This year’s Talisman, under the direction of Faculty Advisor Katharine Harer, is accepting poetry, short-stories, and b&w photos or drawings for its 2007 edition.

Harer, who is a creative writing instructor and published poet, gives the final approval for accepted entries in the Talisman and contestants need to know what criteria govern her selections. Harer says she will be looking for well written poems, short stories, originality in language, drawings, and photos.

“The desired end is to push students outside their norm in order to produce fresh variety,” said Harer.

Harer strongly encourages students to submit entries for the magazine this year.

“It’s a great step to get your creative work exposed, and get a feel for the audience,” said Harer.

When asked what’s new with the magazine this year, Harer responded, “The element of surprise and new editors.”

On staff for the Talisman is editor, Barbara McNeill. “The challenge is scary, because it’s not my primary field”, said McNeill. Yet, she finds editing very therapeutic. Mrs. McNeill encourages Skyline students to overcome any fear of rejection, stir up those original ideas, and submit their creative works to the Talisman. “Students can receive a concrete reward, acceptance, and affirmation that their works are headed in the right direction,” replied McNeill.

Funds for the Talisman have definitely moved in the right direction in recent years, thanks to consistent contributions from the Language Arts Department and the Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC). However, in the early years this was not the case. Students would contribute in order to bridge the financial deficit said Harer. For example, a former Skyline student gave between $600 and $1,000 dollars of his inheritance to ensure the Talisman’s publication one year. Another former student sold guns from his prized collection for two consecutive years to preserve artistic expression through this magazine.

Harer says she is emotionally moved by former students’ altruistic sacrifices, and is equally stirred when a student of low confidence is transformed by the results of his or her submitted work. For instance, one year a student submitted an unsuspectingly powerful story about his family. In addition to winning an award, he won the affirmation of the editorial staff and gained much needed self-confidence, which positively impacted his future

If you are still reluctant to submit an artistic entry in the Talisman, maybe Mrs. McNeill’s thoughts might persuade you. “Do it for yourself if not for others,” McNeill said.