Spotlight on Sarah Dillard, by Haley Larson

Sarah Dillard, Fiction Editor for the dazzling new issue of Superstition Review, shared a few moments of her busy schedule with me to discuss her experiences as a student intern. An Illinois native, Sarah joined the Literature, Writing, and Film major at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus in 2007 after a few years in Indiana. This is her first semester with Superstition Review. She will pass her knowledge along to next semester’s interns as she wraps up her undergraduate career in preparation for next month’s graduation.

HL: What is your preferred genre as a writer? As a reader?

SD: As I writer, I prefer to write Non-fiction because it allows me to tap into my inner emotions to create a piece of work that emulates my life and beliefs in some form. When I first began taking nonfiction writing courses last semester, I was a bit intimidated by the process of writing about myself and allowing others to read my work. Since then, I have been able to reflect on my writing and release any inhibitions that I previously had. As a reader however, I prefer fiction pieces because they allow me to escape my own reality and focus on something new and interesting.

HL: Who influences your own work and your aesthetic?

SD: It’s hard for to pin point just one author who influences my own work and aesthetic; there are many authors who that I find inspirational and influential! For me, it’s best to surround myself with different writing styles and try to take the inspirations I have drawn from their writing to incorporate it into my own unique style.

HL: How did you first hear about Superstition Review? Who or what aspect of the internship encouraged you to apply?

SD: I first heard about Superstition Review before I even applied to ASU. I emailed Duane Roen to ask him about the Literature, Writing, and Film program and internship opportunities and he mentioned that Trish Murphy started an online literary magazine. I knew I wanted to save the internship until my last semester of school, so as soon as I received the application, I filled it out right away. I wanted this internship because I knew I would gain a great deal of knowledge and insight into the publishing business.

HL: What do you think of the online/paperless format of this internship and publication?

SD: One of the reasons I was attracted to this internship was because it was offered entirely online. I have such a busy schedule, so I liked that it offered a flexible working/learning environment. I feel like I am more creative and productive late at night, so this internship has allowed me the opportunity to work whatever hours I choose, as long as I get my work done. By having Superstition Review published in an online format allows for easy accessibility to our readers. How often to you come across a good article in a magazine just to find out the magazine was accidentally thrown out or misplaced? Superstition Review keeps archives of issues which allow readers to see accomplishments of the past, as well as the present. Even though this magazine is relatively new in the literary field, Superstition Review has published high profile authors in past issues and this online format lets readers view works from these prominent authors.

HL: What has been one of your most exciting assignments/responsibilities at Superstition Review this year?

SD: This whole process has been exciting! One of my favorite moments of Superstition Review was having the opportunity to interview highly successful authors whom I admired and respected. Mary Sojourner and Erin McGraw are big names in the literary field; I was star-struck! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience to connect to the literary world.

HL: What is currently keeping you busy at Superstition Review?

SD: I just finished reading a record number of submissions and sending out acceptance/rejection letters. It was a very time consuming process but I learned so much from it! Now I am just anxiously awaiting the launch of Issue 3 while tying up some loose ends.

HL: With a record number of submissions this year, how have you balanced being a student and a member of busy literary and art journal?

SD: At first, it was hard to find balance between this internship, taking 22 credit hours, and working on top of that. After the first few weeks though, I began to find myself in a routine that I was comfortable with. I think the key to maintaining balance is to stay focused and organized, not to mention laugh at the crazy moments I can’t control! These elements have helped me immensely throughout this internship and semester.

HL: How has your understanding of a literary journal changed by being a part of Superstition Review? What surprises you most about the start-to-finish process of publishing an issue?

SD: I have always had an interest in the publishing world but never knew what it entailed or the work that goes behind publishing a magazine. There were times where I would think to myself there’s no way I’m going to get this done, but in the long run, I learned that everything falls together with hard work. I have even more respect for editors and publishers of literary magazine because of this experience. I can’t say there’s anything that surprised me, because I honestly didn’t know what to expect when signing up for this, which allowed me to keep an open mind and go with the flow.

HL: How has this experience enhanced your education or preparedness? What do you think you’ll take away from this internship after its completion?

