There is something magical about putting together a collection of written works by people you may or may not know. When Las Vegas Lit posted the submissions call for Up from the Ashes, We Rise, we expected to receive poetry and essays about the devasting fires of 2022 and the subsequent flooding, and we did. We were delighted to also receive other works about “overcoming” and were able to include the winning short stories from our Elmer Schooley contest held last year.

The magic is that it all came together beautifully, thanks in part to the amazing cover art, Mi Corazon Alumbrada, by Pola Lopez and a thoughtful and inspirational Foreword by Elmo Baca.

Las Vegas Lit president David Rogers calls Up from the Ashes, We Rise, a “team effort” and he is so right. Everyone who had a hand in the publishing process is to be commended.

The heart and soul of the book are the writers, talented individuals who span a wide age range and varying degrees of life experience. Their poetry and essays speak to the heart of what it means to go through terrible times yet have the courage to take the next step into the future. The events of 2022 overshadowed but did not alleviate continuing Covid concerns, or the reality of fire season looming ahead. Yet these brave and creative individuals took the time to put pen to page and share their hearts with readers.

Now it’s time to celebrate. Saturday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., join Las Vegas Lit in the Chingon Room at the Skillet on 12th Street for our launch party and recognition of writers. You may buy your copy of the book that afternoon, or order through the Las Vegas Lit website.

Up from the Ashes We Rise is a fundraiser for Las Vegas Lit and in support of Las Vegas Phoenix, a public art project.