Meet our editors, learn about our philosophy and values, and get excited for the vision we have for Helia Lit. We’re two creators that wanted to create a space that feels like home for all forms of creative expression.
About Helia Lit
Our Philosophy
“Let your voice shape your destiny.”
WTF does that mean? We want to hear your unfiltered voice, whether it’s through a pen, a brush, or a lens.
At Helia Lit, stories aren’t just mindless entertainment to be discarded the moment you’re finished with them. We believe stories of all mediums have something profound (and disruptive) to say.
As an artist, photographer, or writer, your voice pierces through the toughest social constructs and generational cycles built on illusions. Why? Because your voice illuminates the truth. It changes the way people think and feel. Your voice shapes the world you live in, the impact you have, and the legacy you’re actively creating.
So let your voice be your muse.
Our Core Values
The work we publish matters to us, and so do the people behind it. We operate with a clear sense of who we are and what we're here to do, and that doesn't leave a lot of room for half-measures or vague commitments. So yeah, we have values. Two sets, actually, because one wasn't telling the whole story.
The professional version
Human element
Education
Legacy
Integrity
Artistic expression
The reality of the situation
Heart
Expression
(Foul) Language
Intensity
And respect
Meet The Editors
Her Philosophy: “It is not in the stars to control our destiny, but in ourselves” — Shakespeare
Her Core Values: Integrity | Transparency | Creativity
Megan Stewart, The Fierce
Megan isn’t always the easiest to read. With her perpetual resting bitch face, it’s hard to see the person underneath. People often see the tough exterior, the fierce protection of her boundaries and loved ones, and her lack of fear when it comes to saying no. And she’s definitely not afraid of a little confrontation. Avid tea(quilia) drinker, car enthusiast, and despiser of all things pink (except Raven’s hair), Megan doesn’t do anything half assed. She jumps in fully committed to whatever she sets her mind to: writing, painting, learning, growing, healing. A proud non-parent, Megan lives with her husband, Ryan, and her pup, Cali.
Megan is the fierce side of Helia Lit’s dynamic duo and has the credentials to go with it:
BA in Creative Writing
MFA in Creative Writing
ALM in Creative Writing & Literature (in progress)
Associate Editor at Motor Trend Magazine
Columnist at Motorcycle Consumer News
Content Manager at top Marketing Agencies
Owner of Design the Conversation, a Digital Marketing Agency
Her Philosophy: “An honest voice unleashed has more power than every army in the world.” — Raven
Her Core Values: Freedom | Expression | Storytelling
Raven Willow Riley, The Soft
Raven is the “mom” of the group. Not just because she has three kids and five cats (holy shit), but because she’s always making an effort to show that she cares. Sometimes that means being present to help her loved ones navigate a problem. Sometimes that means giving some heartfelt advice. And sometimes (the BEST times) that means cooooookies! While she aims to be the soft landing for everyone she encounters, Raven has learned to hold a boundary and use the feared “Mom Voice.” Despite being overly nurturing and a stage five clinger, don’t mistake Raven’s softness for weakness. She’s one tough bitch, which is why her creative works deal with heavy hitting themes of freedom, ending oppression, and human rights.
Even though Raven is the softer side of Helia, she’s got some pretty cool credentials too:
BA in Theatre and Entrepreneurship
MS in Psychology
MFA in Creative Writing
ALM in Creative Writing & Literature (under way)
Journalist for top magazines like Today.com and Insider
Moderator at Stage 32 for Authoring & Screenwriting
Corporate Marketing Manager
Our Vision
Helia Lit is here to turn the world of literary magazines on its head. We’re here to disrupt the status quo, change what’s “marketable,” and be a place for creators from all walks of life and stages in their work. We don’t want to be everything to everyone, but rather a place that feels like home.
The future of Helia Lit is as bright as our name suggests. As we grow, we’ll add more robust offerings in the form of contests, print editions, anthologies, and even awards. But our real vision is harder to put into words. This magazine is the combination of our joint vision to create a lasting impact on the literary world.
The goal was never to launch something and “see what happens.” It was to build something that earns its place in the literary world: one that our contributors are proud to be part of and one that readers constantly come back to because they never know what we’re going to do next.
Helia Lit will become a name people will recognize. Not because we chased visibility and marketability, but because the work we put in, the stories we’re sharing speak for themselves.
