NSU publishes inaugural literary journal

The Northeastern State University student writing organization, NSU Write Club, recently celebrated the publishing of the universitys first literary journal, The Talon. The journal includes short stories, poetry and nonfiction works authored by NSU students and alumni.

The organizations faculty advisor, Christopher Murphy, said the initial concept was that of former Write Club president, Shane Farris. Farris is a graduate student in NSUs English literature program.

It had been a longtime dream of his to get a literary journal up and running here, Murphy said. He was the one who did the early planninggetting the Write Club to come up with the name, establishing the parameters of the journal and researching funding and publishing.

I knew it could potentially draw students in to NSU to keep the creative writing community growing here, and of course to showcase the work of NSU's writers. I'm not sure any of us thought it would actually happen as quickly as it did, Farris said.

Murphy said Kenny Matthews, who succeeded Farris as the organizations president, oversaw the call for submissions, directed the editorial process and helped secure funding for the first print run from the Northeastern Student Government Association. Current club president and vice president, Chloe Abshier and Alex Munoz continued the effort, seeing the journal through to completion.

I helped with some aspects, but the students took the reins throughout the entire process, Murphy said.

This is an incredible opportunity to spotlight some of the exceptional talent of our students, Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said. I commend our students and Professor Murphy for their vision in establishing this important outlet for the scholarly work of our campus community.

The club plans to create the journal annually and will be soliciting submissions from students and alumni for the next issue in the spring.

For more information or to purchase a copy, contact Murphy at murphy07@nsuok.edu.