English major Hannah Jenkins displays a copy of the last edition of Paper Mill Press

For almost 10 years, Paper Mill Press has provided an open access space for students, faculty and staff to publish their works of poetry, prose and imagery.

English major Hannah Jenkins of Corner Brook has submitted creative writing pieces to Paper Mill Press in the past; however, it's her contributions as an editorial board member of which she's prouder.

"This role allowed me to help make decisions regarding submissions with respect to what was accepted," she said. "Not only was it incredibly enjoyable to read all of the wonderful submissions we received, but the experience also helped bring out my critical thinking and editorial skills. As someone interested in the world of professional writing and publishing, I found Paper Mill Press to be a fantastic extracurricular." 

Ms. Jenkins believes it's important to have this sort of outlet for the Grenfell community.

"There is so much creative talent at Grenfell that deserves to be showcased," she said. "Paper Mill Press provides people with a platform to do so. There are some truly dedicated writers and artists who submit to us and being published in a journal is a great way to jumpstart, or flesh out, a professional CV. It's gratifying to know that we can help boost a young writer or artist's confidence and give them a creative outlet."

Paper Mill Press had its beginnings in 2011 when Dr. Adam Beardsworth identified a need for a channel for student creative work. For each issue student volunteers form an editorial board responsible for soliciting and editing the submissions and helping with the copy-editing and eventual book launch.

"I've always felt that it offers students a good experiential learning opportunity and gets them invested in literature and art beyond the classroom," he said. "It also teaches them about the intricacies – and even politics – of publishing. Each issue has focused primarily on the work of Grenfell students, faculty and staff, though we have also published work by writers from farther afield."

The pandemic and other constraints have put at least a temporary hold on the publication and interrupted the production of a current issue. However, the success of the publication has also motivated Dr. Beardsworth to begin a discussion with colleagues regarding the creation a new, western Newfoundland literary journal that will seek to publish work from new and established writers from the province and beyond.