Centripetal Magazine

Centripetal is a literary and art magazine published once each semester by Poets & Writers, a student organization at Plymouth State University. Students, alumni, and staff are able to write for Centripetal regardless of major. People may submit up to four pieces of writing and four pieces of art. While Centripetal is always accepting submissions, people looking to get something published in the fall issue must submit by Oct. 9th. Submissions can be sent to poetswriters@plymouth.edu

When asked where the name Centripetal came from, Poets & Writers president Hannah Dutton said according to the adviser, Paul Rogalus, “[the name] came from a student who thought that poetry all brought us to our centers, and centers of communication. Hence, the scientific force known as centripetal” Centripetal is believed to have been around for almost 20 years. No one really knows for sure, but there has been a literary magazine around for as long as anyone can remember.

People can find copies of Centripetal all around campus as well as online at centripetal.blogs.plymouth.edu. Physical copies can often be found in Ellen Reed House, the Writing Center, and the Centre Lodge. There are release parties every time a new Centripetal comes out which consist of an open mic night and distribution of the new Centripetal magazines.

Treasurer Hannah Hounsell shared her favorite thing about Centripetal. “There is nothing better than, after two straight months of scheduling, scoring, formatting, cover design, and deadlines, being able to feel the product of all that work,” she said. “Our Centripetal release is always emotional because the literary magazine is truly a labor of love for all involved. Writers inject their piece with emotion and skill, editors deliberate into order to award pieces with a fair score, and formatters sweat to make everything look good. When you hold a crisp, freshly printed Centripetal in your hand, it really feels like something magical has happened.”

Hannah Dutton said her favorite thing about Centripetal is “reading the initial submissions, even if it’s a lot. Last spring we had the most submissions received in the past four years, and it was amazing to see the talent and passion on this campus.”

Dutton gave some advice for anyone thinking about submitting to Centripetal. “If you’re thinking about writing but are scared because you aren’t an English major, or don’t feel comfortable because you aren’t in the department; I thought the same thing, and here I am, and Anthropology major as the head of Poets & Writers. I have loved every second of it.”