As the new Executive Editor for the Manchac Review, Samantha Reine hopes to help the publication grow and reach more people. Zachary Araki/The Lion’s Roar

Former Executive Editor of   Manchac Review Kim Calhoun has moved on to other pursuits while Samantha Reine takes lead of the publication. 

The Manchac Review is a creative journal open to submission by anyone in various categories such as fiction and poetry. Reine prepared to step into her new role as executive editor of  Manchac Review. 

“From what I know, when Kim first took on Manchac, it was kind of in this skeleton state where there wasn’t much to go by,” said Reine. “She’s brought it up so much. She’s worked so hard to get it where it is. For me to come into that, an introvert after an extroverted person, I feel like it’s going to be difficult for me to reach up to her level, but a lot of my professors have told me that I can. I just have to be extroverted, so we’re gonna see. It is scary, but it is exciting at the same time.”

Despite the position shift, Calhoun will remain involved with Manchac Review. 

“I am not leaving the Manchac Review per se, but I accepted another offer within the English department that I could not turn down,” said Calhoun. “I’ll be a teaching assistant this fall and a teaching fellow in the spring of 2018. Along with my writings and poetry ventures, one of my goals is to teach. I absolutely love working with students and the work I do in the Writing Center. Therefore, the TA, TF position will continue to prepare me for that effort. I’ve also been offered an opportunity to teach freshman English at Southern University in Baton Rouge this fall, and I am gearing up for that.”

Reine joined the review about a year ago as the fiction editor. Calhoun described her growing friendship with Reine. 

“I first encountered her in a poetry workshop class, and I thought her writing style was quite fabulous,” said Calhoun. “She can also draw and often creates illustrations for her works. She does a spot-on British accent. She’s fun, but she is also a serious thinker, and she appreciates literature deeply. She will critique a work down to the last period, and I think it’s those types of considerations that make a great writer and editor.” 

Reine enjoys the submissions Manchac Review receives from various people. 

“When it’s a piece of fiction, whether it’s poetry or fast fiction or just a chapter from a story, it’s very interesting to see what people come up with,” said Reine. “I feel like that’s my favorite part. It’s kind of the main reason I went into it. I like reading other people’s stories. I get inspired very easily, so to see these other people, younger and older, working very hard towards their dream and publishing their stuff, it inspires me to be better and to publish my own stuff.”

Calhoun reflected on her time as the executive editor. 

“I’ve gotten to connect with so many unique students,” said Calhoun. “I’ve learned many things about the publishing process.”

Reine hopes to help Manchac Review continue growing. 

“I want people to get it out there,” Reine said. “I want people to know that’s one of the only ways to get out there. For those who are non-English majors, come submit. You’re more than welcome. I always tell Kim that whenever people do the open mic, they don’t see the light in their eyes of how excited they get, how passionate they get, and it’s one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever witness. I want people to see that in themselves even if they don’t go after writing as a career.”