Volume 1989 Parnassus

Foreword

As the Parnassus staff deliberated—over steaming mugs of coffee—the role that this year’s literary magazine should fulfill on Taylor’s campus, we were primarily concerned with one question: Should Parnassus represent the student body’s literary endeavors as a whole or should it demonstrate to others the skills and techniques involved in creative writing?

One factor to consider is that the function of a true literary magazine is to represent authors whose work is not only good but those who show potential as well. A magazine filled with polished poems and short stories is not necessarily the goal of Parnassus. However, our magazine also has the responsibility of representing Taylor’s campus in the area of creative writing, functioning as a literary model, a reflection of students’ thoughts, as well as serving as an outreach to other colleges and potential students.

Hopefully, what the Parnassus staff and the many people who submitted their entries to the 1988-89 contest have produced a balance—a balance between expressing the beliefs, experiences and creative energy that represent the lives within the Taylor community, on the one hand, and, at the same time, providing a sample of quality literature that can serve as an example to those who admire creative writing or would like to improve their own.

The success and publication of the 1988-89 issue of Parnassus could not have been achieved without the work of some very talented and dedicated people. The Parnassus editorial staff would like to recognize and thank Dr. Beulah Baker, Prof. Edward Dinse, Kurt Bullock, Dr. Janice Crouse and Dr. David Neuhouser who put many hours and much though into judging the contest; Dr. Ken Swan and Dr. Mike Buck who serve as editorial and assistant editorial advisors; TSO and the English department who have generously supported the magazine; and finally, each of the contest participants who were willing to share with use their literary endeavors.