RCC Humanities: Rogue Currents Literary Magazine
Rogue Currents is RCC's new online magazine showcasing student creativity in literature and visual and performance arts. Works published in the magazine are curated and edited by students in the Humanities WR 246: Magazine Writing, Editing, and Publishing class (new for spring 2026), along with members of RCC's Creative Writers' Club. The magazine is published once a year at the end of spring term, in collaboration with students in the Design and Digital Media program. Our aim is to amplify student voices at a moment when authentic expression matters more than ever.
We are currently seeking submissions for our inaugural issue, launching in June 2026.
We welcome original work in the following categories:
- Creative Nonfiction (personal essay, memoir, literary journalism)
- Fiction (short stories, flash fiction, graphic fiction)
- Poetry (any style or form, including prose and slam poetry)
- Visual Art (photography, illustration, painting, mixed media, sculpture)
- Performance Art (music, dance, comedy, dramatic monologue, “Squawk Talk”)
The submission deadline for the first issue is April 24, 2026. Submission form will open winter term 2026.
Questions? Please email [email protected].
Mission Statement
Rogue Currents is a gathering of student energy —
Ideas that surge, shift, twist, and insist on being heard.
We celebrate originality in all its forms:
A story told in a new rhythm,
A line of poetry that reflects life like light on water,
A performance that carries its own momentum.
Here, student voices don't just flow —
They transform the current itself.
Submission Guidelines
Rogue Currents accepts original creative work from current RCC students across multiple artistic genres. Please review the guidelines below before submitting.
Eligibility
- We accept previously unpublished work created by current RCC students.
- Students may submit up to one entry per category.
- Each submission must be accompanied by a completed submission form with contact information and a brief description of the work.
- Rogue Currents encourages artistic freedom and the exploration of meaningful or challenging themes. Work addressing mature topics in thoughtful, literary, or artistic ways is welcome. However, the magazine does not accept:
- Pornographic content
- Gratuitous violence
- Material intended to demean or harm individuals or groups
Written Submissions
(Creative Nonfiction, Fiction and Poetry)
- Fiction and creative nonfiction may be up to 3,000 words.
- Poetry submissions (1–3 poems) may total up to 500 words.
- Upload written work as a Word (.docx) file.
- Include the title, genre, and word count at the top of the first page.
- Do not include your name anywhere in the document (blind review process).
Visual Art
(Photography, Illustration, Painting, Mixed Media, Sculpture)
- Submit artwork as a titled .jpg file (high resolution preferred).
- 3D artwork (sculpture, ceramics, textiles) may include multiple angles.
Performance Art
(Music, Dance, Comedy, Dramatic Monologue, "Squawk Talk")
- Submissions should be 1–5 minutes in length.
- Upload as a titled .mp3 or .mp4 file.
- Squawk Talk entries should present a clear idea or argument in a creative way.
Publication Rights
- The Rogue Currents editorial team reserves editorial control of all material submitted and protects all rights.
- The Rogue Currents editorial team acquires the first North American serial and online publication rights of material selected for publication; authors and artists retain all other rights to the material.
- Payment for selected content is one printed copy of Rogue Currents.
Submit your entry here!
Submission Review & Selection Process
Once your work is submitted, our review process ensures fairness, transparency, and the highest creative quality while highlighting student creativity and perspective.
- Blind Review
- Submissions are reviewed anonymously by the Rogue Currents editorial team (students in WR 246 and members of the Writers’ Club).
- Reviewers do not see your name, contact information, or personal identifiers.
- Initial Screening
- Editors ensure the submission meets basic guidelines (word limits, file type, originality, content standards).
- Submissions outside guidelines may be returned for correction if time allows.
- Editorial Evaluation
- Pieces are evaluated on creativity, clarity, originality, artistic merit and overall fit for the issue.
- Visual and performance works are evaluated with parallel criteria appropriate to the medium.
- Collaborative Discussion
- The editorial team meets to discuss the strongest submissions and to build a balanced, compelling issue that reflects diverse student voices and genres.
- Acceptance Notification
- Students are contacted by email regarding acceptance.
- Minor editing or revisions may be requested before publication.
- Final Proof & Publication
- Accepted pieces are prepared for publication in collaboration with the Design and Digital Media program.