Greek Mythology: Io’s role in Greek mythology represents both transformation and displacement. She was first altered from her physical form into a white heifer and later wandered the world after being exiled from Argos, her home. Her bodily and spatial banishment speaks to IOLit’s focus on the theme of marginalization and those considered “other” who inhabit the sociopolitical outskirts.
"Our psyches resemble the bordertowns and are populated by the same people.
The struggle has always been inner, and is played out in outer terrains.
Awareness of our situation must come before inner changes, which in turn come before changes in society.
Nothing happens in the 'real' world unless it first happens in the images in our heads."
Gemology: The mineral iolite has many interpretations, some of which include its ability to release creativity. Iolite’s physicality also attests to its multifaceted nature; when one turns this gemstone, it exhibits three colors in three different directions.
IOLit aims to embrace all forms of creative writing and artistic expression, even those works that expand the genre beyond the conventional interpretations. In doing this, we hope to showcase the spectrum of experience of all people, especially those in underrepresented groups whose voices are silenced in mainstream culture. Diversity is present on the surface but it isn’t until perspectives are bent that inequality becomes visible. Four diverse women came together in 2018 to found IOLit, an annually published journal that will highlight the voices that do not conform to traditional expectations of creativity.
IO Literary Journal acquires first serial rights to submissions. Upon acceptance of an offer of publication, IO Literary Journal retains the right to be the sole publisher of the submission(s) for the first year. Thereafter, contributors may republish their submission(s), with IO Literary Journal credited as the initial publisher. The contributor confirms that the work(s) submitted is/are their own and that the contributor owns the copyright(s). IO Literary Journal does not pay contributors for their work(s). The contributor will retain final say prior to publication in the event that IO Literary Journal suggests modifications and/or light copy edits.