English Language and Literature Commons^™

Engl 426: Editing And Production Workshop (Syllabus), Lytton Smith Ph.D.

School of Arts & Sciences

This syllabus was developed by SUNY Geneseo Professor Lytton Smith for the fall 2026 semester.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of editing practices, including manuscript review and selection, and correspondence with contributors.
2. Students will show proficiency at a variety of practical aspects of publishing such as copyediting, proofreading, layout, creating advertising, and soliciting work from SUNY writers and artists.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of contemporary literary journals.
4. Students will show ability to work collaboratively.

Ruby's, Clarissa Sigale

English Honors Projects

Ruby's is a realistic fiction novel that follows the complex lives and relationships between a group of small town Nevada sex workers.

The first five chapters follow a unique cast of characters. Digo, who has given up on his dreams of being an artist and is terrified of honest emotional conversation, falls into a messy relationship with Samir, a disabled drag queen who wears his heart on his sleeve. Meanwhile, Faun grapples with the news of her abusive mother's death as well as her relationship with her still-alive father.

Yarrow is the perfect place for messy people in a messy …

"Staged” Discussion (Activity), Lytton Smith Ph.D.

School of Arts & Sciences

This activity was developed by SUNY Geneseo Professor Lytton Smith during the spring 2026 semester.

Learning Objectives

• To help students identify their own ‘default’ or habitual behaviors in teamwork settings
• To help students name and value alternative behaviors they will try out in future teamwork settings.
• To disrupt establish power dynamics within the classroom in order to allow different voices and learning styles to emerge as contributors in the second half of a semester (when patterns can have become ingrained: the same voices start the conversation each discussion, etc.)

Voice And Student Engagement With Writing: Integrating Perspective, Personality, And Style, Sara S. Martin

English Dissertations

The rise of generative AI has many teachers worried about the future of writing classes and students’ desire to learn. However, instructors can motivate students to write by valuing what AI can never replace: their voices. Previous definitions of voice took the concept for granted and left it either vague or reductive, unhelpful for structured lessons. I propose a new, more teachable definition of voice as perspective, personality, and style. Perspective takes priority because it belongs solely to the individual and the unrepeatable moment of composition. Personality infuses passages with emotion, forming a bond between author and reader. Style, the …

Rabbits On Water, Harley Shiner

Honors Program Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Writing Loss, Culture And Change: Deindustrialisation And Community Writers’ Groups In Glasgow, Kate Wilson

Studies in Scottish Literature

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Creative Writing Techniques In First-Year Composition, Brett Moss

Student Theses and Dissertations

One common issue found in first-year composition courses is a lack of emphasis on creative style and writing about writing (WAW) concerns. This thesis is concerned primarily with explaining how creative writing skills can benefit students in first-year composition courses, as well as advocating for more WAW ideas. I argue that by allowing students the chance to write with a more creative mindset in an environment which consciously considers writing as a skill, not just in the English department but across disciplines, a greater understanding of the importance of writing can be gained, along with more transfer skills.

Apotheosis, Cameron Eric Simmermon

Student Theses and Dissertations

Occult Detective Fiction (ODF) follows the standard procedures and practices of Detective fiction but throws in the supernatural elements: monsters, aliens, ghosts, and so forth. I dive into the history that led to the development of ODF, along with all the great authors who contributed to it. These greats were the likes of H. P. Lovecraft, Blackwood, Hodgson, and Quinn. Discussing these authors and their participation in ODF gives context to the novella and the choices that led to its development. From Voltaire’s impact on occultism to Poe’s invention of the detective novel, Apotheosis is heavily influenced by the greats …

A Crisis Of Craft: Creative Writing In The American University, Brenna E. Derbish

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this essay, I aim to analyze the changing nature of the Creative Writing MFA through the lens of the American culture that shaped it. In the 1930s, creative writing in American universities began to take shape, citing itself as a way to reform the philological study of literature into a more active field, a way for the common person to learn through creativity and self-expression. However, as the number of MFA programs in the nation continued to rise, admittance became increasingly selective, with many universities accepting only between 5 and 10% of their applicants. This increase in exclusivity, coupled …

2025 Persimmon Creek - Full Journal, Beth Keefauver, Wayne C. Robbins

Persimmon Creek

Persimmon Creek runs through the Susan B. Jacobs Arboretum, an oasis of nature in the center of our dynamic and thriving campus community at the University of South Carolina Upstate. My colleague Wayne Robbins and I were recently tasked with bringing back the student-edited literary journal formerly known as Writer’s Inc. Dr. Marilyn Knight stood at the helm of Writer’s Inc. for nearly twenty years, and when she retired, the journal left with her. We thought it would be an opportune time to pay homage to the legacy of Writer’s Inc. by renaming and reimagining our home department’s literary journal. …

A Slight Pinch, Carling Mcquinn

English Honors Projects

This project is a short story collection featuring four independent stories that each explore what it means to embrace the chaotic independence of adulthood and to confront, often for the first time, an inescapable sense of self-awareness. The first story, “Ghost Town,” follows a 19-year-old ghost confined to the Airbnb where she died, forced to face the self-destructive behavior that led to her death. Next, “Camilla” depicts the volatile friendship of college student Lexi and her best friend Camilla as it forms, shifts, and inevitably implodes as the years pass. The third piece, “A Slight Pinch,” explores the complexities of …

The Castle Is Still Here, And Yes, It's Still Scary: Reconstructing The Gothic Through Contemporary Short Story, Alyssa Kilroy

Undergraduate Theses

Since Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto published in 1764, the literary Gothic has grown and spread to include a multitude of subgenres in a variety of formats. Gothic literature has served as both a product and a showcase of its contextual influences, providing a deeper look at humanity's deepest flaws, fears, and passions that shape our societies. While the Gothic's historically fluid identity allows Frankenstein to exist in a literary realm alongside Wuthering Heights, something consistent in its core continues to appeal to modern audiences and remains relevant in contemporary literature and other media. This project offers a …

Just A Memory, Shakila Arab

FUSION

This poem is a response to “I Felt a Funeral, in My Brain” by Emily Dickinson. It was written for a World Literature class using the following prompt:

You will imitate at least five elements of an original text we read this semester. Following your imitation, you will write a paragraph describing the five elements you imitated and how your imitation exemplifies the literary movement of the piece you are imitating.

The Tributary, Vol. Xxiii Spring 2025, A-State Department Of English And Philosophy

The Tributary

The Tributary is an annual publication of the Arkansas State University Tributary Publication Society. For more information about our student literary magazine, please contact the Department of English and Philosophy at 870.972.3043, Dr. Kerri Bennett at 870. 972. 2630, or email us at [email protected].

Infestations Stored In A Jam Jar, Cara Young

English Senior Capstone

Infestations Stored in a Jam Jar is a collection of fiction and poetry that delves into the inner mind of characters using a variety of genres. The collection creates a scrapbook of pieces, forming a textured exploration of the human experience through subgenres like persona poetry and flash fiction. Each piece approaches themes of fear, time, the artistic mind, and forgotten memories under varying lights of horror, dystopia, and reminiscence. The title is from the newest and last piece of the collection, “Somewhere in a Spider Neighborhood,” referring to the buried memories and thoughts that are lost to time and …

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 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 …