"S&C represents art in all its forms— through its beginnings, middles, and ends. I found myself stumped throughout the majority of the pandemic because I had no creative outlet and couldn't figure out how to get my passion back, especially when it was so daunting to get a foot in the literary world. What I came to recognize was that my work doesn’t have to be perfect or finished, so long as I am creating something that I am passionate about. Art can exist in many states—and they are often liminal. I think there is beauty in that. This zine was a space for process and experimentation and will always be a learning experience. It has been a true privilege being surrounded by everyone’s work and trust through this process. As I move into the world of Chthonic Lit, I’m excited to bring with me the lessons learned through S&C—a place that focused on poetry, growing pains, and creative experimentation. Chthonic Lit will be an exploration of the speculative fiction genres I’ve grown to love, from the eerie to the fantastical, a space for short stories that dwell in the dark corners of the room."— editor and founder, Ciara GordonWhat is Salt & Citrus Zine?
S&C was a bimonthly free online zine that invited creators to submit work in whatever state it existed. Throughout the pandemic, I realized that art, like us, is constantly changing and growing. Pieces in progress speak for themselves, and there is meaning to be found in the journey of experimentation, not just the finished product.
Founded in February 2021, S&C came to life out of the need for creative spaces during a time of isolation. Cut off from the usual tangible experiences of creativity, I wanted to create a digital space where people's passions could thrive—one that could be with you whenever you needed it. S&C became a home for creators to connect, experiment, and grow—free of cost and free to be whatever you needed it to be.
As the zine evolved, I also recognized the need for more inclusive and accessible spaces in the publishing world. Many great literary magazines require submission fees, which can be a barrier for many emerging writers and artists. I wanted to change that, making S&C a welcoming and free platform for creative experimentation without the financial burden.
The zine has been an invaluable experience, and I cannot thank everyone involved enough.
Introducing Chthonic Lit.
As Salt & Citrus shifts to a new chapter, I am thrilled to introduce Chthonic Lit, an extension of the vision that started in 2021. Where S&C was about process and experimentation, Chthonic Lit focuses on darker, more atmospheric works—pieces that explore the unknown, the eerie, and the haunting spaces between life and death, light and shadow. The blurred line between genre fiction and literary fiction, whose definitions still stump authors today. Speculative fiction is changing and growing every day, and as a predominantly queer horror author myself, I am excited to watch the genre grow and transform. Let’s break those genre boxes together.
Chthonic Lit is a space for writers and artists who delve into the mysteries of fantasy, horror, scifi, and everything in between. This publication welcomes stories, poetry, and art that challenge conventional boundaries, inviting voices that are often left out of mainstream literary spaces. We believe in the power of creating through what is hidden, forgotten, and lost.
Join us as we continue to explore, create, and push the limits of the unknown.