Jessica Guerrucci – Managing Editor
The release of Southern’s art and literary magazine, Folio, came not only with fiction, poetry and art, but also the launch of the publication’s website.
“It became obviously clear that we weren’t going to be able to do a print publication,” said Natalie Rodgers, editor-in-chief of Folio, “and the idea for a website that wasn’t just solely for the annual publication was up in the air and we just decided to go for it.”
The website, which Rogers created and released on April 17, she said, was simple and it was just a matter of copying all the submissions and formatting it.
She said she created a separate section for those who won first through third place for their submissions as well as Editor’s Choice awards in art, fiction and poetry.
“Usually in the print publication there would be a separate section and they would get a sole honor for it,” said Rogers. “So, I tried to make it as special as possible.”
The first place winner for poetry was interdisciplinary studies major Genevieve Jaser, a junior, for her piece “Hunting,” which she said she did not find out about until the publication went online.
“We weren’t able to see until it was published and then I saw first place and I’m like ‘That’s awesome, that’s so cool,’” said Jaser. “It not only validates you as a writer, but it gives you the encouragement to be proud of your work and have other people support it and be able to read it as well.”
English major Chris Buckridge, a senior, was selected for Editor’s choice in poetry for his submission, “The Crumb People.”
“It feels great,” he said. “I’m glad that it resonated with them.”
The awards were decided by people that Rogers said she picks herself, including Sarah Harris Wallman, who teaches writing at Albertus Magnus College, Timothy Geiger, the author of the poetry collection “Weatherbox,” and Sue Murphy, who is a local artist with over 30 years of experience in the fine arts.
In addition to those judges, Rodgers said the genre editors each get a choice as well for the selections within their own genre.
As for the physical copy of Folio that is usually released, Rogers said it will still be released when campus opens back up and then she hopes to do a small release party.
Jaser said the website was a good way to celebrate everyone’s work, but she would still miss the physical copy of the book.
“I think there’s something special about holding a physical copy of a book in your hand and seeing it, but the fact that it’s online, it’s a second option,” said Jaser, “and that even allows you to see maybe more, a little bit about Folio, see who the editors are.”
The absence of the physical copy of the book Buckridge said was a “bummer” rather than just the weblink since there is so much online activity since everyone is stuck inside.
“I kind of feel like when I put something out into the social media universe it kind of just ends up in a sea of friends of mine who are artists and musicians who are doing concerts from home, all these kinds of things,” said Buckridge.
As a senior, he said he wishes he got to work with Folio more. He said it took a few semesters of warming up to people and being comfortable enough to share his creative writing outside the classroom.
“In a large way, I feel like I’m just getting started,” said Buckridge.
Looking to next semester, Jaser, who started off as a contributor this semester, said she recently discovered she would take on the role of editor-in-chief next for the next academic school year.
“I’m really excited to now represent part of the creative arts scene and community and see how much more we can do with the magazine and keep it alive,” said Jaser, “because I think it’s such a crucial part of the creative arts scene and that’s really what drove me to it.”
