English Language and Literature Commons^™

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, …

Volume 23 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, titled "Make It New Again", is a standout publication from Spring 2008 (Print: Volume 26, Issue 2; Archived as Volume 23, Issue 1). Unlike most issues of Nebo, this edition carries a thematic title, inspired by Ezra Pound's modernist philosophy of literary renewal. This special focus is evident throughout the selected works, which explore transformation, identity, and the progression of literary movements.

A defining feature of this issue is the preface by editor M.A. Moreno, which introduces the concept of literary millennialism—a proposed …

Volume 22 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2007, continues the tradition of showcasing diverse literary voices in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Originally archived as Volume 22, Issue 2, the print edition is labeled as Volume 26, 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.

A notable highlight of this issue is the striking cover art by Ben Johnson, an Arkansas Tech University student whose bold and evocative imagery captures themes …

Volume 21 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2006, is deeply connected to the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the devastation in New Orleans. The cover, featuring imagery tied to the storm’s aftermath, sets the tone for a collection of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction exploring survival, loss, resilience, and the storms—both literal and metaphorical—of life. Originally archived as Volume 21, Issue 2, the print edition is labeled as Volume 25, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may …

Volume 21 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This special edition of Nebo: A Literary Journal, titled "Goodbye", was written by Ricky Massengale and serves as a deeply personal collection of poetry dedicated to his late friend, Bobby Jackson. Originally signed in 2005 and later published in Spring 2007, this edition exists outside the standard Nebo volume and issue sequence, contributing to later irregularities in the journal’s numbering system.

This collection is a meditative and heartfelt journey through loss, remembrance, and artistic expression, featuring poems that blend grief, nostalgia, and lyrical storytelling. The dedication to Bobby Jackson, who "lived his life …

Volume 20 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This special edition of Nebo: A Literary Journal, titled "The Scent of Yellow", was originally written and signed by Nicholas B. Morris on April 14, 2005, before being published as a special edition in 2006. The issue is a deeply personal and experimental literary collection, blending fiction, poetry, and surrealist narrative techniques. Originally archived as Volume 20, Issue 2, this edition stands apart from traditional Nebo issues, showcasing a singular vision from a renowned Arkansas Tech University alum and past Nebo editor.

This collection is structured into two sections: "Mockingbird Tunes" and …

Volume 20 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Spring 2006, presents a diverse and thought-provoking mix of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, delving into psychological introspection, cultural critique, and experimental literary techniques. Originally archived as Volume 20, Issue 1, the print edition is labeled as Volume 24, 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.

Under the editorial direction of Tommy Bourgeois, this issue features a compelling selection of literary voices …

Volume 19 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

his issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2005, features a compelling mix of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, highlighting themes of social identity, personal transformation, and cultural reflection. Originally archived as Volume 19, Issue 2, the print edition is labeled as Volume 24, 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.

Edited by Rachel Dawn Tallmadge, this issue includes works from emerging and established literary voices, such as …

Volume 18 Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2004, features a diverse mix of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, exploring themes of identity, artistic expression, societal critique, and personal reflection. Originally archived as Volume 18, Issue 2, the print edition is noted as Volume 23, 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.

Edited by Nicholas B. Morris, this issue showcases a compelling selection of creative works. Poetry highlights include …

Volume 7, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal presents a rich and thought-provoking selection of poetry, fiction, essays, and literary reviews, reflecting the breadth and diversity of contemporary literary voices. Originally archived as Volume 7, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 11, Issue 2, covering Fall 1993. 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.

This issue features deeply introspective poetry, with themes ranging from personal history and memory in On Finding My Grandmother’s Letters to the …

Volume 7, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal continues its commitment to showcasing an eclectic mix of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism. Originally archived as Volume 7, Issue 1, this issue is actually Volume 11, Issue 1, covering Spring 1993. 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.

With a focus on experimental storytelling, mythology, historical narratives, and contemporary literary criticism, this issue captures a range of voices from both student contributors and established writers. Highlights include …

Volume 6, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal continues its tradition of publishing a diverse array of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art, offering a platform for both emerging and established writers. Originally archived as Volume 6, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 10, Issue 2, covering Fall 1992. 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.

Featuring an eclectic mix of contemporary poetry, short fiction, and literary essays, this issue captures a broad spectrum of themes, …

Volume 6 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This special edition of Nebo: A Literary Journal, titled "Herstory", is a tribute to the voices of women writers throughout history and across cultures. Originally archived as Volume 6, Issue 1, this issue is actually Volume 10, Issue 1, covering Fall and Spring of the 1991-1992 academic year. 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 print editions.

