The Shinnery Review is taking small steps to transition its way to a completely online publication.
The Shinnery Review is ACU’s literary magazine, annually publishing student poetry, photography, short stories and artwork. It also facilitates workshops and poetry readings and brings distinguished literary figures to campus.
Maggie Marshall, senior English major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the assistant editor of the Shinnery Review.
“The hope is that, after Lexi French and I graduate, we’ll have new leadership in place who will complete the transition next year.”
Editor in Chief Lexi French, senior English major from Palestine, and their three advisors, Dr. Shelly Sanders, Dr. Steven Moore and Dr. Kyle Dickson, are working alongside Marshall to leave the magazine with potential to make a greater impact on students once it’s online.
Marshall said they are still hoping to have a few print editions made available to those whose pieces are published.
The pros and cons of this movement seem to balance out, though.
Marshall said online publishing will allow it to reach a national audience. It will also allow students who may not be aware of the literary magazine to see the work of years past.
“The cons, well, I struggle with moving entirely online mainly because I love having something tangible,” Marshall said. “I think a lot of writers do. Paper copies hold a special place in my heart. It’s always nice to see your work bound in an actual book.”
Every year, the Shinnery Review receives submissions of poetry, prose and art. In the spring, it selects the pieces that will appear in the magazine, which is revealed at the end of the year at an event called The Black Tulip. The magazine has plans to open submissions before winter break this year so students have more time to produce their best work.
The Shinnery Review recently put on its annual workshop Nov. 1. In early December, it will conduct a book drive/exchange. Students will be able to get rid of old books as well as take books for themselves.
With the direction in which the Shinnery Review is going and with the aspiration it holds, it seems the obstacle of transitioning to a complete online publication is hardly leaving a dent.
“There’s just something special about paper copies,” Marshall said.
