Going down the rabbit hole with Sink Hollow

The Utah State University English department literary magazine, “Sink Hollow” is gaining quite a reputation. Since the first edition in 2016, the publication has grown in staff, submissions and influence.

The literary journal compiles submissions from undergraduates that fall under the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and art.

Marie Skinner, managing editor, explained what type of work the publication looks for.

“We aim for diversity, we look for pieces that speak to us, but also surprise us. We think it’s important that we get a good range,” Skinner said. “Creative writing has the power to show us who we are, but also show who other people are. We are looking for that really unique piece that tells us something whether about ourselves or someone else.”

The staff is made up entirely of undergraduate students. They work together to create the semi-annual publication. They are helped out by a advisory board of five faculty members.

One of these members is Robb Kunz, an english professor and faculty advisor.

“Primarily, the decisions about the magazine are made through the students, the faculty really is here just on a advisory level. The students who are on staff get to see what the publishing world is like from a  completely different perspective. It’s good for them to work on a big staff and be held to deadlines, what it’s like to have the authority to choose what you want published,” Kunz said.

The undergraduates are receiving a real world opportunity while in turn helping to publish fellow undergraduates work. For those involved this experience has been irreplaceable.

“I’m a creative writing major and people ask ‘What are you going to do with that?’ Sink hollow is my answer. It’s given me a chance to be behind the scenes. It’s given me the chance to figure out why creative writing is important to me. It’s not about getting my story published or making a ton of money. It’s about sharing experiences and finding the power of art,” Skinner said.

The magazine opens up submissions to any undergraduate who has interest. They open their submissions twice a year. Jessica Nani, editor in chief, and Kunz said many of their submissions come from international students. They had submissions coming in from Prague, Asia, South Africa and Russia.

“The literary magazine world is vast, but also small. Primarily our submissions come from the United States, maybe a sixth of submissions are from USU. Most come from all around the country

and a surprising amount from international students. We got quite a wide range its really cool,” Nani said.

With several categories and submissions open to anyone, students have the opportunity to take their work to the next level. The Sink Hollow publication also helps to host the Utah State Creative Writing Contest in February. This contest is for USU students only. A panel of judges from the English department selects the winners and there is also an awards ceremony.

With the opportunity to have students art and work shown at a higher level, Kunz said students should not feel nervous to submit their pieces.

“Get ready for rejection. The greatest writers and poets all have to deal with the notion of someone not liking their work, but there is always a place that will eventually welcome you and appreciate the type of art you are creating,” Kunz said. “It is imperative that writers and artists are making their voices heard. I think that students who feel even a slight urge to submit should fo it. Don’t let doubt worry or fear stop you from having a voice.”

The Sink Hollow publication hopes to keep growing through each issue. Nani said they are growing their social media influence, possibly turning a blog into a podcast and qualifying for some national writing awards.

“We are finally hitting our stride as a publication. We have a good foundation and working hard to qualify for some national writing awards. We are looking to expand what sink hollow does,” Nani said.

But most importantly the publication wants to keep challenging creative writers and producing the best content available.

“Literary journals are an important opportunity. I think that it’s easier and more effective to change the way people think through art. Everyone who is involved is passionate about what we do and that makes a huge difference. We have the right people and outlook to make Sink Hollow a lasting and important part of the english department,” Skinner said.

—shelby.black@aggiemail.usu.edu

@shelbsterblack