Dear Community of Storyknife,
Yesterday was the winter solstice, a time that every Alaskan knows deeply in their bones as the return of the light. Of course, it isn’t instant; the nights will continue stretch long and the days will be short, but each day we’ll gain a little more sunshine.
This season of year has throughout the centuries been a time of stories. Our ancestors gathered around fires and told them, keeping the darkness at bay and forging the ties of community. We hope that during this season you will also have the opportunity to gather with family, chosen or given, and friends. We hope that you will tell the stories that, while recognizing the darkness, rejoice in the light.
We are grateful for the family of 240 writers who’ve joined us at Storyknife through the years to devote themselves to their writing. And for the 50 that will be joining us in 2026. We are grateful for all 246 individuals who’ve supported Storyknife this year through their donations. We are grateful for all of the stories, expressed in poems, essays, novels, plays, movies, short stories, and more, that build a bigger picture of what our world can be.
We are grateful for your open hearts and for each other, the Board of Storyknife, our Advisory Committee, the writers in residence, and the staff, me, Maura and Katie.
May this holiday season bring you all light and love.
Sincerely,
Erin
Storyknife Writers Retreat 