Student Literary Journal

In 1989, the Manastash literary magazine began as a brainstorm between Joseph Powell and Shannon Hopkins, a professor and a graduate student, respectively. The first issue was launched in 1990 and an annual collection of student literature and artwork has been published ever since. An archive of all past issues can be found in volumes. Manastash editors publish poems, short stories, critical essays, and creative non-fiction submitted by Central Washington University students. Editions also contain visual artwork by Central Washington University students, often showcasing one of the submissions on the cover.

The Manastash website is a student-run entity that is not an official Central Washington University website. CWU is not responsible for the design/content.

Website

Manastash Student Literary Journal has been an annual staple on Central Washington University’s campus since 1989. As a print journal, it has hosted literary voices and visual art pieces of undergrad and graduate students. The journal is edited, designed, and produced by Central Washington University students. Originally, Manastash celebrated its annual release at the campus SOURCE (Symposium for University Research and Creative Expression) event.

2021 Manastash production team, with the guidance of their advisors, Professors Xavier Cavazos and Miah Jeffra, decided to launch their first website version of the literary journal in its history. In a digitally influenced world, the relevance of print is constantly evolving, and with COVID-19 drastically changing access to students, many colleges and universities are offering their art and literary magazines online and printing fewer hard copies.

2022 Manastash production team has done digital work to advertise and expose students to the literary arts that goes beyond the limitations of print, such as recording readings by featured poets and participating in the online SOURCE presentations. The Manastash team is an example of the creativity and ingenuity of COVID-era college students.

Our first issue came out in 1990, and an annual collection of student literature has been published ever since. An archive of all past issues can be found in Central’s library. We have published poems, short stories, critical essays, and creative non-fiction. With a faculty advisor, students select, arrange, and see through to publication the writing in this magazine.