Intern Update, Ofelia Montelongo: ‘Five Guys’

picture of Latino Book Review

Today, we are pleased to share an update for former SR student editor-in-chief Ofelia Montelongo. Since her work with SR, Ofelia has graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English (Creative Writing), founded Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale, taught creative writing in Spanish at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, and completed freelance writing projects for the Phoenix New Times, So Scottsdale Magazine, and Phoenix Magazine.

Recently, Ofelia published a short story titled “Five Guys” with the Latino Book Review. Join us in congratulating Ofelia on this exciting news!

Intern Spotlights: Week 2, Wrap-Up

Where are they now?

We are so proud of our past and present staff here at Superstition Review, and we’ve decided to celebrate the accomplishments of our past interns throughout the month of April. Each day, we will feature an intern on social media and share what they’re up to now. Then, at the end of each week, we will share a wrap-up post of all our featured interns from that week. So, without further ado…

1. Elijah Tubbs: Poetry Editor, Issue 16 (Fall 2015) and Issue 17 (Spring 2016)

April 9: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Elijah on LinkedIn

Elijah TubbsMore details: Eli shares, “After editing poetry for SR issues 16 & 17 and graduating from ASU I went on to my current job as an on-line content coordinator for BPG Technologies/Designs. Sister companies that specializes in Fiber Optics, telecommunication, GIS mapping, construction and design. Being able to write in some facet as a career path is wonderful and SR gave me some really essential skill sets for that. More importantly, Trish and SR showed me how to run a literary magazine well and now with my girlfriend, we too run a literary magazine: ELKE “a little journal”.”

2. Erin Regan: Student Editor-in-Chief, Issue 13 (Spring 2014)

April 10: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Erin on LinkedIn

Erin ReganMore details: Erin is currently a Digital Production Specialist at Make-A-Wish America, a nonprofit that serves children with critical illnesses. She shares, “Since serving as the student editor-in-chief of Superstition Review in 2014 and graduating from ASU, I’ve been managing the email marketing program and supporting other digital campaigns at Make-A-Wish. Every day I’m doing something a little different – whether it’s planning content for an upcoming campaign, writing copy, or designing an email – which gives me so many opportunities to use the skills I gained in school and at Superstition Review. Plus, I’m learning a lot about the nonprofit world and direct response marketing! It’s exciting being able to apply my experience in school and from internships to serve a unique mission.”

3. Cara Pencak: Advertising Coordinator, Issue 15 (Spring 2015)

April 11: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Cara on LinkedIn

Cara PencakMore details: Cara is currently the editorial assistant at Phoenix New Times. She shares, “I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed writing until I started at ASU. My academic advisor had mentioned the internship with Superstition Review and I’m so glad I took the opportunity! The work I did with the magazine gave me a chance to explore what it takes to put together a publication—the ins and outs, so to speak. In my current role as the editorial assistant at Phoenix New Times, I find myself applying that knowledge daily and I’m really enjoying it! I’m also interested in medicine, which led me to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. I’m excited to start as a grad student this fall at U of A!”

4. Jessica Fletcher: Fiction Editor, Issue 16 (Fall 2015) and Student Editor-in-Chief, Issue 17 (Spring 2016)

April 12: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Jessica on LinkedIn

Jessica FletcherMore details: Jessica is currently a Counseling Graduate Student and Director of Events in ASU’s Graduate Professional Student Association. She shares, “I am currently studying in the Master of Counseling program at ASU. In addition, I serve as Director of Events in the Graduate Professional Student Association. Using the nifty skills I learned in s[r] roles (SEC, fiction editor, and blogger), I plan social events for graduate students as well as lead advocacy projects for state prisons. Even though I am working in mental health, I continue to use literature and art to reach others. I am volunteering in Florence State Prison as a creative writing teacher and I am also a fiction editor for Iron City Magazine, which is a print and online journal devoted entirely to writing and art from the prison world. The best part — I get to use all my experience to make a difference in the community and touch the lives of others.”

