A launch for the inaugural issue of Georgia Southwestern University’s student literary and visual arts journal Blue Fire was held on April 24. Students, faculty, and writers enjoyed finger foods and received free copies of the journal. Several students gave readings of their works.

A freshman poet who writes under the pen name Emily Fea submitted two poems, one titled Trapped Within, which grapples with the necessity of acknowledging difficult emotions in order to feel positive ones. The other poem, Right Person Wrong Time, celebrates finding meaning even in temporary relationships. “You need people in your life at certain times, but that doesn’t mean they’re forever, but that doesn’t make them a mistake.”

Amari Rudison, co-editor, became interested in resurrected the journal after taking a class on publishing. Blue Fire’s other editor, Sam Gainous, became interested after her professor encouraged her to become involved.

While most submissions were from students, non-student submissions were accepted by the journal for the first time. They received submissions from as far away as Ontario, Wales, and Japan. Rudison found choosing between the sheer number of pieces challenging. “We loved everyone’s work.”

A gem they both love is “Daddy” by Katherine LeJeune. Submissions were reviewed anonymously, so both editors were surprised when they later discovered the work was created by a fourth grader. Amari found it inspiring that a child could create something so unique. “I loved everything about it. It was so funny.”

Rudison is proud they were able to bring so many good works to print. “It took a lot.”