Bemidji State University students along with Maureen Gibbon, professor of English and faculty advisor, created “Paper Plains,” a literary publication featuring written work by students and sponsored by the English department.

This collection, featuring fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and graphic narrative genres, incorporates an array of different themes including friendships, love, broken hearts, mental health, memories and more in just 74 pages. From self-empowering poems to single chapters from a bigger tale, the writings showcase a variety of student experiences.

“Paper Plains” gave students the opportunity to see their work published in print among a collection of works by their peers.

In addition to writing for the publication, students also helped edit and design “Paper Plains.”

Authors:

• Madison Bisek, a sophomore from Carver, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Martys of Circumstance.”
• Erica Byers, a sophomore from Cass Lake, Minn. majoring in social work, wrote “Addiction Comes in Many Forms.”
• Shawn Campbell, a senior from Bemidji. Minn. majoring in mass communications, wrote “The Voice.”
• Melanie Erickson, a graduate student from Deer River, Minn. studying English, wrote “From My Window.”
• Austin Fiedler, a junior from Little Falls, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Homesick” and “Paper Cuts.”
• Sarah Gazelka, a senior from Bemidji, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Wolves and Moon-Dust.”
• Sylvia Grimm, a senior from Bemidji, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “The Diamonds in June.”
• Madyson Johnson, a senior from Brainerd, Minn. majoring in mass communications, wrote “A Poem for Evelyn.”
• Stephanie Martin, a graduate student from Bemidji, Minn. studying English, wrote “Feeling the Warmth.”
• Dande Moksnes, a junior from Champlin, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Abandoning Chelsea.
• Breklin Pallas, a senior from Mountain Iron, Minn. majoring in English education, wrote “I’m a Feather, I’m a Bird.”
• Katherine Pysick, a senior from Elk River, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “To My Many Loves.”
• Cassidy Ziegler, a junior from Frazee, Minn. majoring in mass communications, wrote “The Man.”
• Madalyn Zroback, a freshman from Andover, Minn. majoring in business administration, wrote “It’s Just Hair.”
• Craig Tangren, a senior from Bemidji, Minn. majoring in aquatic biology, wrote “Fly Rod Muskie Fishing.”
• Meghan Trimble, a sophomore from Elk River, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Ma Belle Maison.”

Authors and editors:

• Emily Comstock, a sophomore from Holt, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Sun and Moon.”
• Shawn Cruze, a sophomore from St. Cloud, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing and computer science, wrote “Golden Ghost.”
• Brooke Wiener, a senior from Osakis, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Baggage” and “Roots.”
• Sarah Williamson, a graduate student from Cathedral City, Calif. studying English, wrote “Reflections of a Jobless Woman.”
• Christo Sanderson, a graduate student from Circle Pines, Minn. studying English, wrote “Her Light Opens Up the Dark
• Calvin Swanson, a freshman from Eagan, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing and mass communications, wrote “The Bargain.”
• Skye Iwanski, a junior from Appleton, Wis. majoring in creative and professional writing, wrote “Bodies” and “Just a Kiss.”
• Anna Peterson, senior from Brooklyn Park, Minn. majoring in English, wrote “Liar” and “Waves.”

Author and managing editor:

• Lori Olivier, a student from Bemidji, Minn. studying English, wrote “Drumsticks” and “Never Ending, Never Ceasing.”

Editors:

• Aidan Anderson, a senior from Gwinn, Mich. majoring in creative and professional writing.
• Hannah Morgan, a senior from Brainerd, Minn. majoring in English and creative and professional writing.
• Jesse Pangerl, a junior from Backus, Minn. majoring in creative and professional writing.
• Gabrielle Wilson, a freshman from Champlin, Minn. majoring in elementary education.

Graphic designer:

• Kjell Anderson, a sophomore from Rosemount, Minn. majoring in design.

Contact

• Maureen Gibbon, professor of English; (218) 755-4021, maureen.gibbon@bemidjistate.edu
• Paper Plains Publication

Links

• Department of English

Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling more than 5,100 students, Bemidji State offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and has a faculty and staff of more than 550. The university’s Shared Fundamental Values include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and international and multicultural understanding. For more, visit bemidjistate.edu or find us at BemidjiState on most of your favorite social media networks.

 2019-B-169