New Literary Journal on Campus

When our quirky literary journal Exquisite Corpse died last semester, it was replaced with Toad Suck Review. 

The first issue of the new annual literary journal was published last month but the editors plan a series of events this semester. They are sponsoring an evening of live music and readings by contributors to the magazine March 4 at Michelangelo's and a hybrid poetry slam/student band show at Bear's Den Pizza on April 29. 

"As in our past incarnation, we will also be a series of events," said Mark Spitzer, associate professor of writing and editor of Toad Suck Review. "We've held readings, panels, rockfests, bandfests, launchapaloozas and have made our presence known at both national and local festivals. Like human growth hormone, we've injected a new energy into Central Arkansas and these activities will continue." 

The university ended its relationship with Andrei Codrescu, the award-winning poet and founder of Exquisite Corpse, last semester. The Department of Writing had been working with Codrescu for the past two years to publish the Exquisite Corpse online and produce an annual print edition. 

“In the fall of 2010, Andre was tired, became consumed by other things and was moving on,” Spitzer said. "The writing department realized we'd have to switch gears to keep up publishing. We established a reputation for excellence in literary publishing and we wanted to keep on publishing in that vain.” 

Toad Suck Review is related to Exquisite Corpse at its core but with a new angle. The journal's title refers to the nickname Toad Suck for the Conway area and has a heavier focus on Arkansas writers. It highlights innovative, imaginary, small-press literature and showcases some art but is slightly more mainstream in content than the avant-garde, experimental Exquisite Corpse.  

“It's a Toad Suck world view," Spitzer said. "We want to focus on the art and culture of Arkansas that doesn't get national recognition and try to spread the word about the joys of The Natural State.”

Issue No. 1

Most copies have been sold but the remaining issues are available in the campus bookstore for $10. Another 50o issues have been shipped to Barnes & Noble book stores. You can order a copy here.

Toad Suck Review also provides educational opportunities for creative writing students. The journal will provide two internships for UCA students and one for a Hendrix College student each year. An editorial assistant internship is currently available for students that have completed at least nine hours of writing courses at the 3000 level. The deadline to apply is April 1.  

For more information about internships, upcoming events or submissions, visit the Toad Suck Review web page.

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