Spring Central Review on racks today

When Robert Toustevin came to Central Michigan University as a freshman, he had his mind set on majoring in physics.

The second semester of his freshman year, Toustevin enrolled in a creative writing class “on a whim,” and much to his surprise, earned a place in CMU’s creative writing publication, “Central Review.”

Soon, his mathematical aspirations were an idea of the past.

The Grand Ledge senior is now a creative writing major and is celebrating the publication of three more pieces in the spring 2009 Central Review Edition, which hits stands today.

“It’s definitely fun,” Toustevin said of his experience writing for Central Review. “It gives us an opportunity to put on our resumes that we’ve been published.”

Kate Kreps, Central Review’s editor in chief, said she is excited for the latest installment of the literary magazine because it’s the first with an excerpt from a play.

The excerpt spins off the play “The Revolution of Company Policies and Practices,” by Artie Dallas.

Several weeks ago, Central Review’s four-person editorial board decided to broaden submissions for the publication, the LaSalle senior said, and having part of a play was one of the ideas.

“By incorporating different genres and pieces, you open it up to whole new groups of people,” Kreps said.

While once people focused on poetry and general prose when thinking of creative writing, Kreps said the magazine’s editors hope to change that mind set. She hopes readers see the many opportunities to put a unique spin on writing through fictional pieces and those intended for performance.

Editorial Assistant Steve Roggenbuck, a Harbor Beach junior, said he most enjoys the bizarre aspects of several of the works, something that really defines creative writing and makes it fun to read.

One submission in particular, a fictional piece by Austin Rowlander called “What would Isaac Newton Say About My Spinning Poinsetta” really made Roggenbuck laugh. He expects readers will find it humorous as well.

“At one point the guy is screwing a bottle of laundry detergent into a ceiling like a light bulb,” he said. “It’s very creative.”

Kreps said Central Review’s true value lies in the opportunities it offers students to be published-something that’s pretty special for the first-time contributor.

“It’s one of the only outlets for creative writers on campus,” Kreps said. “It’s important for the writing community to have a publication.”

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