This issue explores the rich contributions of women in literature, featuring poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translations, and literary criticism. …

Volume 5, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal represents a dynamic collection of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translations, and visual art, showcasing a diverse range of voices from emerging and established writers. Originally archived as Volume 5, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 9, covering Fall and Spring of the 1990-1991 academic year. As part of the ongoing archival process, some volume and issue numbers in the digital collection may not correspond with those printed in the original journals. Despite these variations, the commitment of Nebo to fostering literary excellence and supporting the creative arts remains unwavering. This …

Volume 6, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 6, Issue 2 (Fall 1987), continues its dedication to showcasing a diverse array of literary voices through poetry, fiction, and critical reviews. Although this issue is labeled as Volume 6, Issue 1 within the journal itself, it is officially recognized as Volume 6, Issue 2 in the Nebo archive. Featuring contributions from writers such as John Gery, H.L. Hix, and Katharyn Machan Aal, this issue explores themes of war, memory, identity, and the craft of storytelling. Highlights include poetic reflections on personal and historical trauma, introspective explorations of human relationships, and critical essays on contemporary literary works. …

Volume 6, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 6, Issue 1 (Spring 1987), continues its tradition of showcasing a rich array of literary voices through poetry, fiction, and critical reviews. This issue presents a mix of evocative storytelling and thought-provoking verse, featuring works by authors such as Grace Cash, Jim Finley, and Paul Lake. The selections engage with themes of history, place, love, and existential reflection, capturing both the personal and the universal. With its roots in Arkansas Tech University, Nebo remains a vibrant platform for emerging and established writers, offering a compelling collection of creative expression.

Volume 5, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 5, Issue 1 (Spring 1986), showcases a diverse range of literary works, including poetry, fiction, and critical reviews. This issue features compelling short stories that explore themes of identity, memory, and transformation, while the poetry selections capture moments of personal and collective experience. Highlights include works by Jack Butler, Marian Motley-Carcache, and other contributors, as well as critical reviews of contemporary literary works. Published by Arkansas Tech University, Nebo continues its tradition of providing a platform for emerging and established writers.

History And The Teaching Of Dialect And Slang In Screenwriting, Mitch Olson, Chris C. Palmer

Faculty Articles

This article explores academic and industry perspectives on the use of dialect, slang, and historical language in screenwriting. It offers a chronological overview of major screenwriting manuals’ treatment of dialect and slang (or lack thereof) 1946-2020. It then presents survey data of 53 currently-practicing screenwriters’ views on working with dialect and historical language in scripts, as well as their sense of possible changes in the industry regarding attitudes towards diverse voice representation on the page. It concludes with examples from a teaching sequence that illustrates strategies for writing with dialect, researching it, and ethically considering its usage in scripts. Situating …

When The Tide Comes: A Critical Examination Of The Novel-Screenplay Hybrid With Example Chapters, Morgan F. Taylor Moore

Masters Theses

This thesis presents my research on the psychological realism genre, the stream of consciousness narrative technique, the usage of second person and the present tense, the biblical reasoning behind depicting the ordinary as extraordinary, the role of the demonic in domestic violence, the incorporation of screenplay styles, the scientific reasoning and personal findings of my project’s formatting, the examination of primary sources (novels) that have inspired my project, and finally, the research on ADHD, PTSD, and C-PTSD as the results of domestic abuse. Sample chapters of my project are included.

Anti-Thesis: When Your Worst Moments Become Your Best Work, Abigail Williamson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

My honors capstone project expands the creative work of a major writing assignment in English 3170: Successful Freelance Magazine Writing, which was modeled after Susan Shapiro’s “Humiliation Essay.” Shapiro’s signature assignment encourages students to write about an embarrassing or upsetting moment with the aim to force sincerity and humility. She writes, “It encourages students to shed vanity and pretension and relive an embarrassing moment that makes them look silly, fearful, fragile or naked.” The humiliation essay, she claims, often leads to publication because the conflict of the assignment inspires writers, and the narrator’s self-insight that occurs during the process of …

Creative Writing Pedagogy: Building Curriculum For High School Students, Elizabeth Lengel

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis serves as a rationale for the creative writing pedagogy I use and how it serves my high school creative writing class. As my school district made the decision to overhaul our English curriculum, the English department decided to add Creative Writing as an English class elective.

The work for planning these new classes was spread around the English Department, and I was assigned to design the curriculum for the new Creative Writing class. Designing an entire class from scratch leaves a lot of room for creativity and innovation. However, as excited for this new course as I was, …

The Last Days Of Elder Mitchell, Jack Bylund

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Last Days of Elder Mitchell is a novella following the eponymous Latter-Day Saint missionary as he narrates the miracles performed by his colleague, Elder Gibson, as well as his personal grappling with his queer identity as he serves a high-demand religion that condemns people like him. The narrative explores the intersection of queerness and faith, the form of the novella, and the healing nature of autobiographical fiction.

