Calling all CSU-Pueblo’s ink slingers, wordsmiths and lyricists!

Have you written a poem about zombies in love? What about a short story recounting a mime’s struggle to survive the end of days? Or how about that one time you saved the planet by defeating alien invaders in a dance off?

OK, maybe that last one is a bit more science fiction rather than inspired non-fiction. However, if you are a creative writer and want a chance to have your artistic voice heard, Tempered Steel is seeking submissions for its upcoming 2015 issue.

So far no publication date has been announced, but it is expected to be circulated before the end of the spring semester.

Tempered Steel is CSU-Pueblo’s literary magazine and features the creative works of the college’s student population. Although it used to be run as a club and as an extension of the English and Foreign Language Department, “Tempered Steel” is now offered to students as an elective for the professional writing minor.

According to its online profile, the Tempered Steel mission statement is “to create a literary presence and appreciation for CSU-Pueblo and the community.” Article II of the literary magazine’s constitution expands on this goal stating that, “The purpose of the club is also to provide CSU-Pueblo students with a creative outlet and an opportunity to be exposed to a literary environment.”

Jynecca Cronk, president of CSU-Pueblo’s English Club and part of the Tempered Steel’s editorial staff, encourages everyone to submit their creative pieces for consideration.

“Creative writing is important because it gives people a chance to express themselves,” she said. “It also gives the students an opportunity to get experience in submitting to publications and how to interact with the editors of that publication. It’s also a great way to give the student’s credibility. They can graduate and be able to say that they’ve already been published in a literary magazine.”

Katelyn Waldo had her piece, “A Non-Artist’s thoughts on the Mona Lisa,” published in last year’s issue.

“I feel excited and surprised that it got published,” she said. “What I like about creative writing is that it is fun, and I’ve always liked reading, so I really like writing my own stories.”

The magazine accepts submission of poetry, short fiction and non-fiction pieces, although all genres of creative writing will be considered. Students may also submit multiple entries. So if you have a poem devoted to your love of french fries and a short story about the world of snail racing, you won’t have to make that heartbreaking submission decision.

For those who are thinking about submitting a creative piece but are unsure what to write, or for those who want to work on their entry, CSU-Pueblo’s English Club also offers biweekly writing workshops aimed at inspiring and improving creative works. All students are welcome to attend, and this year’s first workshop will be held Jan. 22 in the lobby of the library at 6 p.m.

To submit a creative writing piece for consideration, visit https://temperedsteel.submittable.com/submit and follow the instructions. Submissions are due no later than Feb.16 and writers will be informed whether or not their entries will appear in the upcoming issue prior to the magazine’s publication.

So if you’re a writer, raconteur or a rhythmic master, grab your pens and capture that creativity. You might just find that inner poet who has been waiting for the right opportunity to shine.