Writers who don’t read or write aren't uncommon. You find them in the overworked, under- caffeinated college student, in the exhausted stay-at-home mom. You’ll even find one in me, an editor for a college literary magazine. Writers who don’t read or write are perfectly common.
Announcing the 3rd volume of the Oakland Arts Review!
Hello readers! I know you've all been waiting on the edge of your seats for Vol. 3 of the Oakland Arts Review to finally arrive.
2018-2019 Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Prizes in Nonfiction and Poetry
Cash awards to be given to the best piece in each genre that addresses the experience of being Muslim in America.
Oldies But Goodies: Summer Reading 2019
Every summer brings a barrage of expensive new swimsuits, patios reeking of sunscreen, and slews of brand new, aesthetically-pleasing books. But seeing as my years as an undergrad are coming to a close, I'm feeling much more nostalgic this sunburn season. It's the end of an era for me, and while I love bingeing new … Continue reading Oldies But Goodies: Summer Reading 2019
Writing Conferences: Ins, Outs, and Upcoming Opportunities
Whether you've been writing creatively for a few weeks or a few years, it's always helpful to bounce your plots, writing styles, and characters off other people. But finding individuals who know enough about the craft to effectively praise and critique your work can be tricky. Luckily, events like writer's conferences are held all-year round, … Continue reading Writing Conferences: Ins, Outs, and Upcoming Opportunities
The Newest Issue of OAR Has Arrived!
While I drink my iced coffee and walk my dogs in this fine spring weather, the world is shifting around me in unsettling and marvelous ways. With the haphazard flourishing of dandelions comes the equally-haphazard (yet heartening) flourish of ideas to combat climate change. There is the continued bloom of the #MeToo and #BLM movements, … Continue reading The Newest Issue of OAR Has Arrived!
Characters and Characterization
Let’s talk character! Two quotes attributed to F. Scott Fitzgerald are “Character is plot, plot is character” and “Action is character.” Sure, we can’t all create Gatsby in the context of Gatsby, but that’s not the point or the objective. The objective is to create a character that flows within the context of whatever story … Continue reading Characters and Characterization
How To, and Why You Should, Write About Terminal Illness
One of the most beautiful features of fiction is that it can speak to experience. A well written piece on terminal illness can positively impact readers.
Check out our new ad!
We're excited to have placed a 1/2 page ad in the upcoming October issue of Poets and Writers magazine, which has a circulation of over 10,000 people. Teachers and students, share the ad widely!
What Is Good Writing?
Recently, the editors of the Oakland Arts Review sat down and we discussed what good writing meant, to us at least. So, what is good writing? I’m not going to sit here and pretend to know what the answer to that questions is because I think it varies from person to person. What I think … Continue reading What Is Good Writing?
