about nova lit.
When we think about the astronomical context of a “nova,” we realize that the event’s brevity and spontaneity are, in the end, what set it apart. The fading is as important as the exploding — in fact, perhaps the split second between pitch darkness and the blinding burst could be what defines the nova itself.
Nova refers to a transient event when a star shines the brightest then begins to fade, almost in a sense describing the way we begin to mature rapidly and take on responsibilities, burdens, and process new discoveries during our teenage years (the “brightest” we are) before we renew ourselves. This can be seen as the star’s dimming just before its rebirth, arriving at itself again as it continues into the next few stages of its life.
When you’re in the midst of the writing process, you’re brimming with passion as you reckon with your memories, past experiences, and inspirations, but when you put those things down on paper it becomes a dormant thing that experiences a “dimming” of sorts — kind of like the way a nova behaves.
Writing is a form of freedom and expression. It can be a vulnerable space, one that cradles confessions, dreams, traumas, and further. Often, stilling these pieces of ourselves and the memories we hold close is, in and of itself, a sort of “dimming” process. The “rebirth” that follows is one that stilling these moments in ink gifts us — a revival of a piece of ourselves or perhaps of something new, a discovery that allows us to obtain a deeper understanding of not only ourselves, our history, and relationships, but also the world at large.
our mission.
Nova Literary Magazine is an international publication dedicated to amplifying the voices of passionate young writers across the globe. We hope to be a safe space and platform for writers to express themselves and share their voices with a larger audience.
We’re looking for authentic work that wows us by placing things under a different kind of light. We will share unique themes for each issue that we hope will encourage various creative interpretations. Each theme will be broad, as we believe that creating boundaries for writers limits their creative flow and expression.
By no means are we searching for “good” work, as there is no such label as “good” or “bad” in writing— rather, we are searching for work that moves us. Work that is arresting and fearlessly experimental.
