About Us
Established 1951
The Southern Quill, first printed in 1951 and published by Utah Tech University, has been in circulation for more than half a century. Each year, between October and March, the journal welcomes exceptional and polished submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual arts from writers and artists residing anywhere in the USA.
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We are an eclectic group of Utah Tech University students and their advisor, Dr. Cindy King. Our combined backgrounds and our enthusiasm for creative works of all kinds make us the perfect team to compile this journal and give back to our local literary and artistic community.
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We are a proud member of CLMP. The Southern Quill is ever dedicated to ensuring the literary market is full of distinctive, diverse, and vibrant voices.
2026 STAFF
Ryan Esplin
Managing Editor
Ryan (he/him) is a junior at Utah Tech University working towards a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing. He started writing in earnest a few years ago and has found a deep passion for the craft. He enjoys creative writing in any form but most often writes poetry and creative nonfiction. He likes literature that interrogates the human condition and themes involving the natural world and our place within it.
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Natalie White
Layout and Design Specialist
Natalie (she/her) is a graphic design major with an interest in print and publication design. She finds much of her design inspiration in nature and enjoys incorporating fine arts into digital design. In her free time, she can be found spending time outdoors, rock climbing, or reading.
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Rachel Stokes
Visual Arts Editor
Rachel (she/her) is a senior majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing and two minors in art and art history. After graduating from Utah Tech, she plans to move to Europe to pursue graduate studies, with a focus on illuminated manuscripts. In her spare time outside of writing, she enjoys reading, watching '80s movies, listening to metal folklore music, and taking walks in flower gardens. She aims to learn from others around her and use her experience and knowledge in her writing.
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Myles Hart
Creative Nonfiction Editor
Myles (he/him) is a senior at Utah Tech studying English and has aspirations to be a novelist, editor, or lawyer! He loves basketball and beachcombing. Fiction is his favorite genre but enjoys nonfiction for its ability to voice history and resilience. He spends most of his time with his wife and loves her Ecuadorian culture.
Lydia Steffan
Poetry Editor
Lydia (she/her) is a senior working toward her bachelor’s degree in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has expanded her knowledge of writing technique and style during her years at Utah Tech to utilize after graduation and to create her own works. When she is not
writing or researching for her personal projects, she enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with her hilarious husband.
Daniel Klingler
Fiction Editor
Daniel (he/him) is a senior at Utah Tech University, majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing. As a full-time writer, he has spent his life crafting creative works such as books, poetry, and articles, and has worked as the Features Editor for the Sun News Daily. When it comes to fiction, Daniel looks for passion, craft, and originality. His motto in life is: Find your fire.
Erin Wortham
Staff/Assistant Editor
Erin (she/her) is a senior majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in theatre. Growing up in Chicago, IL, she has always enjoyed writing stories and poetry in her spare time. She hopes to become a published author someday.
Kendall Peterson
Staff/Assistant Editor
Kendall (she/her) is a sophomore pursuing a BA in Humanities, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduation, she plans to be an editor and travel to explore other cultures. Outside of reading and learning, she enjoys riding horses, volunteering for animal rescues, and playing video games.
Kaistin Oliver
Staff/Assistant Editor
Kaistin (she/her) is a senior majoring in English with an emphasis in professional and technical writing. She loves reading and writing and once read every book in her middle school library. After she graduates, she hopes to work as an editor at a publishing company, helping other authors get their stories out into the world. When she’s not reading or writing, she can often be found swimming or camping.
