Collegian CEFL Authors T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, April 14, 2025
on Campus
Amanda Purser Managing Editor
Cameron University is the home to many students who are talented writers and aspiring authors, many of whom are likely curious about the publishing world and what it takes to achieve that goal. The dream of writing a book is not uncommon, but the persistence and dedication to actually finish a manuscript and then take it a step further to get that book published is no simple feat. There are many routes to publishing, and modern technology has forced an evolution to the industry that some are unaware of. There are still traditional options to query agents and work with large and small imprints across the world to get your manuscript transformed into a book that anyone can read. For some, the dream of signing with a traditional publisher is still very real and worth the effort, despite the reality Courtesy photos that most amateur writers are unlikely to secure a book deal, especially on a debut. A far more realistic and quicker route to getting your book out into the world is by way of independent publishers or even self-publishing. Either option has its pros and cons, but they are often more desirable since creative control and power remain with the writer more so when publishing with the latter routes. Having many published authors right here on campus is very helpful and should be encouraging to those with hopes and dreams to one day publish a book of their own. Whether it be a fictional story, a collection of poetry, non-fiction memoirs, educational material or inspirational accounts, there are no limits to the type of book a writer can create. Some faculty members who have been published are more vocal about their accomplishments, but others don’t advertise their work as often. I don’t have an exhaustive list of everyone published on campus, but I wanted to highlight a few that I was made aware of and tell you more about their contributions to the literary world. Associate Professor Leah Chaffins independently published her first fictional story in 2018. "God Seed" is a mythical fantasy which analyzes good and evil. Chaffins has another manuscript written, "Birthmarks: Lucille" and a companion piece in the early stages with plans to publish as an Americana, historical women’s fiction series. Associate Professor David Bublitz has a poetry collection published through Main Street Rag Publishing in March 2020. "Combat Pay" is a poetry
Volume 112 Issue 6
Graphic by Kaley Muse
collection examining the pervasive impact of military service on the lives of those experiencing that service firsthand. He provides a military dependent’s account of U.S. military service and its effects during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bublitz has a second completed anthology of military inspired poems tentatively titled "Sight Lines." He has also recently written and fully illustrated a children’s book titled "The Depend-Ant" with his experienced military themes and perspective displayed. Both works are currently out for submissions and Bublitz is working to find a publisher for each of his new books. Professor of English John Morris had his first collection of poetry, "Noise and Stories" independently published in 2008 by Plain View Press. Morris has a completed manuscript for a second collection, "The County Seat of Wanting So Many Things" which he is currently looking for a publisher, as well as a new work in progress that he plans to write more of this summer. Aside from faculty, there is an Aggie on campus who may have more publishing experience than each of the aforementioned authors combined. Senior Gina Welborn is a Strategic Communication major with dual minors in Professional Writing and English, as well as a best-selling author. Welborn has been an avid reader her entire life, and a prolific writer since at least 2011. Between then and 2019, Welborn wrote, sold and published twenty-three books, two of those novels are published by Harlequin. Welborn also co-wrote a historical romance series published by Kensington, which is distributed with the notable Penguin Random House. Welborn has worked with seven traditional publishers in her career thus far and credits networking at writing conferences as a major door-opener for her opportunities. Most of Welborn’s titles can be found and purchased through her website, www.ginawelborn.net along with additional information about her life and writing. Writing workshops, open-mic opportunities to read creative work are offered on campus regularly, especially through the department of Communication, English and Foreign Language and the Writer’s Studio. The Visiting Writer event periodically brings local authors to campus to share their published works through readings and book signings. If you are an aspiring author, you’re encouraged to keep developing your craft and voice, take opportunities to get feedback and critiques whenever possible, especially from those with publishing experience. Keep working and never give up on your dream to get your book published, the world might need to hear your story.
What’s Inside "Parable of the Sower"
Senior Art Show
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