SD: This internship has provided me with hands-on work experience that I don’t think I could have gained anywhere else. The online learning environment required me to communicate effectively with peers and stay on top of tasks. I have also increased my organization skills immensely. This internship also taught me what it’s like to work as a team on a project that I can be proud of. Everyone at Superstition Review has been extremely helpful whenever I’ve had a question or was confused about something. I share the role as a fiction editor with Rebekah Richgels who has helped me guide me throughout the process of publishing this magazine. Even though this was an online environment, I feel I was able to connect with my managing editor, advisors, and peers.

HL: Will you consider working on another publication after completing your internship with SR? What are your plans post-graduation?

SD: Once I graduate in May, I plan to return to school to obtain my teaching certification. I want to teach high school composition and literature. This internship has inspired me to create a classroom publication once I am a teacher that will allow students to manage and organize a literary magazine. I want to pass the skills I have gained through Superstition Review to my students.

Spotlight on Veronica Martinez by Elizabeth Anderson

Intern Veronica Martinez, Advertising Coordinator here at Superstition Review, is currently based out of ASU’s Tempe campus. At this time, she is of junior status and an English (Creative Writing) Major, also on her way with a Minor in Justice Studies. Upon graduating, she hopes to attempt graduate school and be accepted into the Social Justice and Human Rights Master’s Program at ASU West.

EA: What do you like most about being an intern?

VM: What I have enjoyed most is the opportunities that are presented to learn new skills and expand my knowledge of how online art/literary journals and magazines are published.

EA: What do you hope to get out of this experience?

VM: I hope to gain some knowledge of how to market this kind of literary journal, further more to gather skills that will enable me to not only pursue opportunities in the publishing field but also in online media. I think this internship really gives you the ability to see how all components are put together to make the issue happen, so that kind of insight is really helpful in other occupations aside from publishing as well.

EA: What has been the most difficult part of this internship?

VM: For me, it has been time. Initially when I decided to do the internship, I had only planned to take three classes this semester but I had to go with four. On top of a full time job, I also attend classed full time so I am feeling the pinch, so to speak.

EA: What is your role for Superstition Review and what exactly do you do for the magazine?

VM: I am the Advertising Coordinator which incorporates creating/writing the Vertical Response e-newsletter for SR. I also advertise SR’s reading series by finding local free calendars to list the readings on. I also write up press releases for SR to send to various national and local media outlets for coverage. Basically, I am working and researching how to get SR some local and national media attention.

EA: Any interesting facts that you would like to add? 
VM: I have an eight-year old daughter who makes me breakfast every morning, bagels with peanut butter. Yum!

Introducing Elizabeth Anderson, by Veronica Martinez

Intern Veronica Martinez interviews Elizabeth Anderson about what her challenges and rewards are as the Solicitation Coordinator for Superstition Review.

VM: What has your intern experience been like so far? 

EA: Coming into the internship, I was expecting to do more of the tedious random assignments that no one else wanted to do and be treated like I did nothing for the magazine. There have been many deadlines and a lot of very stressful projects, but I have realized that I have been given a string of support that I can reach at any given moment. My favorite part has been the reading last week at ASU East because it was rewarding to see that the writers we contact do actually respond and are willing to give back to the community. 

VM: Can you give us a short description of what your internship duties are?

EA: I am currently the Solicitations Coordinator. I searched for fiction, nonfiction, art, and poetry writers to add to our current Solicitations list. I contacted book stores, Undergad and Grad programs, libraries and more to send out the fliers to ask for submissions for issue three. I am in charge of reminded the genre editors of their deadlines. I am currently working on adding names to our distributions list from people who attended the AWP conference.   

VM: What are your hopes for the future, in regards to what you are learning through this internship experience? 

EA: In regards to this internship, I am learning the basic skills of discipline and deadlines. I will be able to apply these skills to my dream of becoming a writer or an editor for a well-known magazine like Time or Life. I am learning how to be a committed intern, and have realized that there is a climb to get to the top. I hope that this internship will help me pursue my dreams and work hard for what I want. I hope to apply my newfound knowledge of the contemporary writers and the varieties of writing styles to my future work. Overall, this internship has been very inspiring.” 

What’s one fun thing you can tell us about yourself? 

I am absolutely obsessed with the Twilight series. I am one of nine children. I plan to move to Seattle when finished with school. I am an Art History minor.

