Creative Writing Commons^™

Feral And Free: The Queering Of Motherhood In Rachel Yoder’S Nightbitch, Cassandra Haskell

Master's Theses

This thesis explores motherhood from a perspective that seeks to inform and challenge the patriarchal definitions of motherhood in order to simultaneously confront its restrictions and create new meanings from its institutionalized definition. The main text that this thesis analyzes is the 2021 novel Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder, as well as the 2024 film of the same name, critiquing how it successfully queers motherhood by questioning, challenging, and defying the impractical expectations placed upon mothers by society. Some secondary scholars whose works that I utilize to support my argument are authors such as Audre Lorde, Jessica Calarco, Adrienne Rich and …

“More Than What [They] Made Us To Be”: From Passing To Perception In Victorian And Modern Vampire Media, Lauren Sieberg

English (MA) Theses

Throughout Victorian Gothic horror fiction, vampires function as deviant figures, maneuvering within social confines of passing until their status quo-threatening identity is exposed. Of the popular vampires from this period, most gradually fail to maintain status as social insiders—as demonstrated with Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula or Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla, who possess the temporary capacity to pass until their hidden monstrosity is revealed over time. Even if Gothic monsters are confined to a limited space and time far from society, this is still not enough; in accordance with the Victorian culture of morality policing by dominant groups, the vampiric Other …

Double, Double, Toils And Troubles: Analyzing The “Magical” Relationships Between University Leaders’ Personality Traits And Their Self-Efficacy In Leadership Situations, Fay Ludvine Boudreaux

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This present study investigated the relationship between higher education leaders’ personality traits and their self-efficacy in leadership situations. A total of 151 leaders employed across the nine institutions within the University of Louisiana System completed a survey that prompted them to identify their personal values, traits, and skill sets, as derived from the online Pottermore quiz, the official Harry Potter Hogwarts House sorting instrument. This niche personality metric was chosen to cater to higher education’s evolving landscape, as it welcomes an influx of Millennials into leadership positions. Participants’ responses were eventually recoded to “sort” them into their respective Houses: Gryffindor, …

Oaxaca Stories Along The Way, James E. Gaasch

Trade & Scholarly Monographs

View the world of a local photographer... a market vendor... a painter... an academic... all through the eyes of an author who has fallen in love. This is not the simple infatuation of fairy tales, but the real love that comes from appreciating the whole. It comes from the beauty of a city and the hearts of its populace...

Pathos, Spring 2025, Portland State University. Student Publications Board

Pathos

Editor: Adriana Stanzione

Exophonic Literature: Why And How Authors Write In A Second Language, Jonathan M. Bost

Senior Honors Theses

Milan Kundera, Julio Cortázar, Joseph Conrad, Rigoberta Menchú, and James Joyce are just some of the multitudinous authors who wrote in languages that are not their mother tongue. This phenomenon is called “exophony,” and it is more common than many would expect. There are various reasons why authors write exophonic literature: James Joyce wrote to a friend that he was at the end of English (1957), and Menchú’s editor Elizabeth Burgos-Debray claims Menchú wrote in Spanish to use the language of her oppressors against them. This thesis will investigate case studies of various exophonic authors, relate advice such authors have …

Volume 36 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Fall 2023 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 45, Issue 1) marks a significant moment in the journal’s history—it is the first full semester back on campus without interruption since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. This issue symbolizes a fresh beginning, a renewed appreciation for storytelling, and a commitment to fostering creativity in a post-pandemic world. Centered around the theme "The Power of the Painted Word," this edition embraces literature as both an art form and a force of expression. Featuring poetry, fiction, and essays from a dynamic selection of voices, this edition highlights resilience, artistic rebirth, and the …

Volume 36 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Spring 2023 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 36, Issue 1) embodies the theme "Glimmer in the Gloom", capturing a balance between darkness and hope through poetry, fiction, and essays. The editorial team, led by Alexis Calhoun, curated a collection that explores resilience, personal transformation, and the search for meaning in difficult times. With deeply introspective pieces and a strong emphasis on the power of storytelling, this issue invites readers to find light even in challenging moments. The diverse contributors offer perspectives on personal struggles, self-discovery, and the beauty of human connection, making this edition both timely …

Volume 35 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Fall 2022 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 43, Issue 1) is a powerful testament to the journal’s ongoing mission to uplift diverse voices and perspectives. Under the editorial leadership of Kai Beck, this edition prioritizes the inclusion of underrepresented communities, featuring works from LGBTQ+ writers, first-generation immigrants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans. Through poetry, fiction, and essays, contributors explore themes of identity, personal growth, and societal change. Each piece in this issue reflects a commitment to storytelling as a tool for understanding and transformation. The result is a deeply resonant collection that invites readers into a wide array …

Volume 34 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Spring 2021 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 40, Issue 2) showcases an eclectic mix of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, emphasizing a broad spectrum of literary voices and styles. Under the editorship of Camden Burris, this issue strives for inclusivity, featuring works that explore identity, artistic exploration, and resilience. Themes of self-discovery, human connection, and transformation emerge across the collection, offering readers a compelling and varied literary experience. Through vivid storytelling and poetic introspection, the issue embodies the journal’s commitment to contemporary literature while embracing both traditional and experimental narratives.

