The staff of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s literary journal is celebrating the publication of its latest issue with an official “Upcountry” Reading and Launch Party at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, in the Normal Hall Faculty Lounge.
This very special winter 2014 issue includes a bountiful selection of written and visual works from both campus and community members — some of them returning contributors and others who are new writers to the journal’s pages. This issue had two student editors: Jessica Edney and Kayla Ames. Ames and the journal’s advisor, Dr. Melissa Crowe, will be on hand for the event along with several of the 15 contributors in this issue.
During the launch party, contributors will read from their work, paper copies of the issue will be available and refreshments will be provided. As a special addition to this year’s launch party, Dr. Crowe will read some of the poems from her latest chapbook, “Girl, Giant.” The reading and launch party is free and open to the public.
“Both my own work in ‘Girl, Giant’ and so many of the poems, stories, essays and visual images in each issue of ‘Upcountry’ take their inspiration from the landscape, people and culture of Aroostook County. That’s a large part of why we’re so excited to share that work with members of the community, especially in person,” Crowe said.
Dedicated to showcasing poems, short stories, personal essays and visual art from the campus community, “Upcountry” is a publication of the university’s English program. Presented both in print and in an interactive, online format, the literary journal is published twice yearly.
The winter 2014 issue includes the work of 15 writers, poets, photographers and artists. Works range from Ian Convey’s poems “Water Street” and “To the Lighthouse” and Chris Morton’s essay “Destiny, Damp-Dry and Learning to Try,” to Alice Bolstridge’s story “Feeding the Animals” and Richard Zuras’ poem “Students at a Poetry Reading.” Carolyn Anderson’s photograph “Farm Fuel” graces the cover.
In keeping with literary journal tradition, the “Upcountry” staff is hosting the launch party to give contributors and the wider community a chance to share the work in person and take home a hard copy of the latest issue.
“We hope readers will come out, get a copy of the issue they can carry around with them and support the writers and artists whose creativity we’re so proud to showcase,” Crowe said.
To view the latest issue of “Upcountry” in its interactive format, visit http://upcountryjournal.wordpress.com/ and click on the “expand” button. For more information about “Upcountry” and the launch party, email Dr. Crowe at upcountry@maine.edu.
