Publishing personal work seems like an impossible feat for many artists. However, faculty at FGCU allow students to take control of their future. FGCU has its own, university-sponsored, on-campus literary journal, called the “Mangrove Review.”
The Mangrove accepts submissions from local artists, alumni and students. The organization is always actively looking for new photographers, artists, poets and narrative writers – both fiction and non-fiction content – to submit. Currently, they are holding year-long rolling submissions.
In February, the Mangrove Review staff hosted a launch party for the 20th edition, where students took a free copy of the book. The event started with Faculty Advisor Lori Cornelius and Professor Emily Vallier thanking all the contributors. Then, they served cake, finger food and other refreshments as an open mic was held. One of the poets who was published in the magazine is a student, Iris Brown. She wrote a poem titled “Golden Boy” (page 86).
“Having the opportunity to submit a poem to the magazine and having it be accepted is affirming that a hobby can be published,” Brown said. “I write poetry to help deal with emotions, it was just a silly crush I wrote the poem about but it turned into this”
The 21st edition of the Mangrove Review will be published at the end of March. The staff of the literary journal consists of alumni, faculty and students. People can learn more about the opportunities they provide by visiting Cornelius and Vallier in Reed Hall, room 201 on campus.
“Our mission is to publish good and established work. We love literary work and the students here. We are so grateful for every student and staff that made this journal happen,” Cornelius said. “There have been rumors about a first-ever December edition. We are speaking and maybe working with Creative Connections to make it happen.”
If anyone is interested in furthering your resume, searching for careers, or wants to flourish in their hobby, submit to the Mangrove Review and get involved with the staff here. For more information on the formatting of content visit FGCU’s website and submit to their email mangrovereview@fgcu.edu.
For updates, follow the Mangrove Review on Instagram @fgcu_mangrove.
