By Cherise Forno
Students have until Jan. 27 to submit pieces of literary and
artistic work for the opportunity to be published in Harvest
International.
The English and Foreign Language Department at Cal Poly has
published Harvest International, a nationally distributed
anthology, for 30 years.
This year’s edition features writers from across the globe and
interviews and song lyrics from well-known musical bands such as My
Chemical Romance, The Fray and AFI.
“The goal of this journal is to unite the school and connect it
to the global community,” said Megan Carey, editor-in-chief of
Harvest International.
Anyone aspiring to be published can submit artwork, poetry, song
lyrics, personal and analytical essays, drama and short-fiction.
These submissions should address topics such as work, culture,
gender issues, politics, learning disabilities and personal
experiences.
Submissions are welcome from people of all ages, including those
who do not attend Cal Poly Pomona.
Submissions are also eligible for several awards and cash
prices. The Steve Whaley Poetry Prize, with a value of $200, is
awarded each year “to the U.S. contributor whose poetry most
eloquently expresses the human condition while promoting greater
awareness of human interrelatedness,” according to the Harvest
International Web site.
Another $200 prize, The Other Voices Poetry Prize, is awarded by
poet Roger Humes, director of The Other Voices International
Project and the International Editor for Harvest International, to
a contributor outside the continental United States whose poetry
also captures the human condition and closeness of humanity.
Harvest International includes entries from amateurs and
professionals alike from around the globe.
“It’s such a great opportunity for students to get their work
recognized and published with professionals,” said Carey.
Award winning Iranian poet and human activist, Sheema Kalbasi,
is a contributor to the publication.
Kalbasi has worked for the United Nations and served as director
of Dialogue of Nations through Poetry in Translation and Poetry of
Iranian Women Project. She has also authored two collections of
poems, including “Echoes in Exile.” Kalbasi’s work, which has been
translated into several languages, has appeared in magazines,
literary reviews and anthologies.
“She is one of the few literary figures to promote poets of
Iranian heritage as well as international poets to an English
speaking audience,” said Professor Gill-Mayberry, faculty advisor
of the Harvest International. “Kalbasi’s work is distinguished by
her passionate defense of the ethnic and religious minorities’
rights.”
This year’s journal will include submissions from other famous
writers from various countries such as Zimbabwe, Ireland and
Albania, said Humes.
“British poet Mario Petrucci, has sent some excellent work that
is a homage to American poets such as Creeley, Olson and Levertoy,
who have influenced his work,” said Humes.
Forough Farrokhazad, a modern Iranian feminist poet, will also
contribute to the book with the help of translator Sholeh Wolpe.
Naanaam, Peyman Vahabzadeh and Leila Farjami, who are prominent
Iranian poets, have also made submissions, said Humes.
If someone does not have a piece to contribute, there are other
ways to be involved with Harvest International.
“We are still looking for editors of the book, and we need a
layout editor as well,” said Carey. “It’s a great opportunity to
get experience and build a strong resume.”
Carey wants everyone to get involved in the publication in order
to unite Cal Poly Pomona students, other college students in the
country and people around the world.
“I really want this book to be a part of campus and be something
that the entire student population contributes to, not just English
majors,” said Carey.
“I want the culture groups, the Women’s center, the Stop the
Violence Center, fraternities and sororities, everyone who can
showcase their experiences from college life from the perspective
of their organization to have a voice in this publication,” said
Carey.
Cherise Forno can be reached by e-mail at copy@thepolypost.com
or by phone at (909) 869-4359.
Show Comments (0)