While Marymount’s literary magazine, Sunset, always produces a promising final result that allows students to celebrate their genuine creativity, few are familiar with the time-consuming process that goes into actually putting this magazine together.

With each page comes a variety of different art pieces: poems, short stories, photographs, paintings, and prose (otherwise known as written thoughts). I appreciate Sunset for highlighting artistic expression at Marymount, and upon seeing an issue of the magazine for the first time, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of putting the magazine together.

While Sunset is more difficult to join than other clubs and organizations at Marymount, I would definitely advise speaking with your English teacher if you are interested. Typically, a recommendation from your English teacher to the advisor or staff can be very helpful. Additionally, you can approach the senior head members of Sunset to directly express your interest in joining the staff.

This year, I am very grateful to be one of the several students who help to create the magazine and organize what goes into it. The process definitely requires a great amount of time, commitment, and patience to work efficiently. Since I am only a sophomore, I do not have to attend every meeting, but I do go once a week and offer input. Other roles include photo editors, writing editors, design editors, and then the rest of the staff, who also offer their opinions. Every Tuesday we meet, analyze the submissions for that week, and discuss how we want the magazine and theme to be presented.

After considering several ideas for this year’s theme, we decided to focus on two contradicting concepts: fantasy versus reality. Submissions are sent in via the magazine’s own email, [email protected]. When deciding to either accept or deny submissions, the staff must take several aspects into consideration. The main priority is figuring out which specific works will benefit the magazine, and this includes focusing on a correlation with the theme and the other accepted pieces in order to decipher whether or not they are compatible.  

I asked Mary McGeagh ‘17 to sit in on one of our meetings and give her input on the magazine, as someone who has never been on the inside before. Here is her experience:

During the week of November 12, I sat in on an exclusive meeting for Marymount’s literary magazine, Sunset. Overseen by Mrs. Cowan, the creative consultants of Sunset began reviewing pictures and poems over red vines and candy bars. Seniors Genna Whittell and Olivia Kiene lead the group in deciding which student entries best fit this issue’s topic, “Fantasy and Reality”. Each editor contributed her ideas graciously, critiquing the pieces but never ridiculing them. However, the most important insight I received during this experience was the extreme talent of Marymount photographers, poets, and writers alike.

When this year’s magazines are handed out, I can assure you that your curiosity will only grow as you observe Marymount’s artistic take on whimsical fantasy contrasting dark reality.