Garfield Lake Review 2026 Edition Open for Submissions

The 2026 edition of the Garfield Lake Review's student-selected theme is "Grief and Recovery"

OLIVET, Mich. — As of Friday, Sept. 12, UO's literary and artistic journal, the Garfield Lake Review, is officially open for submissions for the 2026 issue.

Submissions in the forms of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, visual art, and more are welcome from all members of the Olivet community. Submissions should revolve around this year's student-selected theme: "Grief and Recovery".

From the Garfield Lake Review announcement email from advisor, Dr. Liz Trueblood:

Grief takes many forms. It can arrive suddenly or unfold slowly over time. It might be tied to the loss of a person, a place, yourself, or something less easily named. Recovery, too, is not a single path, but a rocky road, a reimagining of life after loss. For the 2026 issue, we invite work that explores the vast landscape of grief and/or recovery. Pieces may focus solely on the ache of absence, the disorientation of change, the sharp edges of sorrow. Or they may lean into the fragile, powerful steps toward healing. Some may hold both grief and recovery in tension; others may rest entirely in one. We are not seeking neat conclusions. We are seeking truth, in whatever shape it takes.

The submission deadline for the 2026 edition for members of the UO campus community is Wednesday, Oct. 1. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to submit work. More details can be found at the submission portal.

Any questions about the Garfield Lake Review can be directed to Dr. Trueblood at etrueblood@uolivet.edu.