In thinking about the previous launches I’ve attended, this year’s function was definitely a glow up. It included an abundant (free!) spread of sandwiches, fruit, sushi, cookies, and even a drink bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Located in Building K with plenty of space to mingle, it was a refreshing change compared to the tiny rooms of previous years. There was much to be impressed with.
The evening was guided by a comfortable, loosely-structured schedule that encouraged supporters to indulge in the food and drinks. Introductions were made for editorial board members, Kelsey Robson, Cassie Williams, Xavier Ibraheem, and Jorja Johns, before they discussed the making of the issue. Following that, a number of readers braved the stage to share their work aloud. In a heartwarming moment, Lydia Gunnink read her piece “Trying to Sing Psalm 84,” followed by her boyfriend Gavin Thomas’ piece titled “Not Karaoke” which he had written about her.
An intermission followed, allowing time for light chatter and refills, but also a chance for guests to view the art pieces on display. There was also the opportunity to sign one of the cover posters — a new feature to the launch as part of the recognition of Professor Emeritus John Carroll’s work with the magazine, celebrating his retirement and his last issue as their faculty advisor. The evening rounded out with the final four readings and a congratulations to everyone involved, as well as a warm welcome to Professor Rob Taylor, the new advisor to head the production of Louden Singletree.
The work featured in their 17th issue explored a variety of themes and topics such as the passing of time, memories of someone, identity, and trauma. The visual art was just as amazing as the written work including the exceptionally creative cover painted by MSAMI, titled “LONG.LIVE.$ELF.”
The Cascade took the opportunity to interview some speakers and hear their thoughts first hand after the end-of-launch mingling started and the nerves had settled.
Caitlyn Harding had three pieces accepted this year: “If a Tree Falls,” “Mulberry Tree,” and “Gaelic Girls.” The first was a short poem, the second a longer poem inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “The Mulberry Tree,” and the third a short story.
“Being accepted once would have been cool, but the fact that all three of [my pieces] were was just really awesome. And I’m really grateful to be in this issue and be a further part of the community of Louden Singletree.”
Harding also reflected on the success of the launch event compared to previous years, expressing appreciation for the community
“I went to last year’s event as well, and we had a pretty good turnout last year, but I felt like there were even more people this year, which is just great, because it shows that the magazine is slowly gaining more people and followers. [It’s] really great to see that people in the community are participating with this magazine.”
Bryanne Lane read her piece “Creating Culture” which was a short, two page story prefaced and inspired by a quote from Resmaa Menakem’s book, “My Grandmother’s Hands” in a chapter of the same name.
“I feel refreshed. It’s always really exciting to share your work with an audience and to see how people actually receive it. With a lot of creative writing work, because it’s all written, it feels like you send it away and then never see it again. That’s why I love events like this, where you get to actually share it with people and talk to people about it.”
Kelsey Robson, Louden Singletree’s project manager, shared her perspective on the event, as well as a message to aspiring writers who have something to share.
“The turnout this year was amazing, and we have our launch party managers to thank for that. We did a lot of promoting, and [it] was better than we could [have hoped] for. It was beautiful.”
When asked how Louden Singletree can help a person looking to get their foot in the publishing door, Robson had insight to share.
“This is a really amazing opportunity for someone to get into the publishing process if you haven’t had anything published before. I’ve had professors say that the university is the first time they’ve had something published … even if you don’t get something submitted [the first time], try again [the] next year. The pieces were all so good [and] it’s not an easy decision.”
Copies of the Louden Singletree’s 2025 issue can be found in Rob Taylor’s office, room B378, and online at UFV’s website.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.
