When you read that title your brain will probably jump to the cliche message that provides an image of pulling back layers in order to expose my core and who I really am as a person. But nope. The title has nothing to do with my personality. I'm referring to the Literary Journal at Saint Michael's College known as The Onion River Review. This has been something I have wanted to become involved with for a while now, and this was the first year I actually took action on my wishes and became a part of their editing team. Mind you, I'm not an English, journalism, or even an art major or minor, but I enjoy how they approach each piece because they want to know what YOU are drawn to. They value your opinion because they want their readers represented.
It's an extremely competitive process to have something published. I've submitted digital photographs (art, photography, and written submissions make up the Onion) for the past couple years and have never made it in. However, after being on their decision board this year and having to read and evaluate all the submitted images, poems, and stories, I can definitely see why what I may have sent in the past was not up to par. Every submission is so unique. There are no sunset photos, no stories about "happily ever after" because it's not what the journal is about. I've learned that they (we) really pride ourselves in choosing unique pieces and images - things that you feel you haven't read or seen before.
Therefore, I find myself using what I have learned thus far in the Elevator Pitch Essentials book and Made To Stick in how I make my choices about the submissions. For instance, I know that especially poetry can be very abstract, but I find myself much more attracted to submissions that are concrete. I like being able to clearly picture in my mind what is being written. Therefore, I like lots of detail because I will remember it better because I can make a picture in my head. I am also drawn to submissions that evoke emotion within me; I want something that I can really relate to. My favorite submission thus far made me recall my old childhood house and the feelings that were attached to those memories. Lastly, I believe that each piece I read should have something unexpected about it - something non-cliche. My thought process is that if a story cuts off abruptly or if you find yourself bored while reading it, then I don't think it will be very memorable.
Alright! Our meeting to discuss all written submissions is tomorrow, and I still have lots to read. Thanks to those of you out there who submitted, it's going to be another inspiring and creative issue!
That's awesome that you are a part of the selection committee for The Onion! I have always wanted to submit something but never have. Everything I have ever read or seen in it has been amazing and is always extremely interesting and, as you said, unique. I can still remember two stories that I have read in The Onion over the years and they both were very detailed and had some sort of emotional impact on me.
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