Prize-winning magazine seeks submissions

Writers and artists have a unique outlet to display their talents through the University of Houston-Clear Lake's literary arts magazine, Bayousphere.  This prized publication is produced by students at UH-Clear Lake and the public is invited to be a part of it by submitting their original work to be published in the periodical. The deadline for the spring edition will be Sept. 27.

Students enrolled in a magazine publication course at UH-Clear Lake produce the literary arts magazine as part of their course curriculum.  They assume the various roles of staff on the magazine, including editor, designer and public relations coordinator.  UH-Clear Lake Manager of Student Publications and Lecturer in Communications Taleen Washington oversees the class.

“Bayousphere has been around since 1976,” said Washington.  “Originally, it was published by students who received class credit for producing the magazine as an independent study.  I have been the faculty adviser for Student Publications for the past six years.

“We owe much of the credit of the success of Bayousphere to Professor of Literature John Gorman, since this publication was his brain child. He still serves as our ‘spiritual adviser.’”

Bayousphere accepts submissions from individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the areas of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art, photography and multimedia.  Each entry is blind reviewed by the editorial staff and a certificate of merit is awarded to the highest-scoring work in each category.

Produced twice a year, the magazine staff holds a special presentation for each of the issues in the fall and spring semesters. Submissions for the fall edition will be accepted until Jan. 15.  

“We are an award-winning publication,” added Washington. “We win multiple awards every year in both state and national collegiate competitions, thanks to the talent of our contributors and the hard work of the dedicated student staff.”

For more information and submission details for Bayousphere, visit http://www.uhcl.edu/bayousphere or call 281-283-2570.