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PAULA BEASLEY READS HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE BLUESTONE REVIEW DURING A DEBUT OF THE 23RD EDITION OF THE STUDENT-PRODUCED LITERARY MAGAZINE. |
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BLUEFIELD COLLEGE PROFESSOR DR. ROB MERRITT WELCOMES LOCAL RESIDENTS TO THE DEBUT READING OF THE SCHOOL’S 23RD EDITION OF THE BLUESTONE REVIEW, A STUDENT-PRODUCED LITERARY MAGAZINE.The Bluestone Review is a student-produced literary magazine that features poems, short stories, fiction, creative non-fiction, song lyrics, photographs, paintings and drawings by not only BC students, but also contributors from the community.
“We like to think of it as an art collection for the region,” said Dr. Rob Merritt, professor of English and faculty advisor for The Review, who holds together the magazine with its rotating staff of Bluefield College students.
This year, Mikaela Hurst returned for her second term as editor of the journal. Kate Dolinger joined her as co-editor, and Stephanie Dunning joined the team as the graphics and layout editor. They all were excited to see not only students at the unveiling reception, but even more community members present.
“This seems like a great variety of people of all different ages,” said Dr. Merritt about the turnout for the debut. “That’s what I really like. It’s gratifying that people have heard about us.”
At the reception, contributors to The Bluestone Review were offered the opportunity to read or share their pieces. Those who shared their works included Paula Beasley, The Leap; Rebecca Edmonds, The Creature at Oakland School; Taylor Richardson, Anxiety, Her Quilt; Jara Armstrong, Crimson; Stephanie Shelton-Pullen, The Alien Neighbors; Hasan Muzaffer, Karachi’s Consumed, Dying Light (A Tribute); Amy Funk, I Know Your Name; Debi Swim, How to Understand Poetry, A Poem Is; Sal Buttaci, To the Memory of Frederico Garcia Lorca; Emily Harman, Grey; Janan Perkins, Breathe In (Part One), Now Exhale (Part Two); Carley Hurt, Flowers and Chosen (written by her brother); and Walter Shroyer, who shared his photographs.
“I don’t really remember last year that well, but comparatively, I think we had a lot more people (this year),” said Hurst. “A lot of people were standing, and we had to get chairs. My favorite part was honestly just getting here and seeing how many people were here.”
Many in attendance came to support those who were featured in The Review. “I liked hearing the different people speak, especially hearing the kids,” said community member Erin McDaniel, who came in support of her husband who had a story featured in magazine. “They did a great job.”
Others were also quick to favor the readings of the two youngest contributors, Shelton-Pullen and Hurt. In fact, nine-year-old Hurt said she found it best to imagine everyone in the audience naked in order to follow through with her reading.
“At first I got really nervous and was freaking out about the big words that my brother put in his story,” said Hurt. “It was exciting.”
The Bluestone Review was a challenge to put together, according to the editors, but came out a huge success. “It’s really nice to read all the stories and look at all the pictures,” said Hurst. “I’m really impressed with everyone.”