The Scarab, OCU’s literary magazine, is accepting submissions for this year’s issue.
Sigma Tau Delta, the English honors society publishes the magazine each year, as a way to showcase writings and artwork by OCU students. Students named the publication The Scarab historically, after the scarab beetle, a past OCU mascot.
The Scarab became a tradition and won the Sigma Tau Delta award for best literary anthology in the nation in 2003.
“We accept submissions for all kinds of original art,” said Katie Hightower, English and secondary education junior. “You can submit the creative writing of short fiction, flash fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and original artwork such as comics, portraits, and photography.”
Most of the submissions come from undergraduate students, but graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni are also eligible to enter.
Original work can be submitted to ocuscarab@yahoo.com. Submissions are due Feb. 29.
“In addition to being important for those looking to break into the publishing world, I think it is equally important for the university to provide a creative outlet to students who might not have thought to submit their original work before,” Hightower said. “It gives them a chance to flourish in a new environment while also being embraced by their peers in brand new ways.”
The publication’s staff will review submissions and select the works best thought to fit the feel of The Scarab. A panel of professors will also anonymously choose an outstanding selection within each category.
One student was excited for her works to be chosen last year.
“It was such a cool experience to be featured in The Scarab and see my works among those of other students,” said Grace Kidder, dance performance sophomore. “Our school is so well-known for having incredible performers and athletes, so I think it’s important to acknowledge the extremely talented students we have in other areas.”
After its formation, 60-100 copies of The Scarab are printed and sold for $5 – $10, showcasing the artistic pieces for everyone at OCU, as well as the community outside the university.
PDF versions of The Scarab from 2008-2014 are available online. This year’s anthology will be published in April.
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