Echoes in the Current

The Editor’s Note

“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” – Blaise Pascal

There’s a certain reticence that comes with writing this Editor’s note for Echoes in the Current, because the work speaks for itself and the author's voice matters more than my own. I am also conflicted. There is so much I would say, but I do not want to spoil the reader’s journey. 

The first time I read Echoes, I was moved. The work resonated. That Vysia has labored over this manuscript for 13 years, yet the story feels so rooted in our current moment in history is remarkable. That said, part of the story is timeless – because consistently, throughout history, individuals and humanity always struggle to make the right choice, leaving civilization continuously teetering on the precipice of evolution or extinction.

As for the editing process. Throughout the journey, my approach is always a balance between editor and writer’s assistant. I can tell you, it took a lot of encouragement to get Vysia to share even the very first draft and then to commit to publishing. There were times that we agreed, times we disagreed, there were debates on single words, phrases, paragraphs, fonts, spacing, and the use of ellipses. Every choice has been deliberate and intentional, about knowing when to push, when to accept, and knowing when to let go.

Vysia’s writing is poetic and visually expressive. Working through multiple drafts, there were times where I could see scenes play out as if they were clips from a screenplay. Vysia’s ability to do this is a unique gift. Again, I am torn, as there is more that I would like to say but I do not want to ruin anything. 

The more I edited Echoes, the more I became personally invested in the characters and story. As we turned the final page one morning on the edits of the dog eared and red-lined draft that would go to become the final print proof, I wasn’t prepared for the emotion and tears. 

It was an honor and humbling to be able to be part of the journey of Echoes in the Current, to read each draft, watch it evolve, and then experience the final version. I will be forever thankful for having the opportunity to help bring this to the world, and I am envious of you who will get to read it for the first time.

You are about to experience something truly special.

Joshua Lowcock
New York, 2025