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Follow South 85 for Rare Finds, Hidden Gems

South 85 Journal, published by the Low-Residency MFA Program at Converse College, encourages us “write like mad.” If it’s good, they’ll want to see it.

Founded in 2012, this online literary journal blends excellent writing and design with an eye toward expanding its multimedia presence; it recently launched a YouTube channel with videos of readings set to musical scores.

South 85 stands tall in its commitment to emerging writers. All issues are free. The pages are easy to navigate.

A cursory glance at a few recent issues won’t turn up many big-name authors, but instead uncovers gems like the short story “Not So Far to Ushuaia” by debut fiction writer Brian Phipps or the poem “Before the Sting” by Lynn Marie Houston.

South 85 publishes fiction (up to 10,000 words), nonfiction (up to 8,000 words), and poetry (up to 5 poems/10 pages), as well as book reviews. They also are always seeking writers to contribute to their weekly blog that focuses on different aspects of the writing craft. Reviews are by assignment only.

The MFA in Creative Writing Program at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, is a two-year co-educational low residency program designed for serious, independent writers seeking advanced instruction in poetry, fiction, young adult fiction, creative nonfiction, and environmental writing through a non-traditional course of graduate study. The program emphasizes the mastery and understanding of writing skills and contemporary literature and craft through the master-writer and apprentice mentoring relationship, ultimately offering students a stimulating and individually tailored curriculum of courses and projects.

The next submission period for South 85 is February 1 – May 1, 2018. To submit, click here.

Visit their website here or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.