The name for the “Red Wheelbarrow,” De Anza College’s literarymagazine, was inspired by a poem of the same name written byWilliam Carlos Williams in 1923, that goes,
“so much depends/upon// a red wheel/ barrow// glazed withrain/water// beside the white/chickens.”
Two editions of the “Red Wheelbarrow” are published yearly. Thefirst is a national version featuring writers from around theworld, and the second is a smaller student edition showcasing workby De Anza and Foothill college students.
The magazine has been in circulation since 1976 and was formerlynamed “Bottomfish” in reference to neglected, overlooked writingthat had metaphorically fallen to the bottom of the sea. The namecame from editor Randolph Splitter a few years ago.
Red Wheelbarrow is a magazine for students, edited by students.Every Wednesday afternoon, De Anza students enrolled in EWRT 65 sitin a circle in a sun-drenched classroom and read submissionsaloud.
They vote yes, no, or maybe on each considered work. Themajority of votes are maybes, which go into a pile for furtherconsideration.
Each piece is presented anonymously, with only adviser KennethWeisner knowing the identity of the author. A classmate may havewritten a submission, so editors give criticism that isrespectful.
“I want it to be celebrated because it celebrates students,”said Weisner. The spring edition will be published June 24, sostudents can get the finished product in their hands before thequarter is over.
This year, some of the art featured in “Red Wheelbarrow” maycome from the student art show. The editors will search the showfor pieces to photograph and include with the artist’s permission.The $250 in prizes for selected writers is a contribution fromfaculty members interested in promoting creative writing amongstudents. Old copies of “Red Wheelbarrow” can be picked up at theDe Anza bookstore or the student publications office.
To be an editor, simply enroll in the class. If you are astruggling writer who has sent in a barrage of stories into”Reader’s Digest” without response, “Red Wheelbarrow” providesstudents a means of getting work published.
“There’s things in ‘Red Wheelbarrow’ that are much better thanthings in ‘Reader’s Digest’ for sure,” said Weisner.
To submit your work to Red Wheelbarrow:
Poetry: Submit up to five poems
Fiction: Submit one-three short stories (4,000 words orless)
Plays: Submit one dramatic piece up to 4,000 words
Creative non-fiction: Submit one piece up to 4,000 words
Photography: Submit up to five black and white prints orslides
Comics: Submit one strip
Any combination of these guidelines may be accepted.
The deadline is May 25, 2004.
Email any submissions to WeisnerKen@fhda.edu