Olive & Ash fosters community on campus 

Charleston Southern University’s students are cultivating creativity on campus through Olive & Ash, a student-led literary magazine that encourages students to share their work and grow in their confidence as writers.  

“Olive & Ash is a literary magazine aimed at fostering a creative community on campus and representing the voices of CSU students,” said Kayla Lass, a managing editor for the magazine. 

Lass said that the goal of Olive & Ash is to provide a space for students to express their writing abilities in an encouraging and judgment-free space.  

“I cannot speak for the individuals who worked hard to found our magazine, but our current goal is to provide a space for students to express themselves through the literary and visual arts. Creativity is a gift from God, and we have a lot of students on campus who possess that gift,” said Lass. 

Lass said the magazine prints an array of literary works and has recently begun publishing images as well as written work. 

 “We primarily focus on literary work such as poems, fiction, creative nonfiction, and lyric essays, but we have also been working with artists on campus to publish photography and visual pieces,” said Lass. 

Olive & Ash offers the opportunity for aspiring writers to have their work published in a literary magazine, a feat that only 1% of writers experience, said Eve Devera, another managing editor for the magazine. 

Not only is Olive & Ash working to improve writers’ skills, but it is also creating a sense of community for many students on campus. 

 Lass spoke of her own journey with Olive & Ash and how it has helped to impact and shape her college experience. 

“I always enjoyed writing, but I was never surrounded by people who encouraged me until I joined the team. Without Olive & Ash, I think my college experience would have been much lonelier, and I certainly would not be writing. When you attend an open mic night, a workshop, or any other event sponsored by Olive & Ash, you are welcomed in with open arms. I have seen so many students hold back tears and share some of the most awe-inspiring experiences. You come as a stranger and leave as a family member,” said Lass. 

Olive & Ash has existed on campus for decades and publishes once a year. They accept submissions for the magazine during the fall semester and compile the selections into the finalized magazine during the spring semester.  

Olive & Ash is sponsored by the English department and faculty advisors, Professors Kyler Campbell and Daniel Leach, but welcomes students from all majors to participate. 

The magazine has various events during the semester to promote the creative culture on campus, such as open mic nights and writing workshops. If students are interested in joining or want to learn more, visit Olive & Ash’s Instagram page at@oliveandash_litmag.

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