NW literary magazine recognized
by Carol Vanpell
reporter
Marine Creek Reflections, a literary magazine created by the NW English department, won third place in the 2003 Southwestern Community College Humanities Association National Literary Magazine Competition.
Dr. George Edwards Jr., Dr. Sue Milner and Christine Conaway (former employee) were instrumental in creating the literary journal in 1999.
“ The magazine features poetry, short stories, visual art, sculpture and essays, all contributed by students and faculty,” Edwards said.
The idea for the name Marine Creek Reflections came from Conaway and was adopted by the students.
The journal is a true “reflection” of the NW Campus diversity, featuring a wide array of fine art and literary talent, Edwards said.
The first publication in 1999 won two awards from the Community College Humanities Association: Best New Magazine in the Nation and Best in the Southwest Region.
“ This is a young magazine, and we are very proud of our success in this first year,” Edwards said.
In August 2003, Edwards passed the leadership reins to Sara Kinsey, English instructor.
“ My vision for the journal is to represent the diversity of our campus and include all types of visual art and literary pieces from students and faculty,” she said.
Kinsey said creating a quality literary experience is important to the success of the journal.
Winning the third place award in 2003 is evidence of that success, and Kinsey credits the journal’s editorial staff for its dedication and hard work.
The Marine Creek Reflections staff recently presented a reading recital and reception on NW Campus honoring the students and faculty who were featured in the 2003 publication Rhythms of Life.
In his opening remarks, John Easley, student editor, recited from his Tuning Up introduction.
“ Ingrained into our existence is the enduring quest for a rhythm that succors our soul ...,” he said.
The journal is organized in terms of musical movements: Allegro, Andanta, Scherzo and Finale.
Some of the poetry and short stories are paired with visual art pieces that enhance and complete the experience.
Other pieces stand alone, Easley said.
“ As presenters of this symphony, it is our ambition to bring you a moment of awe or reflection as you tune yourself to the rhythms,” he said.
The visual art was constantly changing on the overhead projector while students and faculty recited pieces from the journal.
Kinsey, faculty adviser, made the closing remarks.
“ I want to say how truly honored I am to have worked with these people on this project,” she said.
Kinsey encouraged every one to submit entries for next year’s publication. The creative writing class in the fall will sponsor the 2004 edition of Marine Creek Reflections. Each fall, entry forms are displayed throughout the campus.
For more information, call Cyndy Zamora at 817-515-7739.
Last Updated: 4/21/2004
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