Meet the ladies of Outbreath. They are the editors of Tufts’ very own literary magazine, published once each semester. With student-written short stories and poems, artwork and photography, Outbreath continues to provide an outlet for the most creatively inclined Jumbos.
What made you decide to get involved in Outbreath?
Lenora: I decided to get involved with Outbreath the summer before freshman year. I love to write and read; I love to improve myself in those crafts. Outbreath is a forum where I can say stupid things and write bad first drafts without feeling like I’m exposing myself.
What characterizes Outbreath?
Charlotte: Outbreath is characterized by the submissions that fill it, I think. They are some of the most creative, funny, endearing voices on this campus. I love reading submissions from people whom you would never expect to write in such an irreverent, or poignant, or weird, or beautiful way. People surprise you. So I guess bemused surprise characterizes Outbreath.
What does Outbreath provide to the Tufts community?
Danielle: I don’t have to tell you that Tufts is a place full of infinitely creative people. We’ve got artists, writers, musicians, photographers… Outbreath is the only publication on campus that is completely dedicated to showcasing the talents of the best poets and creative writers that we’ve got, which is a responsibility that we are proud to have. We also publish photographs and artwork from student artists.
How do you decide what poems get in?
Charlotte: The submission selection is a collaborative process; it isn’t just us editors sitting in a room reading through pieces. Instead, we have a team of dedicated, passionate readers who are emailed all of the submissions in advance. At each Readers Meeting, we vote on pieces, and often will have a heated discussion about different pieces. Sometime we will even revote. Eventually, we consolidate all of the “yes” votes, and they comprise the magazine. Yay democracy.
What changes or improvements do you think there have been since you’ve been in charge of Outbreath?
Lenora: Outbreath is still so young that I think it’s difficult for anyone to not significantly impact the growth of the magazine. We “inherited” it this year from juniors Emma Shakarshy and Kristen Barone. We grabbed hold of the artistic aspect of a lit mag and ran with it. We received submissions from Tufts alumni and students from SMFA; because of them, our community has grown.
With the variety and sophistication of our new submissions, our design matured. I think Outbreath is really growing into its identity in these formative years–a lot like a teenager. I’m going abroad next year, so I can’t wait to see what the magazine will look like when I get back.
I think one of the remarkable things about the magazine is our culture. The people I work with daily are so fantastically diverse. The staff is made up of fiery personalities as well as calm contributors. We’ve never had a meeting without a passionate (and also riotously funny) debate. All of the improvements that have been made this year are largely due to the dedication of our opinionated staff. Without them, we’d be bored senseless.
What would you like to see happen next year?
Danielle: We’re passing on the torch to two very capable editors for next year, Craig Dathe and Brandon Archambault. I’m excited to see how the magazine will grow with new leadership, and male leadership at that. I’m sure they’ll add their own personalities to the publication. I’d like to see Outbreath get more amazing submissions and more publicity on campus and in the surrounding area, but I hope it doesn’t change too much.
What would you suggest for those interested in writing for Outbreath?
Charlotte: If you’re interested in writing for Outbreath, submit your work to outbreathtufts@gmail.com. Even better, you can come to one of our Writing Workshops, which will resume in the fall. It’s a great way to work on your writing in a non-judgmental environment before officially submitting it. Look for the workshops on Tuftslife!
Do you have a website?
Danielle: Yes! We’re working on getting our website updated with all the past editions of the magazine. We also have a blog that focuses on all things literary, with a healthy dash of photography thrown in for good measure. Check it out at wwww.outbreathblog.wordpress.com!
When’s the next issue coming out?
Lenora: The next issue of Outbreath should be coming out during reading period. We’ll distribute the magazine at the end of the semester and probably again at the beginning of next year, so that students have a chance to familiarize themselves with the mag before we call for submissions. We hope you pick one up!