5. Michael Wise: Content Coordinator, Issue 14 (Fall 2014) and Social Networker, Issue 15 (Spring 2015)

April 13: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Michael on LinkedIn

Michael WiseMore details: Michael Wise is a testing technician in the enrollment services at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. He shares, “I used to be one of the content coordinators for Superstition Review, and it was such a fun and invaluable experience! The work I did there helped me get through my BA of English at ASU and to land a job at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. My job is pretty straight-forward, I am the person who students dread seeing because I’m the one who hands out their midterms and finals. I decided to try and soften my image a bit and not be solely associated with stressful exams by becoming more engaged on campus. I am a club advisor for the Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.) where I work with male minority students to help them complete their degrees and/or transfer onto a university. As the adviser I have utilized my work experience and writing background to hold scholarship writing and resume building workshops. I am also a member of CGCC’s Creative Writing & Arts Council where we are working to build a larger and stronger community of artists and writers on campus. As for my writing, I have been working on a few short stories to get accepted into a creative writing MFA program and for eventual publication.”

6. Megan Kizer: Social Networker, Issue 14 (Fall 2014)

April 14: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Megan on LinkedIn

Megan KizerMore details: Megan currently works at a global integrated marketing agency called PMX Agency as their very first in-house SEO Content Writer. She shares, “This essentially means that I have the fun opportunity to write page optimization copy, net-new copy, blog posts, and eBooks for leading clients across several industries. Along with actively contributing to my own company’s blog, I’m also beginning to take on more of an editorial role as our team expands. Overall, my job is to tell the client’s story in a way their customers will understand and appreciate, whether that means cranking out retail-specific verbiage, explaining the careful behind-the-scenes details of a national cleaning company, or even helping adults find a college program that they’re passionate about. I love that I get to wear a different hat every day and practice my writing skills in vastly diverse fields. My absolute favorite part of my job is to go onto a major client’s website or blog and think, ‘Hey! I wrote that!’ I also love that I’m able to communicate with coworkers across the nation to implement new ideas and processes that will help move our company forward. We’re all about improving ourselves, our teams, and our company, and it’s truly an incredible experience to feel that support in my career. I’m so grateful to sit across such intelligent people and learn about everything it takes to build a brand and keep it growing, from content to social media to email marketing, and everything in between!”

7. Amanda Strusienski: Social Networker, Issue 11 (Spring 2013)

April 15: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Amanda on LinkedIn

Amanda StrusienskiMore details: Amanda is currently a Curriculum Coordinator for University of Phoenix. She shares, “Since graduating from ASU in 2013 with my BA in English I have found my passion in education. My first career job was a school librarian where I instructed grades K-6th. That was an amazing experience where I had the opportunity to impact student lives, and hopefully give them a deeper understanding of literature. Presently, I am entering my third year with the University of Phoenix as a Curriculum Coordinator for the College of Education. I like to say my job is 2% administration and 98% all other duties as assigned. I get the opportunity to research, support, design, and revise college courses and programs for adult learners. It is a challenging and rewarding position.  I love knowing that I’m part of a process that helps adult learners find new careers or seek advancement in their field. I am also two classes away from completing my masters in Adult Education and Training. My hope is to move into a career as an instructional designer for higher education programs or work as a facilitator for adult education (maybe even both).”

Thank you so much to these interns for their service with us; you are all doing such amazing things, and we’re so proud!

Intern Spotlights: Week 1, Wrap-Up

Where are they now?

We are so proud of our past and present staff here at Superstition Review, and we’ve decided to celebrate the accomplishments of our past interns throughout the month of April. Each day, we will feature an intern on social media and share what they’re up to now. Then, at the end of each week, we will share a wrap-up post of all our featured interns from that week. So, without further ado…