Volume 34 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Fall 2020 issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal (Volume 39, Issue 1) emerges from a period of immense global and national upheaval. Featuring poetry, fiction, and essays from a diverse range of contributors, this issue reflects on themes of change, resilience, and the human experience during a historic year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice movements, and political uncertainty. Some works directly engage with these events, offering personal insights from inside the prison system, reflections on racial injustice, and meditations on isolation and connection. Others explore universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, reinforcing the …

Volume 33 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2020, is a speculative-themed edition, exploring science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary surrealism. The issue, archived as Volume 33, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 38, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Chad Hall, in his editorial preface, discusses the meaning of "speculative" in literature—how it allows for imaginative world-building and boundary-pushing creativity …

Volume 33 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2019, presents a diverse selection of poetry and fiction, focusing on identity, artistic expression, and the transformative power of storytelling. The issue, archived as Volume 33, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 38, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Sydney Austin, in her editorial preface, reflects on the idea of literature as art rather …

Volume 32 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2019, presents a diverse selection of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, unified by the theme “Untold Stories.” The issue, archived as Volume 32, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 37, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Alex Farrier, in their editorial preface, reflects on their personal connection with Nebo, describing how their journey from student …

Volume 32 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2018, explores the theme of "Time and Space," a concept that editor Miranda Holman selected to highlight the interconnectedness of literature and lived experience. Through poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, the issue delves into how writers capture fleeting moments, explore the boundaries of time, and demand space for self-expression.

The issue, archived as Volume 32, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 37, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the …

Volume 31 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2018, is particularly notable for an unusual numbering error—while the print version is Volume 36, Issue 2, the cover mistakenly reads "Volume 36, Number 32". This discrepancy further underscores the complexities of archiving Nebo's historical record, a challenge addressed throughout this archival project.

Editor Rebekah Lawler, in her farewell editorial preface, reflects on her three years at Arkansas Tech University, emphasizing the transformative power of literature and the unifying themes of nature and human nature. The issue’s theme, nature …

Volume 31 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2017, presents a thought-provoking collection of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction that examines themes of multicultural identity, artistic expression, and societal "isms"—prejudices, ideologies, and cultural perceptions that shape human interactions. The issue, archived as Volume 31, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 36, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor John ToShawn Jarrett, in his editorial preface …

Volume 30 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2016, showcases a diverse collection of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, highlighting themes of identity, memory, and artistic expression. The issue, archived as Volume 30, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 35, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Qassye M. Hall, in her editorial preface, reflects on the responsibilities of leading a literary journal …

Volume 30 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2016, presents an eclectic mix of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and visual art, showcasing both emerging and established voices. The issue, archived as Volume 30, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 34, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Qassye Marie Hall, in her editorial preface, reflects on the challenges and rewards of editing Nebo, …

Volume 29 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2015, presents a rich tapestry of poetry and fiction, reflecting on themes of identity, human experience, and artistic expression. The issue, archived as Volume 29, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 34, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Ryan Smith, in his editorial preface, describes his experience as a fledgling academic and writer, …

Volume 29 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2015, showcases a diverse collection of poetry and fiction that explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the transformation of human experience. The issue, archived as Volume 29, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 33, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Editor Winston Wright, in his farewell editorial preface, reflects on his journey as a writer and …

Volume 28 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2014, is a diverse collection of poetry, short fiction, book reviews, and literary interviews, reflecting on the power of language, memory, and personal identity. The issue, archived as Volume 28, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 33, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

In her editorial preface, Brittany Pickens, the editor of this issue, reflects on …

Volume 28 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2013, explores the interplay between literature and music, featuring poetry and fiction that reflect the rhythmic nature of storytelling and the influence of sound in writing. The issue, archived as Volume 28, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 32, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

In her editorial preface, Allissa Hertz, serving in her first and …

Volume 27 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2013, marks a transition in editorial leadership, with James Ritchie reflecting on his tenure as editor in his farewell preface. The issue, archived as Volume 27, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 31, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

The editorial preface by James Ritchie is a meditation on what it means to be human, emphasizing that …

Volume 27 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2012, is a special speculative fiction issue dedicated to the memory of Ray Bradbury, Harry Harrison, and Neil Armstrong, three figures who profoundly shaped humanity’s vision of the future. The issue, archived as Volume 27, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 31, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

In his editorial preface, James Ritchie explores the literary significance …

Volume 26 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2012, features a collection of poetry that bridges the past and present, offering reflections on history, memory, and personal transformation. The issue, archived as Volume 26, Issue 2, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 30, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

The editorial preface by James Ritchie emphasizes the importance of historical consciousness in literature, aligning with T.S. …

Volume 26 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2011, highlights the talent of student writers from Arkansas Tech University and beyond, juxtaposing their work with experienced, published authors to explore the growth of literary craft. The issue is archived as Volume 26, Issue 1, while the print edition is labeled Volume 29, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

The editorial preface by Katherine Williams explores the elusive nature …

Volume 25 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2010, is uniquely themed "Au Cinema", exploring the experience of film, the allure of Hollywood, and the ways in which movies shape our culture and identities. The issue is archived as Volume 25, Issue 2, while the print edition is labeled Volume 29, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

The editorial preface by Katherine Williams reflects on her own experiences …

Volume 25 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2010, is a reflection of editor Brooke Hobby’s vision for engaging, contemporary literature. The issue, archived as Volume 25, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 28, Issue 2. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

In her editor’s note, Hobby expresses her desire to move away from the "great literature" of the past and focus on the stories and poetry …

Volume 24 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2009, is uniquely titled "Readerwriteritis: A (Mostly) Speculative Fiction Issue", highlighting its strong emphasis on speculative storytelling and literary experimentation. The issue is archived as Volume 24, Issue 2, while the print edition is labeled Volume 28, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

The preface by editor Benjamin David Lee Johnson reflects on the therapeutic power of creative writing, …