Ray Gonzalez in Superstition Review

Haley Larson, a Superstition Review poetry editor, comments on her experience with Ray Gonzalez’s poetry.

When new work from Ray Gonzalez landed in the hands of the poetry editors, we were beyond eager to feature four of his new poems in Issue 3.  Gonzalez, a professor in the MFA Creative Writing programs at the University of Minnesota and Pine Manor College, is the author of numerous collections of poems, essays, and short stories.  For more of his bio and impressive achievements, join us for the launch of Issue 3 on April 20th!

Among his new work, we’ll have the opportunity to experience the subtle and tumbling momentum of Gonzalez’s gift with prose poetry.  We will lose ourselves among snow storms, beards, chest hair, starry plains – all in the crisp language that shapes Gonzalez’s imagery and often sorrowing metaphors.  From “Three Snow Storms” we get a taste of this collective craft:

because ground is

marked only once

for men with

white hair.

 *

The white storm

pushes me into

the canyon where

the poetry of shadows

Age, art, their entangled rapport – we are fortunate captives riding out the three storms of this poem. 

One more teaser before your return on April 20^th, we present to you a small excerpt from “Photo of Pablo Picasso with His Shirt Off.” Poets and artists take note, “The hairy look of genius gets in the way.”  We invite you to join us for more from Ray Gonzalez!”

Governor’s Arts Awards

Intern Veronica Martinez comments on Superstition Review’s nomination for a Governor’s Arts Award. 

On Tuesday April 14^th the arts and cultural community will gather for the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards. The Governor’s Arts Awards are presented annually by the Office of the Governor, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and Arizona Citizens for the Arts. This year we are excited that Superstition Review has been nominated in the Arts in Education Category; this category recognizes an Arizona individual or organization for an outstanding contribution to arts in education.

As a current intern with Superstition Review, I am very glad to be a part of such a project that not only provides a great opportunity to ASU students but also helps to engage and build the literary community in Arizona.

Amber Mosure, also a current intern, had this to mention about SR: “I really like all the hands-on experience I’m getting with my internship with Superstition Review. I feel very confident that I’m gaining very pertinent inside knowledge about what goes into putting together a literary publication and being involved in creating the final product is very rewarding and satisfying.”

So join us in congratulating Superstition Review on this nomination with special thanks to, Patricia Murphy, Managing Editor, for taking on this endeavor and together with ASU students producing a wonderful literary publication that we all can feel rewarded with. We will be rooting for SR!

For more information about the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards click here.”

Spotlight on Rebekah Richgels by Danielle Kuffler

1.    What is your process when reviewing a submission?

I generally skip the title and dive straight into the story. If it is poorly punctuated or confusing, sometimes I have to start over. Once I am about a third of the way through, if I’m not invested in the story yet I call it a No. As I read, I look for character development and depth, interesting subject matter that draws me in and keeps me reading, and a coherent plot. Ideally these things also come with good prose. If a story has all that I say Yes. I love that we do a blind read of the stories so we aren’t swayed by the author’s fame or lack thereof.

2.    What has been your best SR moment?

My best moment with SR was definitely when Sara Scoville and I interviewed TC Boyle. I was really nervous ahead of time, but he made everything really relaxed and the whole experience turned out amazingly.

3.    What has been your worst SR moment?

It’s not that bad, but my worst SR moment was at the beginning of Fall 2008, when I accidentally solicited from a poet and he emailed back telling me he didn’t do fiction. I tried to respond in a joking way and also pass the blame, which made us all look pretty unprofessional. I learned from it, though, and I’m a lot more thorough with my solicitations now.

4.    What is your favorite book or author/poet?

My favorite author is John Steinbeck, but I also love reading pieces by Rick Reilly, former writer for Sports Illustrated. 

5.    What was the first book you ever read?

I’m not sure about the first book I ever read, but the first ones I remember reading were the Boxcar Children series. I read so many of them that I even had a dream where I was reading one.

6.    What skills of yours are most beneficial to SR?

I like to think that I work pretty hard to get through the things we need to do. I can sit down and run through a lot of work in a day if that’s what we need to catch up. I think I do a good job, too, of explaining situations to other people, like Sarah Dillard, my other fiction editor, so that she felt up to speed with our jobs here.

