MOUNT OLIVE — The first issue of The Olive Press, an online literary journal organized by the English Department at the University of Mount Olive, has been published. This issue features poetry, nonfiction, and fiction short stories, all written by UMO students, faculty, and members of the Mount Olive community. Associate Professor of English Dr. Jill Gerard was the faculty advisor for the publication.

The Olive Press was started to promote literary creativity among UMO students and the greater surrounding community. It is planned for digital to be released every February and September. The founding editors of the journal include Caley Breese, Sara Horton, Ashley Jarman, Emily Shaw, Olivia Springer, Cameron Sutton, and Elvis Williams, Jr.

“The Olive Press truly encourages the creativity among students. Often times, literature becomes old and inaccessible to students, so this online journal allows students to access modern and creative expression,” said Gerard. “This process blurs discipline boundaries and opens the opportunity for everyone to write and submit. I hope the journal continues to grow in terms of submissions and student participation in the future.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Hines noted, “To use this online medium that is flexible, cost effective, and reader accessible is a great thing for our students and community. I look forward to reading more!”

For the students who have worked on The Olive Press for the past two semesters, the release of the first issue was a huge accomplishment and learning experience.

“It has been so interesting to use my experience from English classes to perform publishing duties,” explained Cameron Sutton, a senior English major from Clinton. “I am proud of the first issue and how hard we all worked to make the original idea of the journal into a reality.”

Sarah Horton, a sophomore English major from Charlotte, added, “Working with The Olive Press has been a learning experience. It has definitely solidified my desire to go into publishing after graduation.”

Jamal McNeill, a junior English major from Chinquapin, said. “I like how we incorporate and celebrate a diversity of perspectives and points of view with the journal. Also, reading the submissions for the issue gave me insight on different aspects of literature and inspired my own writing.”

To read the first issue of The Olive Press, please visit https://theolivepresslit.wordpress.com. The journal is currently accepting submissions for their Fall 2016 issue that address the themes of dreams and nightmares. You can submit fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and flash pieces at http://theolivepress.submittable.com/submit.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

From UMO

Rachel Southerland, left, and Cameron Sutton work on the first issue of The Olive Press, an online literary journal organized by the English Department at the University of Mount Olive.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Olive-Branch.jpgRachel Southerland, left, and Cameron Sutton work on the first issue of The Olive Press, an online literary journal organized by the English Department at the University of Mount Olive.