Imaginary Margins: Disability Poetics & Reinventing The Page, Audrey T. Heffers

Graduate Publications – English

Disability poetics resist marginalisation by centralising disabled words and experiences, both literally and figuratively. In a world that prioritises ability, disabled bodyminds are marked as deviant from norms and conventions. Disabled poets have the opportunity to resist the normalised ‘body’ of the poem on the page. Conventions, rules, and norms can shape poetry – not just rhyme and metre, but line breaks, line arrangements, and limiting poems to the written linguistic mode. Disability poetics can include techniques such as poems written sideways, prose poems, and multimodally-composed texts, as explored in Tonguebreaker by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Wound from the Mouth of …

Honeysuckles & Irises: Effigies Of The Land, Ami` L. Hanna-Huff

English Creative Writing Theses

Here is a memoir of my paternal line through the lens of my Great-Grandmother and myself. A reclamation of the land I hail from and a connection to a history previously felt distant, this examination of race and gender explicitly focused on the African American Southern female experience; I try to make sense of the juxtaposing positions in our lives. The culture built from its creation through Tennessee personified. Here, I integrate history and theory with lyrics and prose to experience the eighty-one years of progress brought between our births and the lingering anxiety of slavery. My great-grandmother, Hazel Irene …

Empires Rise: An Approach To Worldbuilding In Modern Fantasy Fiction, Anthony John Rudd

Masters Theses

Worldbuilding is a critical element to storytelling and involves much more than creating a setting for a narrative – it serves to establish a credible foundation on which authors give life to their creation. There are many great authors who have mastered the art of worldbuilding and their creations can serve as a primer for aspiring authors. This thesis explores critical elements of worldbuilding, provides examples from notable fantasy and science fiction authors such as Tolkien, Jordan, King, and others and explores my approach to incorporating those elements into my own writing.

Turning Heartache Into Hope: How Fantasy Reveals Spiritual Truth About Sin, Suffering, And Redemption, Sophia Raffaelle Bricker

Masters Theses

This paper examines the problem of evil and suffering through the literary genre of fantasy. Seminal texts written by Christians in this genre present the problem of sin and death through themes and representative characters but also tempers the reality of suffering with the presence of Christ figures, who bring redemption to the characters and story world through an act of sacrifice. Following the examples of these seminal fantasies and building on my personal experience of loss, I approach the problem of sin and suffering in excerpts from my novel in progress, The Mountain Pass Keeper, by presenting an older …

Teaching Empathy For Others Through Young Adult Literature, Madison Boeckman

Honors Projects

Literature can let a reader grow in empathy by learning about a character’s experiences and cultures. Teaching literature with diverse characters to young people can help combat bias and hatred towards people who are perceived as different.

This project uses Rudine Sims Bishop’s metaphor of mirrors, windows, and doors, Gloria Ladson Billings’ Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and Gholdy Muhammad’s Culturally Responsive Pedagogy as foundation for creating activities for diverse literature. These activities are for the texts Ms. Marvel: No Normal, The Poet X, and The Marrow Thieves, all texts that are academically enriching with diverse characters that would …

Forgotten Names And Unmarked Graves: A Collection Of Poems By A Nursing Major, Taylor Howse

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

These poetry pieces are a collection of works from my undergraduate experience as an English minor. "The Sheep in a Wolf's Skin" is a fairytale retelling with a twist. It is a dramatic monologue from the perspective of a villain, who hopefully will make you rethink your favorite childhood stories. "The Forgotten Cinderellas" is a free verse poem written as a twist from a favorite fairytale happily ever after. Finally, "Forgotten Names and Unmarked Graves" is a free verse poem written as a tribute for all the forgotten names that are not taught in history. For Samson Occom and William …

Yes, Baby: Essays, Amy Gault

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This creative thesis includes thirteen flash nonfiction pieces and one fiction short story exploring emotions and experiences that have changed who I am today. These writings are personal experiences or are inspired by personal experience. These creative works interrogate deeply transformative events and situations, such as familial relationships, trauma, poverty, living in the Midwest, patriarchy, and the beauty in existing. In the thesis’s critical introduction, I examine how my flash nonfiction pieces employ Milan Kundera’s theory of the appeal of play and Charles Baxter’s concept defamiliarization. I analyze how the succinct form of the flash essay allows my nonfiction writing …