7.    What are you reading currently?

I just finished Leaving Atlanta, Tayari Jones’ first book, and am starting Which Brings Me To You, the collaborative novel between Julianna Baggott and Steve Almond. I am also reading Bright Lights, Big City, by Jay McInerney for my Literary Forms class.

8.    What is your favorite work of non-fiction?

I guess I would have to say Ghost Soldiers, the book about the Bataan Death March, because it was the first non-fiction book I had ever chosen to read. I really prefer the fiction world.

9.    What is your favorite work of art or artist?

I love Rodin. For some reason, his sculptures seem especially beautiful to me.

10.     What are some advantages to working in the online format of SR?

The best advantage of working online is the space. We have no limit to how much we publish, and aren’t limited by printing costs either.

11.    What kind of experiences have you gained at SR that will help in your future?

I have learned better responsibility and independence, as well as increased diplomacy and really great connections to the literary world.

Sojourner and McNair to Appear in Upcoming Issue

Superstition Review interns are busily preparing to launch the next issue of the fast growing literary magazine run by undergraduate students at ASU. With the launch date quickly approaching, we are excited to announce two fiction authors whose work has been selected to appear in the magazine. Issue 3 of Superstition Review will feature authors Mary Sojourner and Patricia Ann McNair.

Mary Sojourner’s publications include Sisters of the Dream, Delicate, Bonelight: ruin and grace in the New Southwest, and Solcace: Rituals of Loss and Desire. Sojourner’s short stories and essays have been featured in many literary magazines, as well as High Country News and Mountain Gazette. Her commentary on social issues can be found on NPR. She also teaches writing throughout the West.

Patricia Ann McNair teaches in the Fiction Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in American Fiction: Best Unpublished Short Stories by Emerging Writers, Other Voices, F Magazine, River Teeth, Fourth Genre, Brevity, Creative Nonfiction, and Air Canada’s en Route magazine. She has received many Illinois Arts Council Awards and Pushcart Prize nominations and fiction and nonfiction.

Be sure to find out who else will be featured in Issue 3 of Superstition Review when the magazine launches on April 20th!

by Sarah Dillard

Spring 2009 Reading Series

Superstition Review hosted its first of two readings for its Spring 2009 Reading Series. The Reading Series began in 2008 with a goal to “form a writing community where students can interact with published authors, and where students can also share their own work,” according to Patricia Murphy, Managing Editor of Superstition Review. On March 16th, authors Cynthia Hogue and Peter Turchi dazzled the audience at ASU’s Polytechnic campus with their poetry and short fiction. Hogue read a group of elegant poems that the audience could relate to well, and Turchi read a comical short story that entertained, as well as enlightened, the audience. Those who missed the reading will be able to enjoy an audio podcast of the event here later this month.

The last reading in the Spring 2009 Reading Series will be held on April 20th at 7:30 PM in the Cooley Ballroom of ASU’s Polytechnic campus and will feature student writers from ASU. Students interested in reading their work should e-mail superstitionreview@asu.edu, title it “Student Reading Series,” provide reliable contact information, and paste the work they plan to read in the body of the e-mail. The deadline to submit is April 10th. The final reading will also be a launch party for the new issue, so be sure to attend.

Weekly Writing Prompt

Describe an aspect of your daily routine, something you are very familiar with like making coffee or brushing your teeth, solely in written images. Take a break from dialogue and character development and focus on your descriptive skills.

Resources for the Thrifty Writer

Workshops are a great resource for amateur and professional writers alike. They are a place to test first drafts and refine sixth and seventh revisions. However, not everyone has the time or the resources to attend workshops. Most workshops have at least a nominal fee, and some can range to the thousands.

A new trend has been emerging on the internet to rectify this problem: online workshop forums. Websites like Writing.com connect amateur and professional writers from around the world who read and review each others’ portfolios. This particular website allows each writer to post 10 items to his or her portfolio, provides a customized domain and even an email address- all for free.

For those who prefer to have a more intimate workshop experience, perhaps with writers they know personally, freeforums.org is another alternative. On this site, anyone can create a forum on any topic and regulate forum membership. Writers have used this online tool to create workshop forums, like this one created by an ASU Creative Writing student, which are free to all users and easy to navigate.

For writers who lack spare time and extra cash, online workshop forums are an accessible way to get feedback on their work.