Cameron University is the home to many students who are talented writers and aspiring authors, many of whom are likely curious about the publishing world and what it takes to achieve that goal.
The dream of writing a book is not uncommon, but the persistence and dedication to actually finish a manuscript and then take it a step further to get that book published is no simple feat. There are many routes to publishing, and modern technology has forced an evolution to the industry that some are unaware of.
There are still traditional options to query agents and work with large and small imprints across the world to get your manuscript transformed into a book that anyone can read.
For some, the dream of signing with a traditional publisher is still very real and worth the effort, despite the reality that most amateur writers are unlikely to secure a book deal, especially on a debut.
A far more realistic and quicker route to getting your book out into the world is by way of independent publishers or even self-publishing.
Either option has its pros and cons, but they are often more desirable since creative control and power remain with the writer more so when publishing with the latter routes.
Having many published authors right here on campus is very helpful and should be encouraging to those with hopes and dreams to one day publish a book of their own.
Whether it be a fictional story, a collection of poetry, non-fiction memoirs, educational material or inspirational accounts, there are no limits to the type of book a writer can create.
Some faculty members who have been published are more vocal about their accomplishments, but others don’t advertise their work as often. I don’t have an exhaustive list of everyone published on campus, but I wanted to highlight a few that I was made aware of and tell you more about their contributions to the literary world.
Associate Professor Leah Chaffins independently published her first fictional story in 2018. "God Seed" is a mythical fantasy which analyzes good and evil. Chaffins has another manuscript written, "Birthmarks: Lucille" and a companion piece in the early stages with plans to publish as an Americana, historical women’s fiction series.
Associate Professor David Bublitz has a poetry collection published through Main Street Rag Publishing in March 2020. "Combat Pay" is a poetry
collection examining the pervasive impact of military service on the lives of those experiencing that service firsthand.
He provides a military dependent’s account of U.S. military service and its effects during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Bublitz has a second completed anthology of military inspired poems tentatively titled "Sight Lines."
He has also recently written and fully illustrated a children’s book titled "The Depend-Ant" with his experienced military themes and perspective displayed. Both works are currently out for submissions and Bublitz is working to find a publisher for each of his new books.
Professor of English John Morris had his first collection of poetry, "Noise and Stories" independently published in 2008 by Plain View Press.
Morris has a completed manuscript for a second collection, "The County Seat of Wanting So Many Things" which he is currently looking for a publisher, as well as a new work in progress that he plans to write more of this summer.
Aside from faculty, there is an Aggie on campus who may have more publishing experience than each of the aforementioned authors combined.
Senior Gina Welborn is a Strategic Communication major with dual minors in Professional Writing and English, as well as a best-selling author.
Welborn has been an avid reader her entire life, and a prolific writer since at least 2011.
Between then and 2019, Welborn wrote, sold and published twenty-three books, two of those novels are published by Harlequin.
Welborn also co-wrote a historical romance series published by Kensington, which is distributed with the notable Penguin Random House.
Welborn has worked with seven traditional publishers in her career thus far and credits networking at writing conferences as a major door-opener for her opportunities.
Most of Welborn’s titles can be found and purchased through her website, www.ginawelborn.net along with additional information about her life and writing.
Writing workshops, open-mic opportunities to read creative work are offered on campus regularly, especially through the department of Communication, English and Foreign Language and the Writer’s Studio.
The Visiting Writer event periodically brings local authors to campus to share their published works through readings and book signings.
If you are an aspiring author, you’re encouraged to keep developing your craft and voice, take opportunities to get feedback and critiques whenever possible, especially from those with publishing experience.
Keep working and never give up on your dream to get your book published, the world might need to hear your story.
Courtesy photos
Graphic
Kaley Muse
Give Blood Save Lives
Amanda Purser Managing Editor
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Yes, in the time it took you to read that sentence, a medical facility nearby was answering a call to provide a necessary lifeline to a patient in need.
More than 1,200 donations are required each day for blood and platelets to help those in need.
From the unforeseen car accidents, planned and emergency surgeries, immunocompromised individuals and victims of natural disasters, there are many reasons someone could require a blood transfusion.
Recipients of vital blood products are grateful and appreciative of every donation made across our nation each day.
It’s critical to ensure more people do their part to contribute to the blood supply that is in such high demand.
There are no alternative or synthetic replacements for blood, and the human body replenishes our natural supply regularly, so it is completely safe and often recommended to donate frequently.
Only 10% of the eligible donors within our community give blood, leaving an ongoing need for new contributions.
