In a day and age where studies in the arts can be looked down upon and creative career paths cause eyebrows to raise, Chapman Ouroboros Magazine stands proudly in the face of naysayers. 

The magazine, founded by class of 2021 history and creative writing alumnus Collin Brown in 2019, offers students an outlet to express their creativity surrounding genres and ideas that may not be often illustrated. Across six issues, beginning in the fall of 2020, the medium has published content surrounding fantasy, horror, science fiction and mythology.

Senior creative writing major Sam Wilson, who serves as the magazine’s managing editor, joined the organization due to his passion for the weird. He felt that the magazine acted as an outlet for stories about lesser-displayed topics and genres. 

“I think Ouroboros serves sort of the niche interest of speculative fiction and fantasy. It offers a place where those things can really shine on their own,” Wilson told The Panther. “(Ouroboros’ past work) really just spoke to it being such a welcoming place for odd stories and weirdness and pushing the bounds of what fiction can do.” 

For senior creative writing major Joie-May Silvers, the magazine’s third (and current) editor-in-chief, joining the organization was in part determined by a desire to break away from what may be considered societal normalities and embrace one’s oddness. 

“I was really drawn to the magic and the weirdness and the love of being who you are without judgment,” Silvers said. “I’ve always felt most comfortable in the weird, and I’ve always wanted to cultivate things that aren’t the norm. I guess, because in society, we’re so stuck on a certain image of ourselves. Ouroboros is really about breaking down that image.” 

Reading from the magazine’s Chapman webpage, Silvers explained the background of the publication’s name. The ouroboros, a creature that eats its own tail, represents the unification of something’s beginning and end. Applying that concept to the magazine, Ouroboros offers readers the ability to continuously return to its content with — as Wilson described — different voices and members constantly contributing in all areas of the publication.

Silvers and Wilson both believe that Ouroboros offers reaffirmation of a future to students who may have had their career paths and creative passions squandered by those who doubt such fields are financially sound or those who look down upon literary topics that deviate from what may be considered “conventional.” To Wilson, Ouroboros allows students to garner respect for their work and passion regardless of their career status. 

“I think it’s really interesting how writing and creative writing and creative industries aren’t usually seen as places with big futures,” Wilson said. “I think something like Ouroboros that focuses directly on emphasizing and elevating the beautiful work that people are doing in those fields in a very small way is important…so that you don’t feel like you have to be a major name in the world of science fiction and fantasy writing in order to be respected.” 

Second-year graduate English and creative writing student Lauren Sieberg, a literary and visual art editor for the magazine, also believes in the medium’s ability to validate work that many may deem “less grounded.” 

“Even today, it can be challenging to find a space in academia where speculative pieces are regarded as valid, skillful or honorable forms of artistic expression,” Sieberg told The Panther. “Yet Ouroboros welcomes any and all media designed to invoke whimsy, terror and magic.”

To Silvers and Wilson, the organization’s board feels like a group of multifaceted, passionate friends dedicated to their work. When reviewing pieces submitted for publication, the magazine’s editorial team looks for, in addition to creativity, new ideas, recycled ideas with twists, polishedness and effort. Additionally, the organization accepts animation and visual works along with written material. Once accepted, authors and creatives are able to work one-on-one with one of the team’s editors on editing their pieces. 

Sieberg feels that the magazine’s output of different creative voices tackling multiple genres of storytelling has allowed her to become a better writer. Speaking on the organization’s process of anonymously reviewing submissions, Sieberg explained that different topics elicited different reactions from herself. 

“We’ve been graced with submissions that have me screaming or cackling with delight, arcs that chilled me to the bone and story concepts that made me want to evolve into a better writer because I want to someday achieve the level of care and whimsy that they do,” Sieberg said. “Ouroboros holds a special space in my heart because it inspires both myself and other creatives who dabble in fantasy, sci-fi or horror to become better creators simply on the merit of seeing brilliant works shine every semester.” 

Upcoming events the organization is orchestrating include the release of the magazine’s October zine this Halloween and a launch party that coincides with the magazine’s fall issue release on Dec. 1. Students interested in learning more about the magazine can visit the organization’s Instagram page and Chapman webpage or visit the magazine’s website and Discord server.