University students create new literary journal

University students create new literary journal

Faced with a wealth of creative writing talent but no outlet to publish it did not faze a group of industrious students from the University of Auckland; they simply created and published a new literary journal.

Called Debris, the journal launched its first issue last September. Editor-in-Chief Saiya Guo, a joint BA/LLB (Hons) student and Hilary Johnston, a BA (Hons) student started work on the first issue early last year. A team of undergraduate and postgraduate students joined them to form the editorial and publishing staff of Debris.

“We have a very strong community of writers here at the University of Auckland but there didn’t seem to be an outlet for it,” Saiya said.

“The journal has provided a platform and opportunity for people to see their work in print.”

The team were looking for “both fresh voices and established voices” and found a wide range of local and international contributors. They include Auckland poet Samuel Carey, Howie Good, a journalism professor from New York, and several current University of Auckland students.

The process was an intense and rewarding process for the editorial and publishing teams. They had to choose what submissions to accept and reject, and negotiate changes with other contributors before publication.

Debris is available to purchase for $15 online at www.debrisjournal.co.nz or from the University Bookshop and select retailers across Auckland.

For information on future issues and upcoming deadlines, please check the Debris website atwww.debrisjournal.co.nz.

ENDS

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