Increasing those numbers can help keep a stable supply for the medical facilities that rely on blood products to save lives. Being screened for eligibility takes only a few minutes on a questionnaire and a quick prick on the finger.
Eligible donors can give a pint of blood every 56 days, which is the most common method of
donating. Other options are available for plasma, platelets and an optimized “power red donation” that safely takes two units of
and leafy greens.
It is also advised to eat a meal before donating and to wear short sleeves for accessibility.
“Only 10% of the eligible donors within our community give blood, leaving an ongoing need for new contributions.”
-Amanda Purser Managing Editor Cameron Collegian
red blood cells during a collection, while returning the plasma and platelets to the donor.
It is recommended for donors to prepare before giving blood.
Donors should stay hydrated and nourished by eating iron-rich foods like beef, nuts, whole grains
Those interested can schedule an appointment at an upcoming drive in their area or a blood donation facility, but walk-ins are always welcomed too.
Our Blood Institute (OBI) is a local nonprofit that supports the critical mission of blood donation.
They facilitate blood drives, run a downtown Lawton center along with many other locations across the state of Oklahoma, North Texas and Arkansas as well as
Next Blood Drive:
regular mobile drives across those communities.
Volunteers are at the heart of their mission and support the lifesaving work OBI does.
Anyone can sign up on their website or visit a facility to learn about more opportunities.
The variety of tasks, flexibility with schedules and hours along with the incredible team you get to work with at OBI makes it an ideal place to volunteer.
Not only will you be supporting your local community, but you can feel great about putting your time into a great cause.
OBI has many areas for volunteers to assist with: sign up tables, distributing flyers and spreading the word about upcoming drives and campaigns, or numbering blood bags, preparing blood collection materials and mobile drive support.
There are also unique opportunities with programs like the High School Honor Cord and becoming a Social Media Ambassador (SMA).
OBI’s Social Media Ambassadors are given chances to flex content development and graphic design abilities, build valuable communication skills and many transferable skills to help build a resume or prepare for an exciting new career. Donors can participate at their own pace and availability; there is flexibility and patience as they learn and find their way. If you find yourself with spare time, looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back to your community or need volunteer hours for any reason, consider partnering with OBI, where you can help save lives.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 21, in the Shepler Dorms Wichita Room
*All donors receive a t-shirt and a coupon to Firehouse Subs and Whataburger.
CAMERON UNIVERSITY VET FEST Veterans receive warm welcome
Jacob Doughty Staff Writer
On April 3, Cameron University held its seventh Vet Fest alongside the Military Veterans Resource Fair on the first and second floors of the McMahon Centennial Complex, a tradition nearly four years strong. Assistant Director of Financial Assistance Services and Coordinator of Veterans Affairs, Vicki Henson arranged this season’s event by teaming up with the Oklahoma City Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center to focus on the benefits of healthcare for veterans.
Throughout both event days, more
than twenty different groups from the federal, state and local levels came in to offer help to attendees and provide insights to veterans, active-duty personnel, and to their families.
According to a press release for the Military Veterans Resource Fair, veterans, active members and dependents have access to a comprehensive list of services and programs.
The connection between Cameron and the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center was made possible around August 2022, after the PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act became law, providing new benefits for veterans exposed to
harmful substances.
“Under this act, the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched one of the biggest expansions of healthcare in its history,” Henson said. “All veterans exposed to toxic substances and other hazards during military service are now eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare without first applying for VA benefits.”
Other resources provided referred visitors to organizations such as the Comanche County Veterans Council, activities and partnerships that ensure uniform along with protective benefits for veterans and their family members, the Fort Sill Survivors Outreach Services, Paws with Love
Therapy Dogs, Inc., and more.
The Congressional Liaison Officer for the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Katrina Yocum, credits Henson for her efforts and dedication towards creating such a benefit that goes to a greater cause.
“Every time I talked about Lawton, everybody kept telling me Cameron University and Vicki,” Yocum said. “Cameron University has always been so gracious about giving us the space and time to come and do our PACT Act stuff.”
Yocum also noted that the very first Vet Fest on campus brought over 262 veterans, an unexpected but much appreciated surprise.
Courtesy photo
Graphics by Kaley Muse
Parable of the Sower:
By The Revolutionary Octavia Butler Human Rights are not debatable .
Ciera Terry Voices Editor
“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler is a combination of a dystopian fantasy with elements of real-world problems. She tackles corrupt systems and deconstructs how diverse communities work in times of struggle.
Butler plays on themes of capitalism, emphasizing throughout the book that people are only as valuable as how productive their bodies can be.
This book made me question what it means to have rights and what it means to be comfortable; if rights can be taken away, shifted or changed, then people never had true rights to begin with.
