Waldorf Literary Review hopes for continued growth this year

Waldorf student Vybert Greene takes a moment to read from the 2015 Waldorf Literary Review. Photo by Darien Walsh

By Darien Walsh

With the start of a new semester also comes the start of students submitting their creative works to the Waldorf Literary Review (WLR) for its spring semester submission period. The WLR takes submissions in both the fall and spring semesters and is published annually.

The WLR, as Professor Tim Bascom puts it, is “a traditionally small magazine that publishes creative works and serves the community.” The WLR isn’t just published literary works, it also includes photography, drawings, painting and sculpture, to name a few.

Bascom serves as the advisor for the WLR as well as the instructor for a class called Literary Editing, in which students double as staff for the WLR. They judge submissions and design the book itself. “It depends on the students,” Bascom says, “the group is great. They have a lot of experience and are self-directed. I really appreciate them.”

Over the years, the WLR has morphed into what it is today. From being known as “The Muse” in the 80s and then later “The Crusader.” Bascom found a new name, one that didn’t sound like a school mascot or have any sort of political overtones, and it stuck.

Last year, the book was full of student-submitted artwork and writings.

“I used to be a student editor and critique submissions,” said senior Molly Maschka. “I submitted one in the fall semester, and I’m still thinking about submitting again.” Last year, Maschka submitted a photograph of her niece which went on to be chosen as  “Best Photo” and won the 1st Salveson Award.

Bascom has high hopes for the WLR this year. “We are bringing outside artists, from Portland and Michigan, whereas before it was always just students and faculty and staff that have submitted,” said Bascom. “We want it to be more rich but don’t want to diminish local talent. We want to open it up.”

This year, the WLR is expected to have some great photographs, and student written stories, along with stories from a published author. Bascom is hoping for some written drama to be submitted.

The WLR has an online presence, and new this year, a facebook page.

It is now taking submissions for the spring semester until February 21st! To submit email submissions to waldorfliteraryreview@gmail.com.