by
Public Relations and Marketing | Published Mar 28, 2019
The literary arts are thriving at the College of Lake County, and to celebrate the writing and artistic talents represented in CLC’s two award-winning annual literary publications, “Willow Review” and “Prairie Voices,” readings will take place April 11 and 25.
Both events are free and open to the public and will be held at the Grayslake Campus. Copies of the new literary magazines will be available for sale at the readings or Lancer Book Stop stores.
On Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in Room A013, the “Willow Review” literary magazine will hold a reading and reception in Room A013. Contributors to the award-winning publication will read from their original poetry and prose. Of the 23 writers published this year, its 46th edition, the “Willow Review” editors selected six for $100 cash awards. They included three for poetry (Beth Kress, Maria Terrone and John Sibley Williams), two for fiction (Bob Boone, Hudson Saffell) and one for non-fiction (Larry Starzec).
Boone, this year’s featured author, has written four textbooks and has co-authored three creative writing books. He also wrote two collections of short fiction, “Forest High” and “Back 
to Forest High.” Additionally, Boone has authored a memoir (“Inside Job: A Life of Teaching”) and a sports biography (“Hack: The Meteoric Life of One of Baseball’s First Superstars: Hack Wilson”). In 1991, he founded Young Chicago Authors to offer opportunities for young creative writers from the city. Currently, the Glencoe resident teaches English at several schools.
Photo (from left): CLC professors Michael Latza (English), Nicholas Schevera, Ph.D. (English) and Robert Lossmann (art).
The “Willow Review” is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and its editor is Michael Latza, CLC English professor. Reviewer D.E. Steward of “Literary Magazine Review” has praised “Willow Review” as “altogether a singular magazine, unlike any literary magazine in the reviewer’s experience.”
From 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 25 in Room A013, “Prairie Voices,” CLC’s student literary/art journal, will host a reading and reception honoring students whose work was published. The 2019 issue has short stories, essays and poems from 27 writers and visual art by 28 students.
“Many of these students are published for the very first time and have chosen thought-provoking themes to explore,” said Dr. Nicholas Schevera, CLC English professor and editor.
Themes in the 104-page journal include modern updates of Greek myths; fond memories of favorite childhood books; a grandfather tribute; and a call for happier and healthier lifestyles. The 2018 edition of “Prairie Voices” won first place (central division) in the Community College Humanities Association Annual Literary Magazine Contest. It also won first place in 2016 and 2014. Robert Lossmann, CLC art professor, is the art editor of the publication, designed by Elaine Lazarus, CLC graphic designer.
For more information, call the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division at (847) 543-2040.
Interested in college-level courses in English, business, liberal arts or sciences? Registration is now open for Summer Session, which offers two start dates: May 21 and June 10; and for Fall Semester, which begins Aug. 19. To view course offerings and learn how to become a CLC student, visit www.clcillinois.edu/summer or www.clcillinois.edu/fall.
About College of Lake County:
College of Lake County is an innovative community college in Lake County, Ill. that transforms lives with its variety of accessible, quality education options. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, College of Lake County provides affordable options in a state-of-the-art setting close to home. A large student network, with small class sizes, provides advantages to our students on a career-related program or a path toward a transfer degree. We’re proud to serve the diverse needs of our community and student body. Connect to your future today at College of Lake County.