In “Parable of the Sower,” the main character, Lauren, is born in a closed, gated community where people have limited access to privledge outside of just basics for survival. Lauren doesn’t believe survival is enough; she knows that the community she lives in is not sustainable. People outside of the community are dying from sickness, homelessness and starvation.
There is a system of normality in the community that Lauren’s family embraces; they refuse to acknowledge how things have changed on the outside and how that change will eventually impact the community.
Capitalism has affected these people’s ability to connect.
Lauren followss a religion of her own making (Earthseed) and her belief that disrupting a system of comfort for the greater good of truth and justice will combat loneliness she feels from being brought up in exclusion.
Meanwhile, her community acknowledges that things were changing but refuses to prepare for it. Lauren despises that lack of preparation because she, herself, is someone who suffers from what Octavia Butler calls “hyper empathy,” which is the ability to suffer from the physical pain of others. Unable to turn her head to deny the pain and anguish that everyone is experiencing, she worries about the pain and anguish she believes is coming.
She loves her community, and she does not want to see her people suffer — although she knows suffering is coming regardless if community members plan for it or not.
Ultimately when the gated community falls, it is because of an unwillingness to have hard conversations.
Religion is what drives Lauren to be who she is.
One of Lauren’s main internal battles is her questioning why everybody waits for tragedy to hit before they are able to converse with each other.
Lauren believes true stability is education and depending on the people next to her. A person cannot hate the community around them while simultaneously supporting
them and taking care of them.
Truly, the heart of survival and revolution is conversation and education — learning from each other, by each other, and with each other.
Butler did a really good job at constructing the themes of religion in a way that’s not about salvation and not about good vs. evil.
Lauren believed that a better future was to be created through change rather than dependency on the old.
For Lauren,
—which I hadn’t expected going into it, and there were many plot lines that I wished were flushed out, particularly the world-building about the government.
“Mutual aid comes at a cost because to be loved and supported in a world of struggle is to be inconvenienced sometimes.”
Earthseed is a religion that allows her to take her own power back.
After her community falls, Lauren travels north in search of a place to build her religion.
Earthseed becomes a movement for Lauren to preach and pass along throughout her journey and an attempt to be comforted despite loss and change.
Change for Lauren was God.
Change was the remedy to confusion and self-preservation.
As much as a person could be fearful, it was better to tackle those fears than it was to succumb to them.
Butler created a world of magical realism in a way that is intriguing and moving.
The book read as a YA novel
The book had a habit of contradicting itself, so I had a hard time trying to understand the way the political system worked within this world ... but upon reflection, I think maybe this is one of the themes of the novel: emphasis should be on the needs of people instead of convoluted political systems.
The moral of the story is about community and people being there to support their neighbors in times of struggle.
Mutual aid comes at a cost because to be loved and supported in a world of struggle is to be inconvenienced sometimes, and “Parable of the Sower” shows that the sacrifice of comfort is worth it.
It’s always been about love. It’s been about learning, it’s been about education and it’s been about getting to know the people next to you.
People don’t always have to agree with each other, but everyone can learn something from each other and all that entails is having the ability to listen and receive. Overall, I’d rate “Parable of the Sower,” a 3.5/5.
Ciera Terry Voices Editor
When we live in a society where our bodies are currency and our rights are bargains, there’s something we all must accept as citizens in America: We are only worth as much as our bodies are able to perform.
What does it mean to live in a system in which it’s not just what I have to say or my stances on political issues but my race, gender, and sexuality that means my existence is resistance?
I do not have the privilege to hide who I am, for who I am is a testament to what the world does not want me to be.
What is freedom in a world where you are free ... occasionally?
People don’t want to hear about the genocide that America is committing to Palestine and in Congo because people are only free as long as they don’t write a student column about things other people don’t want to hear.
When Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk raised her voice, six undercover police officers
kidnapped her and performed an unconstitutional search while loading her into an unmarked vehicle.
Because, again, you, me, we are only free, sometimes.
By definition, “freedom” means the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint and yet here we are, being restricted and targeted.
It’s hard not to feel like a puppet or plaything. Most of the time, I feel invaded. It feels like every part of my body is violated by the hands of those in power.
But I have to remind myself that my body is mine
My beliefs, my morals are not something that can be taken away from me or changed.
The normality of life asks me to be quiet, to stay silent, to look the other way and I’m not sure I can do that – no, I know I can’t.
Human rights is not a political debate — not in the name of law, not in the name of religion, not in the name of protection – or even making our country “great again,” because I fail to see when it was ever great.
