Author: Ginger Knauer

The Quill #2: AWE News #1

March 3, 2025

Northern Lights Deadline: March 16th!

Northern Lights Literary & Arts Journal is currently seeking submissions for its Spring 2025 edition, with a deadline of March 16, 2025. This annual, student-run publication is open to creative work from students, faculty, staff, and alumni across all four UW-Green Bay campuses. The journal invites submissions in various categories, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, art, photography, and interactive digital stories.

Northern Lights offers a unique platform for the UW-Green Bay community to share their work with a broader audience. Since its inception in 1980, the journal has carried a legacy, inspired by the northern lights often visible in Marinette, where it was first founded.

The journal is edited by a student team under the guidance of Professor Tracy Fernandez Rysavy. The current co-editors-in-chief are Ginger Knauer and Tiffany Jablonowski. Submissions are open to a range of creative works, with specific guidelines for each category. Writers can submit short stories, essays, poetry, flash fiction, and more, while visual artists can submit high-resolution images of their artwork or photography. This is a great opportunity to leave your creative mark and be a part of this longstanding tradition. Submit today!

—Ginger Knauer, Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Quill #2: AWE News #2

March 3, 2025

Doing is an Act of Teaching
Profs. Case and Meacham Release New Books

As we delve deeper into the semester, let’s take a moment to celebrate two important additions to the literary universe. Professors Rebecca Meacham and Julialicia Case, amidst their busy schedules, have both been recently published books.

Dr. Case, together with Salvatore Pane and Eric Freeze, co-authored a groundbreaking textbook, Story Mode: The Creative Writer’s Guide to Narrative Video Game Design, which uniquely combines game design and creative writing. This is a great resource to empower all writers to change the narrative while also working in a format that has been a mystery to many of us. Case gives us a guide to challenging the ideas of what video games have to be.

Dr. Meacham’s Feather Rousing gets personal by blending intimate memoir with historical fiction. Feather Rousingis a refreshing look at being human. This chapbook, a small book containing ballads, poems, tales, or tracts, takes you on a rollercoaster of tragedy and comedy. LaTanya McQueen, author of When the Reckoning Comes says: “In this genre-blending chapbook of stories and essays, Meacham uses historical events to comment on what it means to be a mother, a daughter, and a wife amidst the uncertainties of our world. Beautifully written, this fable-like collection, full of delight and intrigue, explores what it means to live and love and survive.”

Their success continues to enrich the lives of readers and writers everywhere. Our academic community is consistently made stronger thanks to the contributions of these and other innovative professors.

—Tiffany Jablonowski, Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Quill #2: AWE News #3

March 3, 2025

Sigma Tau Delta’s Dates to Watch

UWGB’s Sigma Tau Delta is more than a chapter of the National English Honors society. It is also a very well-known club around campus. But what some students may not know is that there are no requirements to join! Meetings and events are a space for students to share, collaborate, and expand their skills and ideas.

Meetings: 
Location: Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, Green Bay campus

  • Thursday, March 6 @ 5-6:30 p.m. (MAC 225)
  • Friday, March 28 @ 1-2:30 p.m. (MAC 223)
  • Thursday, April 10 @5-6:30 p.m. (MAC 225)
  • Friday, May 2 @1-2:30 p.m. (MAC 223)
Open Mic Nights
Location: Einstein Bros. Bagels, Student Union, Green Bay campus
  • Friday, March 7 @ 5-7 p.m.
  • Friday, April 11 @ 5-7 p.m.

Sign up to read, sing, or show off your talents upon arrival. No pre-registration is required.

Celebration of Thought and Beauty
Location: Phoenix Rooms, Student Union, Green Bay campus

  • Friday, May 2 @ 5-9 p.m.
This is a showcase that celebrates students’ artistic creativity through a mix of performances, discussions, and exhibits.
—Tiffany Jablonowski

The Quill #2: AWE News #4

March 3, 2025

Sierra on the Move:
Notes from our Marketing & Engagement InternNorthern Lights table

As we get closer to the Northern Lights deadline, you might see Marketing & Engagement Manager Sierra Nyokka out and about on our UWGB campuses handing out copies of the 2024 journal — and reminding you to submit.

