Northeast Community College English students might be aware that their writings and art can be published in the literature publication,”Voices Out Of Nowhere”. They might not realize that they can be part of the book publishing process.

This was the first semester that students created “Voices Out Of Nowhere” from beginning to end. English instructor, Bonnie Johnson-Bartee, previously did the publishing herself but realized that she could enhance the students writing and editing experience. “This year I asked to start the Editing and Publishing class for two reasons. One, since we call this a student magazine I believe students should be responsible for it. I wanted to take it a step further so that it’s not just the student work but also a student publication. Two, it is difficult trying to find the time to do it all myself, I wanted help, and I thought this would be a way that would work better for everyone.”

“Voices Out Of Nowhere” is a compilation of student work: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, artwork, and photography. A student can submit anything he or she wants published and the first and second place winners get a monetary prize. Student, Celine Eggerling had a work of fiction published last year called “Silent Blessing”. This year, besides entering she decided to enroll in the class to get familiar with editing.  “It gave me the experience on editing everybody else’s pieces. I’d like to get into editing and publishing and it definitely helped me in that sense.”

The three students that took the class are Eggerling, Tana Buoy, and Kirsten Cattell. Cattell said, “It was challenging so I liked that aspect of it. It definitely was good to work on my editing skills so when I write my own pieces I keep that in mind. It was a good learning experience and I enjoyed working with my team.” Students worked in the Digital Cinema lab in Maclay 145 and used Adobe In Design to layout and design the cover. Buoy said, “Take an editing class! It’s kind of hard but knowing the ins and outs of it is a good tool to have.” The next Editing and Publishing class will be held in the Spring, 2017 semester.

The book will be presented at the second Annual Arts Night on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Hawks Landing.

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