Publishing What Resonates: The Santa Clara Review and The Owl

Santa Clara student-run literary publications pursue an innovative and involved arts community

In the upcoming issue of the Santa Clara Review, poetry editor Nate Metz reported that the literary magazine’s aim this year is to “showcase what enchants us, what haunts us, what moves us to laughter, tears and introspection.” 

At over 150 years old, the Review is one of the oldest publications of its kind in the western United States, and still manages to represent the constant development of the literary and visual arts. Its biannual publications house a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction prose, poetry, paintings, drawings and photography – all chosen from an international submission pool of both established and unpublished writers and artists.

Metz stressed the importance of innovation in the Review’s selection process. Paraphrasing poet Charles Simic, he said, “the ultimate goal in art is to create something brand new, but that once created feels like it has always been.” 

Run exclusively by Santa Clara undergraduate students, the Review is dedicated to publishing unique and innovative work as well as bolstering the presence of the literary arts at Santa Clara for writers and readers alike.

Each issue is released at a publication party featuring readings from authors published in the Review, performances by Santa Clara musicians and a classic celebratory toast. 

The Review, in conjunction with the Santa Clara English department, also hosts an annual Writing Forward Reading Series in which established writers are invited to present their work exclusively to Santa Clara students. Last year’s featured writers included poets Lucille Lang Day, Alison Hart, Dave Holt, Linda Noel and Dave Meadows. 

These events are put on as part of the Review’s “dedication to the pursuit of truth, honesty, and social responsibility within the literary arts” – a goal expressed in their mission statement. They engage in this pursuit by publishing and highlighting a diverse selection of works from authors with a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, stories and beliefs. 

They additionally strive to include students, faculty, staff and alumni in Review events and publications in order to connect them to the greater literary community. 

For students looking to submit pieces for publication, Metz also encouraged Santa Clara artists and writers to submit to the review’s sister publication The Owl. Like the Review, the literary magazine is entirely student-run and solely features the work of Santa Clara undergrads, making it an accessible route to publication. Metz, giving a motivating message to student creators, said, “publication is a great moment for every artist, and though it should never be your sole reason for creation, seeing your work in print along with other great works has got to be one of the most rewarding feelings an artist can know.” 

Each quarter, The Owl hosts creative writing workshops and themed contests as well as a Coffeehouse event where Santa Clara student musicians and writers perform their work. The Coffeehouses are consistently lovely gatherings of the artsy community of Santa Clara. “These are my personal favorite events,” said Metz. “It is truly inspiring to see just how much artistic talent thrives here on SCU's campus.” 

For students seeking a connection to others interested in the literary arts, this is a wonderful opportunity to participate.