Leading Our Literary Magazine

A terrified freshman when I arrived at Moravian for the fall 2018 semester, I felt completely intimidated by my new surroundings, but I was determined to get myself involved; then I found The Manuscript, Moravian College’s literature and art magazine.
by Anna Litofsky ’22

In the early weeks of every semester, Moravian holds a club fair, and I decided that’s where I would begin my search for an activity I would enjoy. I was introduced to Moravian’s student-run literary magazine, The Manuscript, a print magazine that invites all students to submit their original poetry, short stories, essays, and artwork to be considered for publication at the end of the academic year. My interest was piqued. I love writing and drawing, and I wanted to be a part of the creative production of the magazine. Plus, I would be around other people who loved writing and drawing. So, despite my shyness, I signed up.

The magazine exists within the Manuscript Club, which typically meets once a month at Afterwords Café on the lower floor of Reeves Library. Club members can attend writing workshops where they talk about stories and writing in a casual, comfortable setting. They can also become magazine editors. In my first meeting, when the club president asked for those interested in being editors, I knew right away that I wanted to be one. It is an editor’s job to review student submissions and deliver feedback to the student, who can choose to follow those suggestions and then have their work accepted. It seemed like a great opportunity to become more involved in the club and provide helpful criticism to fellow students on their writing.

And it has been. I love offering suggestions to enhance pieces that are already bursting with creativity and imagination. I feel admiration for Moravian students’ skills and their courage in putting their work out there. As a freshman, I was too hesitant to submit my own work.

Old and New
by Thomas Mateo
from the 2019-20 edition of The Manuscript

During my sophomore year, I became more involved. I was part of a team that worked with the club president, vice president, treasurer, faculty advisor Dr. Joyce Hinnefeld, and all the editors to make The Manuscript the best that it could be. I accepted the role of designer liaison and collaborated with Moravian’s Studio South designers to create a compelling design for the 2019–20 issue of the magazine that was themed around outer space. I also strengthened my editing skills, delivering strong, relevant feedback aimed at lifting the artists’ work. And, encouraged by my fellow staff members, I finally worked up the courage to submit a piece of my own writing.

If you told me when I first joined the Manuscript Club that I would become the club president in 2020, I would have been shocked. I was a quiet, awkward freshman—not a leader. But now, after pushing myself to get involved and participating in the club for two years, I’m working with the staff and editors to produce the 2020–21 issue of the magazine. In the midst of the pandemic, I’ve organized online meetings with Vice President Amanda Whitworth ’22, Treasurer Brittany Schleicher ’22, and Design Liaison Madisen Snyder ’23 to keep the club connected.

Down by the Creek
by Cassie Hoffmann
from the 2019–20 edition
of
 The Manuscript

I’ve learned so much about being a leader. I’m learning how to speak clearly and concisely to an audience. I’m understanding how to organize, making sure every student submission and club activity is recorded. I’m advocating and advertising, sending emails and speaking up to get people interested in contributing to the magazine. And perhaps most importantly, I’m learning how to delegate. I’ve realized that part of being a leader is knowing when to step back. Though my inclination may be to take on everything myself, I’m surrounded by a great team of people, and I can and should rely on that team.

I have witnessed the tenacity of that team and of our writers and artists. In the face of the pandemic, the club went forward with our annual publication party last October—socially distanced, of course—and the creativity of Moravian students continues to flow. We’ve received a fantastic array of submissions, from inspiring poetry and short stories to captivating illustration and photography.

The current team of editors, which includes me, Anthony Bardelli ’23, Camaryn Wheeler ’21, Cecilia Zimmerli ’23, Isaac Weston ’22, Mualla Celik ’22, Madisen Snyder ’23, Brittany Schleicher ’22, and Amanda Whitworth ’22, is delivering our thoughtful suggestions for edits as submissions roll in.

I’m extremely excited to see all the unique works of art and writing collected together in the finished Manuscript magazine, which will be available free around campus in late April or early May. And, as I look to my senior year, I can say with certainty that The Manuscript will continue to be a highlight of my Moravian experience.

Anna Litofsky ’22 is a graphic design and English double major. In addition to her role as president of the Manuscript Club, she is creator of the comic series Behind the Mask for Moravian’s student newspaper, The Comenian. The series focuses on Litofsky’s experiences as a student living through the pandemic.