1. Kelly Vo: Fiction Editor, Issue 1 (Spring 2008)

April 1: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Kelly on LinkedIn

Kelly VoMore details: Kelly is currently the CEO of Kevo Writing (May 2015), her own firm, where she is also a freelance writer. She shares, “I love working for myself and doing something that I love. Writing has been a passion of mine since I was a kid, and now I get to write full time, which is something I never thought would happen. Even better, I run my own company and clients, so I can take the jobs that I want and keep the clients that I love. When I first decided to start Kevo Writing, I was terrified out of my mind. I had no idea if I could freelance and run a company on my own. I’m an introvert, and the idea of finding my own clients was horrifying, to say the least. Thankfully, I didn’t let the fear stop me, but that didn’t mean it was easy. It took a while to get started. I spent a month building my website and writing free articles to make a name for myself, but about three months into it, things started to come together. I got a few clients and started to get more. Now, I have a full list of clients who keep me busy and supplied with coffee and books. I write everything from news stories for MBA candidates to business e-books, magazine articles for the marijuana industry, social media content for a leading personality, and everything in between. Recently, I just wrote an article on getting rid of wrinkles! It’s an interesting job that always keeps me on my toes. I spend a lot of time researching topics and then crafting pieces that fit my clients’ needs. And, since I work for myself, I’m also able to dedicate a few hours every day to personal writing. I’ve been working on an Urban Fantasy novel, that I hope to (eventually) send out to book agents and publishers. I just have to finish it first. 🙂 That’s the thing I love best about being a freelance writer, the freedom to pursue my own dreams.”

2. Megan Richmond: Art Editor, Issue 13 (Spring 2014)

April 2: Twitter and Facebook announcements

Megan Richmond

More details: Megan shares, “Since graduating from ASU and finishing my internship with SR I’ve applied my BFA and magazine experience in two different jobs. I work at the Heard Museum as the E-Commerce Administrator where I am in charge of running their online shop as well as photographing Native American art for digital and print marketing for the museum shop. My images have been used for shop ads in the AZ Republic, Native American Art magazine, First American Art magazine and the Heard Museum magazine, Earthsong. My second job is a seasonal photographer position for a portrait company called PortraitEFX. With them, I primarily work weekends photographing youth sports leagues, weddings, school photos, etc.”

3. Dustin Diehl: Nonfiction Editor, Issue 4 (Fall 2009)

April 3: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Dustin on LinkedIn

Dustin DiehlMore details: Dustin is currently working as a Senior Editor and Content Strategist at Casual Astronaut, a local content marketing agency. He shares, “I also write freelance editorial content for several online newspapers and magazines, keeping my creative juices flowing! I love that I get to work with words for a living. Actually using my English literature and creative writing degree (and the skills I gathered during my time as an editor for the Superstition Review) makes me feel very fortunate; not everyone gets that opportunity! Helping people create content, tell their stories and encourage action keeps the day job interesting and fulfilling.”

4. Ofelia Montelongo: Student Editor-in-Chief, Issue 17 (Fall 2016)

April 4: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Ofelia on LinkedIn

More details: Ofelia shares, “I’m still a freelance writer for different magazines, Phoenix New Times, So Scottsdale and freelance blogger for Phoenix Magazine. I also teach Spanish and do some translations and I also just got accepted in the PhD Spanish – Mexican American studies at ASU.” Ofelia is also writing her first novel, Almost a Pilgrim, and she has her own business in Scottsdale, Arizona (Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale) – yum!

5. ChristiAnne Lunsford: Poetry Editor, Issue 10 (Fall 2012) and Issue 11 (Spring 2013)

April 5: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find ChristiAnne on LinkedIn

ChristiAnne LunsfordMore details: ChristiAnne is a copywriter and social media manager. She shares, “I write blogs and website content and manage social profiles for small business owners across multiple industries. A lot of my work revolves around search engine optimization but I also write a fair amount of creative content as well. My goal for this upcoming year is to expand my business and take on additional staff members. I love the challenges and flexibility that come with my role. I can work anywhere that I have to access to wifi which makes traveling and visiting home easy. I work independently which means it’s up to me to make sure everything gets completed on time and to the client’s standards, but I also get to be creative and exercise a fair amount of autonomy. It’s also my responsibility to stay current with digital marketing trends and advancements. I also love that I get to learn about so many unique trades and industries and that I get the opportunity to know my clients on a personal level.”

