Wild Willow Magazine
where word takes root.
Give us a read:
mums
Our sixth issue is here! This issue was
an exploration of motherhood through many
different viewpoints from all over the world!
BLOG POSTS
Interview with Claire Taylor: “Returning to Writing as a Mother”
An interview with writer Claire Taylor about her relationship to motherhood and writing!
Interview with Kristin “Momming from Bed”
An interview with writer Kristin Houlihan about her relationship to motherhood and writing!
About Us
What is Wild Willow Magazine?
Formerly The Minison Project, Wild Willow Magazine is a literary magazine founded by Melissa Ashley Hernandez that intertwines nature and the human experience, showcasing the wonderful, weird, and wild aspects of the human condition.
We publish quarterly, exploring rotating themes of trees, herbs, fruits, and flowers. We hope that you’ll join us for this new chapter, and we’re excited to explore what Wild Willow can be with all of you.
Melissa Ashley Hernandez
Founding Editor-in-Chief
Melissa (she/her) has her BA in Acting and Directing and two MFAs in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is the founder of Wild Willow Magazine (FKA: The Minison Project) and heads the company as Editor-in-Chief.
Her prose can be found in two short stories published in 2021, “The Rum Keg Girl” in the Cemetery Gates Media collection, Paranormal Contact: A Quiet Horror Confessional, and “Lady Killer” in Volume 4 of Kandisha Press’ Women of Horror Anthology, Don’t Break the Oath.
Her poetry can be found in the minison zine, The Daily Drunk Magazine, Fahmidan Journal, and Bandit Fiction, among others.
Alisa Lindfield-Pratt
Social Media Coordinator
Alisa (she/her) is an Australian writer of poetry and short fiction. Her work can be found in The Expressionist Literary Magazine, The Selkie, and more. By day, Alisa works as a research administrator, dabbling in communications and event management, and by night, wrangles two rambunctious kids and a dog. Her interests include science, history, burlesque, and of course, writing.
Marilyn Damord
Community and Marketing Coordinator
Marilyn (she/her) is a writer and creative with a BA in Professional Writing from York College of Pennsylvania. When not adventuring through fictional worlds or perfecting her elevator pitch, you can find her giving baking another honest try. Marilyn’s work has appeared in Young Scholars in Writing as well as various blogs and literary magazines.
Jayde Officer
Head Poetry/Nonfiction Editor
Jayde Officer (she/her) is a poet and fiction writer who holds a BA in English literature. When she’s not writing obsessively on themes of girlhood, identity, monstrosity, and (un)belonging, Jayde is at home in Ontario rewatching movie musicals. Her poetry appears in PRISM International.
Katelyn D’Ambrosio
Poetry/Nonfiction Reader
Katelyn D’Ambrosio has a BA in English and Creative Writing and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has published several poems in Artemas, the Young Harris College literary magazine. If she’s not writing, she’s probably taking walks outside or listening to classic rock.
Zoe Manolatos
Poetry/Nonfiction Reader
Zoe Manolatos (she/her) is a poet and naturalist from North Jersey. She has a BA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has returned to her alma mater for her MFA in Poetry after pursuing a certificate in Botany at the New York Botanical Gardens. She credits the inspiration for her vibrant language largely to the woods and artists surrounding her home.
Follow her on Instagram!
Maria Helena Mikkelsen
Poetry/Nonfiction Reader
Maria (she/her) is a Danish-Malawian writer, editor, collagist, and workshop facilitator. She’s the co-founder of Poetry Orchard and the bi-yearly community, Adventurer’s Writing Guild. By day, she freelances for B2B and B2C clients. By night, she creates work on girlhood and grief and tentatively chips away at her debut novel, An Unintended Princess.
Liam Al-Hindi
Head Fiction Editor
Liam Al-Hindi (he/him) is a graduate of UNO’s English and Creative Writing programs. For him, essays, poems, and stories are all handholds to grip tightly, to escape the violence of our present circumstances. His work can be found in 13th Floor Magazine, and Touchstone Literary Magazine.
Halina Stone
Fiction Reader
Halina Stone (they/them) is a fiction writer, poet, and fantasy lover hailing from New Jersey. They studied Creative Writing in undergrad at Fairleigh Dickinson University and are pursuing a second Master’s Degree. When not writing, they can be found taking care of their army of succulents or sampling wares at various local cafes.
Tyler Ledbetter
Fiction Reader
Tyler Ledbetter (he/him) possesses an MFA in Creative Writing and is a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades. He currently publishes Neon Letters, a Substack newsletter that sums up his thoughts on life and pop culture. He also enjoys a good Japanese kaiju movie.
Follow them on Instagram!
Pauli Curcillo
Fiction Reader
Pauli (they/she) is a writer and poet living in Philadelphia. When they’re not slinging coffee or walking their dog, they attend open mics around the city. They’re drawn to stories with a deep emotional richness, and love a good dose of magic! They hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Samsa Emo
Fiction Reader
Samsa (they/any) has been a lover of stories since their mom read them The Enchanted Forest Chronicles series when they were itty-bitty. They enjoy reading books in seemingly uncomfortable positions on their couch and exploring story through Dungeons & Dragons, comics, and video games. Their favorite days are rainy ones spent cuddling their cats, Bendy and Cecil.
Wild Willow Magazine 