Haley Larson, Poetry Editor for Issue 3, received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and with a minor in Music from the University of Nebraska. I took some time to catch up with her about her experience and how Superstition Review has helped shaped her future.
Superstition Review: Which issue did you work on with Superstition Review and what was your position?
Haley Larson: I worked on Issue 3 of Superstition Review. I was one of two poetry editors that year, and it was quite an opportunity. I had the chance to correspond with some esteemed poets, many of whom I’d admired for some time.
SR: What skills did you take away from the experience?
HL: I owe a lot of my confidence and tenacity to the Superstition Review internship. A huge part of the internship is learning to not only embody but also balance professionalism and confidence. I think such professionalism encompasses a whole mess of other skills: organization, prioritizing, meeting deadlines, even–can I say–eloquence in emails. The confidence translates into so many other outlets, whether this includes applying for graduate programs or submitting one’s own work to a literary journal. Trish was kind enough to grant me a wonderful opportunity to flex these skills at AWP’s most recent conference. I had the chance to be a part of a presenting panel with her and representatives from two other undergraduate literary magazines. She was (is!) a fantastic, generous mentor. The experience continues.
SR: Creatively, what are you currently working on?
HL: I am working on a few different projects, most obsessively, a couple of different series of poetry. I’m trying to explore/exploit some of my background in music and psychology through this, allowing music, sound/silence, communication, and disorder to talk and tangle in my work.
SR: What are some of your career highlights after leaving SR?
HL: I am currently pursuing my MFA degree in poetry at Colorado State University. I’ve had opportunities to teach at CSU, intern with the Colorado Review, and co-curate a student reading series. A few journals have been kind enough to publish a poem or two, even a couple of my reviews. A few colleagues and I are working to start a non-profit organization, The Strophe Project, aimed at forming and facilitating writing communities in underserved populations of Fort Collins. You can learn more at www.thestropheproject.wordpress.com.
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Very impressive credentials and I especially love that so many of them point back to the internship and working with a mentor. Additionally, the Strophe Project definitely sounds like a worthwhile venture.
@Chris, I agree with your observation of the Strophe Project. In my experience, working with a close-knit group of writers in a workshop environment is truly the best way to develop your ideas. At the same time, helping others writers brings added confidence.
The poetry project sounds fascinating. In my own studies, I’m also very interested in how words have “sound,” texture, and can even “talk” to readers.
The Strophe Project seems like a really positive and well-needed program. I definitely support writing based communities because it helps foster knowledge and ideas for expression.