6. Riki Meier: Fiction Editor, Issue 4 (Fall 2009)

April 6: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Riki on LinkedIn

Riki MeierMore details: Riki shares, “A lot has happened since interning as Fiction Editor at Superstition Review. Artistically, I’ve gained an MA in English & Creative Writing and I continue to write fiction. Professionally, I am now working as an internal auditor at Harvard University. Even though my current academic degrees aren’t related to business or accounting, I found the key to success is having a love of learning and a curious mind. I love that I am always learning in my job. One week, I could learn about Athletics, and the next I could be in a scientific lab or a museum. Each project is different and I get to interact with people in all areas and in all levels across Harvard, so I am continually learning and growing. Before I go to my day job at Harvard, I teach English on a one-to-one basis to children in China over the Internet. I find it incredibly fun and rewarding, as the children are adorable and I am learning so much about culture in China. Additionally, teaching ESL forces you to look critically at the language you use and at the nuances of meaning. I’d like to think it’s making me a better writer as a bonus!”

7. Colleen Stinchcombe: Social Networker, Issue 11 (Spring 2013)

April 7: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Colleen on LinkedIn

Colleen StinchcombeMore details: Colleen most recently worked as Community Editor at SheKnows Media. She shares, “I’ve worked at SheKnows for just over three years. I started off as the Sponsored Content Editor, which I loved because it was fun to try to find the right balance between what clients wanted in order to promote their products and what the editorial team knew was good content that would perform. Then I became the Community Editor, which shifted my focus to be about helping fledgling writers or people who were working to promote their business or passions find their footing in digital media. That feels very meaningful. That said, I’ve turned in my resignation letter at SheKnows in order to take on a completely different adventure – hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this April. It will be five months straight of hiking from Mexico to Canada. I’ve been immensely grateful to have found career opportunities after leaving college (especially as a Creative Writing major!), but I feel the need to shake things up for myself. I don’t know yet what I’ll do when I return. That’s both exciting and terrifying.” Colleen will be documenting her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail on her website and on Instagram.

8. Sarah Brady: Blogger, Issue 14 (Fall 2014)

April 8: Twitter and Facebook announcements, find Sarah on LinkedIn

Sarah BradyMore details: She shares, “Even before I graduated with my English Lit degree about a year ago, I knew I wanted to try working for myself. This is something I think most writers/creators want, because we have a hard time fitting our artistic minds into rigid boxes. I currently own my own freelance writing business, Key Rat Creative, and work from home. I’d already been freelancing on the side for a company blog during my senior year, while also finishing up my thesis and working at Make-A-Wish as an intern. I think the biggest thing I learned about myself through school and in-person internships was that traffic road rage and the 9-5 might actually kill me. So I knew I would have to at least try to create a sustainable career that enabled me to live as healthily as possible. I got most of my initial clients through my mother’s connections. Funny enough, she’s a dentist who knows many dental professionals/dental organizations who need copywriting. Leverage what you got, right? I’ve branched out to using freelance matching services like Upwork and have found amazing clients in the PR/marketing realm through that platform. Honestly, what I like most about my profession is the freedom it gives me in other aspects of my life. My true passion is creative writing, but writing in general is what I’m good at, so running my own business that draws on my degree and ancillary interests is self-affirming. I love that I don’t have to set an alarm and that I can live by the natural rhythm of my mind. There’s no ‘running out the clock’ because my salary is defined by completing projects, rather than filling up a certain amount of hours in the day (boredom is my worst nemesis). I can write for myself in the morning, exercise mid-day when everyone else is tied to a desk, actually prepare a real meal, and then spend my afternoon on tasks for Key Rat Creative. I’m still growing a client base and receiving support while I’m in this transitional period, but the most important thing is that I’m not giving up on this dream while I’m young and independent. If I have to get a “real” job someday, I’ll know I gave myself the opportunity to construct my own terms. The hardest part about my career is the unpredictability of the work (and the fact that a lot of people online think $5 for 500 words is reasonable, or expect writers to be experts in the subject, rather than the craft), but that’s also the wonderful thing about it too. I used to think having a lot of money would equate to happiness, but honestly, these quiet hours with my computer and being able to make my own rules are crucial to my personal well being.”