That’s the illusion — Americans’ sense of security
when the reality is denial, suffering and pain. We are in a unique position because the world is still actively being made, where our actions and our love for the people next to us can radialize what we know.
That gives me hope.
What’s important to you? What do you stand for?
In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” King writes: “So the question is not whether we will be extremist, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice, or will we be extremists for the cause of justice?”
My liberation is found through the people next to me. Learning, educating myself about the world, surrounding myself with diverse groups — liberation, at its core is about the ability to imagine something better for future generations and for ourselves.
I am not a scholar nor a prophet, just a simple human being yearning for a better future and a fruitful present.
Because something better has to exist, something better than this.
Graphics by
Ciera Terry
If you haven’t already, you need to run – not walk – to start watching “Severance.”
For those not in the know, “Severance” is a science fiction dark comedy series. The show follows Mark S (Adam Scott), a widower who has undergone the Severance procedure at his workplace (Lumon Industries). The procedure separates his brain into two distinct personalities: his Outie (his everyday self, which has no memories of his day at work) and his Innie (his work personality, which retains only memories of the workplace).
The ensemble cast consists of Britt Lower (Helly R), John Turturro (Irving B), Tramell Tillman (Milchick), Patricia Arquette (Cobel/ Selvig), and Zach Cherry (Dylan G).
The first season of “Severance” is incredible on its own. The series is delightfully genrebending, moving effortlessly between comedy, drama, thriller, and mystery (with a hint of romance sprinkled on the side). With such an expansive cast of characters and a million different avenues to explore as far as what a real-life Severance procedure might entail, the first season set very high expectations.
The show originally premiered in February 2022 and it was not until after a dramatic cliffhanger and three years that the second season finally released. While the first season didn’t make a huge wave, the second season is what really hooked audiences onto the magic of the series.
top of the game in terms of writing quality. The show could easily drag out plot lines across its ten episodes, but that isn’t the case here – instead, “Severance” continues to create a fast-paced, content filled episodic masterpiece full of unexpected twists and turns.
an ease that I imagine is envied by actors everywhere. Britt Lower and Tramell Tillman are particularly good; Lower plays both sides of Helly R with the care and complexity necessary to the performance, and Tillman has taken the character of Milchick far
strikes a balance between advanced and dated to create a wonderfully retro futuristic aesthetic, adding to the imbalance between reality and the workplace.
What makes “Severance” so refreshing compared to a lot of current television is how unapologetically dedicated the cast and crew are to creating a piece of art.
Despite such big shoes to fill after the first season, “Severance” has consistently remained on
Without sharing too many spoilers for those still on the fence about watching “Severance,” I’ll say this: it is beyond worth your time. Every actor shines in their roles, bringing out sides of both their Innie and Outie personas with
beyond the mere limits of his lines.
The world-building is beautifully done in the series. The strange, sterile offices within Lumon Industries are contrasted by the gloomy, eternal winter of the outside world. Technology
Every single detail of “Severance” is intentional – the smallest pieces of set design, sound design and music is made with purpose. The opening shot – which might appear to be a simple single-take of Mark S running through the corridors – took three months to film due to the camera movements and restrictive space on set. Another shot in the series follows the camera entering the wiring of a computer; one might assume the shot
was composed through CGI but it was, in fact, actually filmed through the wires.
With concerns over artificial intelligence ruining the arts, “Severance” is a solid testament to the fact that the best works of art are man-made through the labor of love.
Writer and creator Dan Erickson can be credited with making “Severance” the masterful piece of art that it is. Producer Ben Stiller has also been a huge advocate for the series, supporting the mysterious and important work put into “Severance.”
“Severance” is a deeply captivating work of television, and I truly believe that anyone and everyone should fall into the world. For that, I give “Severance” five out of five finger-traps. (If you know, you know.)
“Severance” seasons one and two are available to stream on Apple TV+.
This review contains tension, but the ominous vibe isn’t prevalent aside from these few and far between performances all around, the
lackluster scares that do little we see is not real, but an
The third act is mainly told
Graphics by Amelia Lozano
Amelia Lozano
A&E Editor
A look at the Cameron University Senior Art Show THROUGH OUR EYES
Alyssa Martinez Student Life Editor
From 6- 8:30 p.m. April
5, the Cameron University Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts opened “Through Our Eyes,” the annual senior art exhibition at the Leslie Powell Art gallery. The reception was free and open to the public and will remain open to the from 12 - 4 p.m. weekdays until May 2.
Students enrolled in the Senior Art Major Capstone course put together the
exhibition in a little over four months.
