1
Painting by Charlotte Galper
A Labor of Love
This inaugural journal for Bewilderness Writing has been a labor of love for me. I began the online “freewriting from poetry prompts” gatherings in 2020 and have had the honor of hearing so many pieces of gorgeous writing from our members through the years. I have been wanting to share them with others for a long time, and this journal is my endeavor to do so.
In Bewilderness Writing, we share ourselves on the page, and we are often surprised by both what comes through when we allow it to, as well as just how intimate we can become without conversation. It is a vulnerable, often courageous, and frequently powerful way to write in community. I believe we are all creative and hold worlds within us. It is just a matter of finding how best to express ourselves.
In Gratitude
I am deeply grateful to all who have participated in Bewilderness Writing these past five years, and for those sharing their creative work in this journal. It is a privilege. I am also most thankful to Vanessa Able at The Dewdrop online digest for allowing me to offer BWW through her website. And uncountable thanks to my favorite daughter-in-law, Christene Seda, for helping me put this online journal together.
Photo of Christie Bates’ tattoo.
My beloved friend Christie Bates jumped on board the very first Bewilderness session I offered and never failed to miss a session after that. She was my biggest fan, cheerleader, and most every session included someone new she had recruited. Christie continued to write with her much-loved group until the week before she passed away from cancer on February 23, 2025.
This journal is dedicated to her memory.
Ellis Elliott is a published author and poet. Join her Bewilderness Writing Workshops and use free writing to find yourself and your voice on the page. Order her poetry collection Break in the Field.