WKU News

Zephyrus is a great opportunity for students to get their work published during their undergraduate studies. WKU student Carly Fawcett’s poetry was published in the 2024 and 2025 editions of Zephyrus. Fawcett is a senior English major concentrating in Creative Writing, minoring in Computer Science and Animation, and pursuing a certificate in Game Design. Carly does not have a clue where life will take them post-grad, but if it does not involve writing, they will surely lose their mind. Carly loves Lou Reed, Patricia Anthony books, and their blue Hyundai Sonata.

When asked about their initial application experience, Fawcett was anxious to submit their work to Zephyrus. “I was a little nervous for a poem that was so vulnerable to be published,” they explained. “My professors encouraged me to submit, especially Dr. Jane Fife. It's thanks to her that I tried the first time.” Fawcett’s poem published in 2024 edition of Zephyrus, "Did You Know They Give Chocolate to Dogs Before Euthanasia?” was “about Lucy, my dog of 13 years who had passed away earlier that year.” After being encouraged by support from their professors, Fawcett also published their poem “Ask More Questions, Write Less Poetry" which discusses their dislike of poetry.

Given their success in publishing their poems, Fawcett is part of the student-led editing team who determines writing pieces included in Zephyrus. This will be their third year on the editing team, which has given them experience in editing and confidence in their writing skills. Fawcett says, “Being an editor definitely alleviated my nervousness to submit because of the anonymity in the editing process. Being an editor has also definitely made me a better writer.” Their new perspective of being an editor has also provided them many opportunities they can implement in any career they choose. When asked about how they foresee being involved with Zephyrus to benefit their career, they said, “No matter what writing career I'll find myself in, this experience has strengthened the writing skills I need to succeed.”

Once Fawcett graduates this semester, they will begin an editor position for an upcoming feminist literary journal in Louisville. “It's thanks to my experience with Zephyrus,” they conclude, as they look forward to this new opportunity. Reflecting on the submission process, Fawcett said they were “grateful for the ease of the whole submission process. After revising and formatting my work, all I had to do was email it to Dr. Dinan.” For that reason, we encourage any interested student to apply.

WKU’s annual creative writing publication Zephyrus is open for submissions until February 20, 2026. Any student, regardless of their major, can submit various creative writing works from poetry to short stories. Submissions can include up to 4 poems, 2 essays, and 2 short stories along with a cover sheet. Submissions can be emailed to zephyrus@wku.edu. Anonymous submissions are accepted where your name is on the cover sheet only. All pieces are reviewed anonymously by our student editorial board, and submissions are eligible for awards in each genre.