College of Western Idaho (CWI) students take the lead in producing Stonecrop, an annual literary magazine that publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from writers and artists around the world.
The magazine began as Basalt in 2013 before changing its name to Stonecrop after five issues. Named for a hardy succulent that grows in the high desert, Stonecrop reflects CWI’s resilient student body and gives students hands-on experience in creative writing, editing, marketing, and publishing.
Stonecrop receives more than 1,000 submissions each year. Students enrolled in Literary Magazine (ENGL 286) make up the magazine’s staff and guide each issue through publication, including reading submissions, editing, layout, and design. A new issue is published and printed at the end of each spring semester.
The experience has also connected students with arts organizations and opportunities beyond the classroom. Former Stonecrop staff members have gone on to intern and work for Storyfort, Treefort, The Cabin, Backyard Artists, and more. Some have had their own creative writing published locally, while others have pursued creative writing degrees in the Treasure Valley and beyond.
Students also connect with local artists through interviews published in the magazine. Previous interviewees include Kim Barnes, Mitch Wieland, Ryan Blacketter, Patrick Ramsay, Kerri Webster, and Catherine Kyle.
Each year, Stonecrop partners with Storyfort to bring storytellers to Boise and CWI’s campus. The partnership includes the Storyfort Microfiction Contest, which invites writers to submit short works for a chance to win a five-day wristband to Treefort events and venues.
Stonecrop is currently accepting submissions for its 10th issue. Writers and artists can submit their work through Stonecrop’s Submittable page or website.
