WMU News

Third Coast literary magazine designed to suit any preference

Feb. 25, 2003

KALAMAZOO--The tragic and unsettling meet the humorous and energetic in the spring 2003 issue of Western Michigan University's Third Coast literary magazine.

Edited by WMU graduate students and published entirely by the University's Department of English, Third Coast is widely regarded as one of the premier student-run university literary journals. The new issue, which is now available, includes an assortment of works by both established and emerging writers, designed to please any preference.

The spring 2003 Third Coast features one essay by actor George "Beau" Bishop Jr., who starred in the 1988 film "Teen Vamp" as well as television's "Different Strokes" and "Mama's Family." Also a former English teacher in the Czech Republic, Bishop's writing is as interesting as his past, with a voice that separates it from all others. Critics regard Bishop's humor as subtle, and his gentle and plain prose as cinematic in quality.

Also appearing in the latest issue of Third Coast are works by poets Brian Henry and Ronald Wallace and short story writer John McNally. The magazine includes 29 poems by 18 different authors, five short stories, three creative nonfiction pieces and an interview with poet and memoirist Sarah Messer.

Third Coast's cover art is the product of a creative collaboration involving a WMU undergraduate student and two faculty members: senior Tania Cisneros; Tricia Hennessy, professor of art; and Cat Crotchett, associate professor of art. Cisneros, a graphic design major from Weslaco, Texas, designed the magazine's front and back covers using Crotchett's original artwork. Hennessy worked as art director for the project.

Third Coast is now available for $6 at local bookstores and cafes, including the Athena Book Shop, the Michigan News Agency, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts gift shop, John W. Rollins, Helena Mesa's Bookseller, and Barnes and Noble. Readers can order copies by sending a $6 check, along with their name and address to: Michele McLaughlin, business manager, Department of English, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich., 49008-5092. Subscriptions also are available by mail and are priced at $11 for one year, two issues; $20 for two years, four issues; and $29 for three years, six issues.

Media contact: Tonya Hernandez, 269 387-8400, tonya.hernandez@wmich.edu


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