Thank you so much to these interns for their service with us; you are all doing such amazing things, and we’re so proud!

Event: Amy Silverman and Laurie Notaro at KGB Bar, NYC

Amy Silverman and Laurie Notaro will be reading at KGB Bar in New York City, on June 7th, at 7 pm. Both have new books being released.

Amy Silverman and Laurie Notaro KGB BarAmy Silverman is the managing editor of the Phoenix New Times. Her new memoir is titled My Heart Can’t Even Believe It. This memoir is about having a daughter with Down Syndrome.

Laurie Notaro is a #1 New York Times Best-selling author, and also a graduate from Arizona State University. Her upcoming book, Housebroken: Admissions of an Untidy Life is a collection of her essays.

#ArtLitPhx: Amy Silverman Book Launch

Join Amy Silverman to celebrate the launch of her new book, My Heart Can’t Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love, and Down Syndrome on Sunday, May 1st, from 3pm-5pm at Tempe Changing Hands Bookstore. For tickets to the event and to pre-order the book, visit the Changing Hands website and/or the Facebook event.

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#ArtLitPhx: Stanzas in the Stacks

stacksIn honor of National Poetry Month, local poets will be sharing their work at the Friends of the Tempe Public Library Connections Cafe.

Free of charge. No registration required. Saturday, April 30th, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Tempe Public Library – Friends Cafe

Grab a latte and your snapping fingers as we celebrate National Poetry Month at the Tempe Public Library! Tempe Public Library will be hosting an afternoon of local poetry readings in our Connections Café. View the Facebook event and Tempe website for this event.

Bios:
 

Shomit Barua:Shomit Barua

Shomit Barua received his MFA from Bennington College. He teaches writing at ASU, Mesa Community College, as well as for la Phoenikera Writer’s Guild. His contemporary approach to cognitive spirituality explores humor within the sacred. As a poet, he has collaborated with architects, animators, artists, dancers and musicians.

 

 

David Chorlton:David Chorlton

David Chorlton has lived in Phoenix since 1978 when he moved from Vienna, Austria, with his wife. Born in Austria, he grew up in Manchester, close to rain and the northern English industrial zone. In his early 20s he went to live in Vienna and from there enjoyed many trips around Europe. In Arizona, he has grown ever more fascinated by the desert and its wildlife, and especially enjoys the mountain ranges of southern Arizona, a region that appears frequently in his books which include The Lost River from Rain Mountain Press, A Normal Day Amazes Us from Kings Estate Press, Waiting for the Quetzal from March Street Press, and The Devil’s Sonata from FutureCycle Press. As much as he loves the Southwest, he has strong memories of Vienna, and that city is the setting for his first work of fiction: The Taste of Fog, from Rain Mountain Press. Selected Poems, appeared in 2014 from FutureCycle Press, and his newest collection of poetry is A Field Guide to Fire, his contribution to the Fires of Change exhibition shown in Flagstaff and Tucson.

 

 

Jenna Duncan:Jenna Duncan

Jenna Duncan teaches journalism and English classes at Glendale Community College. She is a writer, filmmaker, and hobbyist fashion designer based in Phoenix. She holds a Bachelors degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona (2001), a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing at Goddard College (2007), and a Master of Arts in Media Studies degree from The New School (2010). Duncan currently serves as Associate Editor for JAVA Magazine and contributes articles to Phoenix New Times.

 

 

 Kitt Keller:Kitt Keller

Kitt Keller received her MFA from ASU in 2014. Her work has been seen in Ghost Town, Four Chambers Magazine, Narrative Magazine, and Hoot Review. She lives in a yellow brick house in Tempe, Arizona, where she writes, reads, and collects craft supplies that will absolutely be used someday.

 

 

Shawnte Orion:Shawnte Orion

Shawnte Orion is a local poet who co-hosts the monthly Caffeine Corridor Poetry Series in Phoenix. He was featured among Phoenix New Times’ Top 100 Creatives in 2014. He is the author of two books of poetry including The Existentialist Cookbook and Faithful as the Ground. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Georgetown Review, Barrelhouse, Gargoyle Magazine, Crab Creek Review, New York Quarterly, and other journals.

