The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s annual literary magazine, Spirit Lake Review (SLR), will be hosting a launch party celebrating the release of its 2025 issue on Wednesday, May 7, from 5:15-7:30 p.m. in the Nohr Art Gallery. SLR is a literary magazine published every spring semester and is edited and designed by Dr. Kara Candito’s class, Literary Magazines. The publication is student-led, setting it apart in the literary magazine landscape. SLR has been running for more than twenty years and originated as a project at UW-Platteville’s Baraboo-Sauk campus.
“Spirit Lake Review is completely different from most other classes I've taken at UW-Platteville,” said Editor-in-Chief Matty Olson. “Everything we do has a purpose—and that purpose is to create a literary magazine. I love it.”
Working on the magazine tasks students with copy editing half a dozen pieces a week, creating the SLR website and making weekly social media posts. They also read, review and vote on a weekly 40–70-page submission packet of prospective poetry and prose pieces for inclusion in the issue.
“The most unique part of this experience is that it culminates in a living, breathing work of art,” said Olson. “While the responsibility of handling and debating the work of creatives from around the world can be daunting at times, it’s mostly a wonderful, high-impact opportunity.”
Candito is all too familiar with the hard work it takes to run a literal journal.
“I stepped into my role as SLR faculty advisor in 2022, when instructor Kelly Dwyer retired,” said Candito, associate professor of creative writing and English literature. “I did editorial work for a literary journal in graduate school and served as an associate editor for another, so I was thrilled to inherit SLR, which has been publishing an annual issue since 2003.”
This year, the SLR team received several hundred poetry, prose and visual art submissions from over 100 authors, many of whom are UW-Platteville students and faculty.
"Running a literary journal is unpredictable, fun and sometimes stressful,” explained Candito. “The timeline for receiving poetry, prose and visual art submissions; selecting pieces for publication; producing and publishing an issue; and planning a launch party is always tight."
SLR alum and professional poet, Kelsey Bigelow, explains why she continues to submit year after year.
“The unique thing about SLR is that it’s student-run,” said Bigelow. “Current students review and make decisions about my poetry, which helps me understand what topics and styles resonate with the next generation. It warms my heart to see that the education I received is still empowering students who are ready to take the world into their own hands. I’ve seen the strength of a UW-Platteville education—how it prepares you for any kind of life you want, even one that follows an unconventional path—and it excites me to see that potential carried forward by such capable hands.”
The Literary Magazines course will be offered next spring, and interested students are encouraged to sign up.
“If you’re an English major or a creative writing minor, this class is a must-take, in my opinion,” said Jack Braun, submissions and copy editing manager. “You’ll get a great insider’s view of what’s publishable as well as refine your writing skills through exposure, even if you don’t submit work yourself.”
All UW-Platteville students are encouraged to submit their poetry/prose and visual art pieces to be featured in next year’s issue.
Multi-year SLR contributor Matty Olson comments, “Speaking as a former contributor, it is a trustworthy place for your art to live.”
In addition to selling full-color printed copies of this year’s issue at the launch party, contributors and the SLR team will dress in 90s attire and perform live readings of their work. The event is free to attend, and food and beverages will be provided. All UW-Platteville students and faculty are invited to join the celebration.