MC’s Arrowhead Literary Magazine Accepting Submissions from Students
MC’s Arrowhead Literary Magazine Accepting Submissions from Students
The Arrowhead is a student-led art and literature magazine that allows students to express their hearts through art and speak in their own way.
Camden Clem, a junior English literature major, is the general editor for The Arrowhead, the art and literature magazine produced by the English department. It accepts digital art submissions, photography, studio art, short stories, poetry and creative nonfiction. “Basically, anyone who writes anything, you do not have to be an English major and you do not have to be in a creative writing class,” Clem said. “It can be any undergraduate student who has something interesting that they want to share.”
Clem and the leadership for The Arrowhead work tirelessly to receive different types of submissions from students. Each piece of work submitted is put in the running to be judged by people outside of Mississippi College. There are three pieces chosen for each section and one honorary mention. Known Mississippi writer, Natasha Trethewey, has judged its work in the past.
Clem was involved in her high school's starting of their own art and literature magazine. When she came to MC, she had immediate interest in the magazine. “I submitted my freshman year and got in. I love to write poetry, so I was able to enter something. Last year I was able to be the assistant and now I get the privilege of being the general editor.”
The Arrowhead is at least 30 years old. Dr. James Potts, an associate professor of English and Philosophy, remembers his time writing for his own alma mater’s version of an The Arrowhead. Potts has been involved in the publication for several years now. His love for English originates from his father, who was also an English professor. When he received the opportunity to assist, he was quick to take it.
Even though he is The Arrowhead’s literature sponsor, Potts wants the magazine to be a student publication, and lets the staff handle most of the responsibilities. “The most amazing thing about this is that the editors are so efficient and focused. They do it all and I just supervise,” he said. “I, back in my day, was only good at submitting. I was never an editor, but these students have proved themselves.”
The Arrowhead is for the students and about the students. It is currently accepting submissions for their spring publication. They accept any submissions from the undergraduate program. They also submit the works to local literature competitions which give the writers more notice.
Clem believes that the beauty of art and literature is valuable as a hobby. “We want to show what people are making. Art and literature are the heart of an institution. Art says something honest,” she said. “Art shows your heart and something you may not go around and say out loud. It can be very vulnerable to write a piece of literature, but everyone should take the step of growth and let someone else read it.”
Potts agrees. “A lot of people at the moment are too worried about making a living than to live. I want people to be aware of The Arrowhead, engage it, and enjoy it.”
The goal of The Arrowhead is for students to know their work matters. There are people in this community that have things to say. This allows them to say it and gives them a chance to express themselves in a way that may be more comfortable for them.
“You don’t have to meet a certain bar to submit something. It is not about winning the competition, but it is about sharing with the community.” Clem said. “The Arrowhead is a display of what our community has to offer. It is all about being in the community and being vulnerable with each other.”
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