#ArtLitPhx: Spillers No. 3

ssOriginal Short Fiction by Phoenix’s Best Writers: Six local writers perform their best short stories for fiction fans. The Spillers are:

1. Keith Rawson, reading “Temporary Man of the House” Keith is the author of the short story collection “The Chaos We Know” (SnubNose Press) and coeditor of the anthology “Crime Factory: The First Shift.”

2. Troy Farah, reading “A Curious Animal” Troy is a regular contributor to the Phoenix New Times and Vice Magazine.

3. Ed Tankersley, reading “Until This Is Over” Ed is working on a novel and his work has previously appeared in Four Chambers Issue 2.

4. Leah Newsom, reading “On Walking Downhill” Leah is a recent graduate of ASU’s Creative Writing program and cofounder of the online journal Spilled Milk.

5. James David Nicol, reading “Wings” David has written two novels and is working on the third in the series.

6. Patrick Michael Finn, reading “The War in the Rack” Patrick’s short story collection From the Darkness Right Under Our Feet won the 2009 Hudson Prize and was named Best Book of 2011 by GQ Magazine Prize.

In the meantime, check out the Spillers After Show podcast, featuring exclusive interviews with the writers at www.spillersaftershow.com.

Crescent Ballroom is a 21+ venue, so review the entrance policies on their website. The event is free and will take place in the ballroom. You can join the facebook event via our events page. Spillers is cohosted by Robert Hoekman Jr and Brian Dunn.
spillers

Art Intersection – The Gilbert Art Hub

Each week we feature a blog post by one of our many talented interns here at Superstition Review. This week’s contribution comes from Student Editor-in-Chief Sam Allen. 

The venue that hosted our April 6th Issue 9 launch party is difficult to describe. Dubbed Art Intersection, the building boasts an art gallery, a fully-functional photography lab, as well as an educational facility. Though AI is nationally recognized for their community of photographers, they also host a variety of writing workshops and book-making classes. They take the name “Art Intersection” seriously – this is a place where art of all kinds intersect and overlap and where creative people can get together to exchange ideas and inspiration.

Art Intersection is perfectly placed in the history-rich Heritage District of Gilbert, Arizona. This Phoenix suburb is not normally known for its art, but founder Alan Fitzgerald was determined to establish an arts community in his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona. Though this neighborhood has yet to make a big mark on the map – in fact, my visit there was a first time for me – it feels perfect for the eclectic arts venue. The antique Gilbert Water Tower overlooks the Heritage District, whose Old West style buildings would look at home in a John Wayne movie. It’s not hard to imagine this neighborhood’s history as a railroad outpost and, later, “Hay Farming Capitol of the World.”

But this city is nothing like a ghost town, and its Old West feel starts to ebb as you begin browsing the gallery at Art Intersection or dining at any of the restaurants that have sprung up in the area. Just below Art Intersection is a spot called Romeo’s Euro Café that looks like it came straight from the streets of Rome. Across the street, Joe’s Real Barbeque serves some of the best BBQ in the Valley. Postino WineCafé recently moved into the neighborhood, right across from Liberty Market, a self-identified “unpretentious urban bistro.”

The Gilbert Heritage District is enthusiastically unpretentious, which is why Art Intersection fits right in. In an article published by the Phoenix New Times, Art Intersection’s Program Director Carol Panaro-Smith says, “We don’t want to be a snooty place, where you’re afraid to ask questions. We want you to be able to say, ‘what the heck is this art about?’” The bright second story gallery succeeds in this endeavor marvelously. The space is charming in its simplicity, beautiful but comfortable, and above all, welcoming.

We’re thrilled to collaborate with such an extraordinary arts community for the launch of Issue 9. We welcome all of our readers to check out the wonderful work of our contributors in this latest issue.

Art Intersection is currently seeking entries for its juried exhibition. The deadline for submission is April 24. For more information, please visit: http://artintersection.com/all-arizona-art-call-for-entries.html