The Capstone class exists to determine if the students have achieved the necessary standards and skills of the department during their time in the program, with one of the biggest skills for art being mounting the exhibition from start to finish.
Students present a variety of media, styles and subjects for the gallery. The students are responsible for not only preparing their own work but mounting it properly, putting
together advertisements, a press release, mailing lists to get the word out about the show, preparing artists statements to describe their work, having a guest book, professionally printing the labels for their artwork, catering for the reception, and of course, pricing and selling their work for the show.
Assistant Professor Jack Crouch said it is an important opportunity for students to gain professional experience of the work that goes into setting up and promoting a gallery.
“They’re getting to experience… what it is like to show outside of a higher education environment,” Crouch said.
Presenting artists include Dayton Horn, Carnegie; Camila Ramos Tobar, San Salvador, El Salvador; Haley Wann Hart, Fort Cobb; Diane Denham, Medicine Park; Kanney Do, Sabrina McClellan
and Jaden Pebeahsy, Lawton; and Sooner Meyer, Walters.
Although the work may be challenging, many of the students find the experience rewarding in both professional and deeply personal ways.
Senior Bachelor of Arts major Haley Wann Hart describes the show and the work she put into it as one of her biggest achievements so far, both with the time and effort she put into making her work as well as setting up the gallery.
“The work I put into my Senior exhibition means so much to me,” Hart said. “I have always wanted to be an artist since I was a little girl, so it was truly one of my biggest achievements.”
Hart also gained appreciation for official gallery directors who do the work of hosting shows.
Senior Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Diane Denham presented sculptures she made throughout her time in the art program as well as eleven paintings full
of abstract, colorful figures that look like they cannot move very well, a significant departure from her usual work.
“The reason I went that route was because I lost my husband in December,” Denham said. “He always liked abstract paintings…it came to me to work with figures that were very limited in what they could do physically. ”
Although the idea came to her while she was still grieving, she wanted the figures to be brightly colored because it is when she produces that kind of art that makes her happy.
“I wanted them to be happy, colorful and fun because that’s what I want to do with my art,” Denham said. “If I could make somebody laugh, that’s my goal in life.”
The gallery will run from 12 - 4 p.m. weekdays until May 2 at The Leslie Powell Art Gallery, 620 S.W. D Avenue. For questions, contact the Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts at (580) 581-2346 or the Leslie Powell Gallery at (580) 357-9526.
Photos by Alyssa Martinez
Graphic by Dayton Horn
In classic comeback style, the Cameron University Women’s Tennis Team secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Angelo State University on Monday, April 7, at home. The win ended a five-match losing streak and showcased the team’s determination as they fought through a tense, back-and-forth that came down to the very last point.
Head coach of the women’s tennis team
out and do the best you can, and compete hard, and try to find a way to win, and we did today.”
The match started with a challenging opening for Cameron. The doubles teams were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, with each of the three pairings falling short and losing their matches.
As the singles matches progressed, the Cameron players began to find their rhythm, despite earlier setbacks. The efforts of the team’s fifth singles player, Alexsa
court.
With their strong performances, the team’s score began to improve; this is when the comeback started for Cameron.
During the match, Jankowska found herself in a tough spot, trailing 1-4 at one point. However, she refused to back down, with a hard-fought comeback to tie the score before eventually winning 6-4.
Her performance was especially impressive for her ability to execute a powerful backhand and maintain her focus during extended rallies. Jankowska’s resilience and skill under pressure were key to the thrilling turnaround and the overall shift in the match.
Jankowska remained calm through the mental battle, focused on surviving and on every point at hand.
“And then it started working. I’m not gonna lie, when I won that match, it was such an amazing feeling.
My whole stress was released, and yes, that was the point that we needed for today, to win,” Jankowska said. “So I’m super, super proud of myself, and I’m super proud of the girls and that we did our job today.”
Jenna Goessel was the final Aggie to take the court, with the match tied and the win riding on her performance. Despite the high-pressure situation,
Goessel remained composed and focused, refusing to let the stakes shake her confidence.
In the end, it was Goessel’s relentless effort and calm under pressure that made the difference. She closed out the final match of the day with a 7–5 victory, clinching the overall win for the Aggies.
Her win sealed the 4-3 comeback for Cameron and brought a muchneeded boost to the team.
With only six matches remaining in the regular season, Cameron looks to build on this performance: the composure shown under pressure, the refusal to fold after early losses and the ability to rally behind
one another could serve as a launching point for a strong finish. The Aggies will return to home courts on April 17 and 19 for the final home matches of the season. For more information on the women’s tennis team visit https:// cameronaggies.com/ sports/womens-tennis.
