Jump to Footer

SUNY Plattsburgh Faculty Members Start up Literary Journal

PLATTSBURGH, NY __ Four local writers and an artist at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh have teamed up to give birth to the Saranac Review , a new literary journal with an international focus.

Including work from established writers from across America and Canada, the journal will debut with a launch party on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the College Store. This event is open to all, and refreshments will be served.

Involved in the project are Linda Young, assistant professor of English and editor of the new journal; Jose Torres-Padilla, associate professor of English and managing editor; David Powell, assistant professor of art and arts director; Michael Carrino, adjunct lecturer of English and poetry editor; and David Kovacs, adjunct lecturer of English and fiction editor.

"Our focus is to dissolve boundaries between literary communities, to be a textual clearing in which cross-pollination between American and Canadian communities can take place," said Young. "We literally aim to be a 'cluster of stars,' representing writing so strong and diverse that it shines expansively. At the same time, we endeavor to enrich the local literary and artistic communities."

Named after the Saranac River, the magazine uses "cluster of stars" as its motto since the Iroquois used that name to describe the beauty and grace of the river.

In its mission statement, the Saranac Review endeavors to "dissolve boundaries of all kinds, seeking to publish a diverse array of emerging and established writers from Canada and the United States." 

The first issue will be available for sale in Montreal, New York and Vermont by subscription and via local readings, which will be ongoing all year.

Issue number one includes several writings from emerging and established writers from Canada and America. Donald Revell, Tony Medina, Amy Gerstler, Jay Parini, E. Ethelbert Miller, Wesley Brown, Honoree Jeffers and many others will appear in the magazine. In addition, many emerging writers will appear as well as Canadian poets and fiction writers.

"Our mission sets us apart from competitors and provides us with a strong sense of purpose," said Young. "We hope that this is the beginning of a long editorial run."

In addition, the magazine serves to educate SUNY Plattsburgh students as it offers publishing and graphics art internships. To date, six interns and one volunteer have gained valuable editorial experience from the project.

For more information, contact Linda Young, 528-562-1275.

--30--

Back to top