Last year, the student editors of WCC’s literary and art journal chose to change its name from Rain Bird to Pueo, but they made sure the final issue of Rain Bird went out with a bang—actually, three of them.
The judges’ statement from The American Scholastic Press Association said, “Rain Bird is an excellent publication which deserves a First Place with Special Merit Award in the ASPA’s annual magazine competition. Your magazine shows the superior efforts of talented and creative writers, artists, layout/graphic designers, staff members and adviser.”
The ASPA further congratulated Rain Bird for winning Best Literary Works In A Community College Magazine and Most Outstanding Community College Literary Magazine for 2015.
“Our publication is entirely intramural, meaning that we do not consider the inclusion of outside art and writing as do other colleges in the competition, and that makes these awards all the more exceptional,” said Rain Bird adviser Robert Barclay. “Our very talented student artists and writers who contributed to this issue should feel very proud.”
Barclay said that the current staff is working hard to produce the debut issue of Pueo, as well as planning “a spectacular gala-type launch party” in May, which will include the launch of Pueo, the premiere of an “epic” film from WCC’s student film club and the release of Pueo Press’ first book—“a collection of stunning poetry from WCC student Ashley Shankles.”
“Having your own book published is a new option for students taking English 280,” Barclay said.
He invites all students who feel they have a collection of book-length writing or art or both to take the course.
He also said work on the second issue of Pueo has already begun, and entry forms and boxes are located in the library, bookstore and in the lobby of Mānaleo. The entry deadline is October 30, 2016.
The theme for the issue is “Supergalactic,” which is meant to be interpreted broadly.
The entry form states: “Give us your vision of conflict on a distant planet, be it an epic tale of adventure or the journey of an average person traversing the galaxy of their life. Tell us stories that make us want to believe. It doesn’t have to be big or fantastic. Try creating stories that ring true for all lifeforms, human, gnome or reptilian, because in the end, we’re all the same on the inside. Or not!”
“The more work we have to choose from, the better the book,” Barclay said. “So please, please, enter!”
Contact staff at PueoJournal@gmail.com with questions.
By Kyler Sato, Special to Ka ‘Ohana