Pictured above is Musa Abdikadir, English major and friend of the Northern Lights who has kindly been helping Sierra as she runs around our campuses. Below is a close-up of Sierra’s artfully arranged table.

Sierra writes: Northern Lights: A Literary and Arts Journal presented a table in the Student Union celebrating Black History Month and Presidents Day on January 17, 2025. The display featured Representative Shirley Anita Chisolm (1924-2005), the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968, representing New York’s 12th Congressional District. In 1972, “Fighting Shirley” ran for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Presidents Day Northern Lights table and artwork
Despite being denied a place in the televised presidential debates and dealing with an underfunded campaign, she won 152 delegate votes, 10% of the total votes. During her illustrious career, Chisholm held important positions including on the House Rules Committee. She was a tireless advocate for “racial and gender equality, and the plight of the poor.” Chisholm retired from politics in 1983 after serving seven consecutive terms.

Also featured on that display was Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), the first Black man to be nominated for Vice President of the United States on the Equal Rights Party ticket with Victoria Woodhall (1838-1927), a women’s rights and labor activist. Over his lifetime, Douglass was a prominent abolitionist, orator, writer, social reformer, and statesman. In 1877 during the presidency of Rutherford D. Hayes (1822-1893), Douglass held the position of U.S. Marshall of Washington, DC.

More information about Congresswoman Chisholm can be found here. More information about Fredrick Douglass can be found here. Books, photographs, and artwork provided by Sierra Nyokka, Marketing & Engagement Intern for Northern Lights Journal.

The Quill #2: Local Favorites #1

March 3, 2025

Local Black-Owned Businesses

As we say goodbye to Black History Month, we’ll be giving the spotlight to some local Black-owned businesses that you can show your support to year-round.

Lovell Richardson

Lovell Richardson Photography

Based in Green Bay, Lovell Richardson (pictured right) has been doing photography for over six years and has been published in numerous magazines. In 2024, he was awarded one of the Best Photography Businesses in Green Bay by BusinessRate. His services include anything from senior photos to engagement and wedding photography. Check him out for any of your photography needs!

Lil Jamaica

In the mood for some good food? Opened in 2019, Lil Jamaica is a restaurant and lounge owned by Derron Wilson and Janel Johnson. Their menu features authentic Jamaican cuisine ranging from jerk chicken to curries. They also provide services with their food truck and catering events.

Urban Cultural Arts and Events Center

For those with a love for arts and crafts, Urban Cultural Arts and Event Center is the place for you. They are a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 with the mission to create a safe space to participate in art events at an affordable price for the community. There are events for both youth and adults, so check out their website to see if any of them interest you.

—Clover Cicha, Local Favorites Editor

The Quill #2: Local Favorites #2

March 3, 2025

Join a Worldwide Phenomenon: Telephone! 

Telephone boothAttention all UWGB students and faculty: You are invited to join Telephone: A Game of Art Whispered Around the World.

Telephone is an international art project created in 2010 by Nathan Langston, a multimedia artist and software engineer. After moving from Portland, Oregon, to New York City, Nathan wanted a way to connect and collaborate with fellow artists. He came up with an art version of the childhood game Telephone.

“Telephone is an arts game in which a message is passed, not just from person to person, but from art form to art form. So a message could become a poem and then painting, film, music, sculpture, dance and so on,” writes Langston on the Telephone website. “[This] international art game connect[s] over one thousand artists from hundreds of cities across the world.”

Visit the site to learn more about the concept behind Telephone, as well as the people and the process of developing this collaborative game.

The third cycle of Telephone is now open for submissions, and you are all invited! Submit your name here and join the Telephone community.

“We’re calling all musicians, graphic artists, filmmakers, dancers, and more to apply — the application takes only five minutes and is the opportunity to join one of the largest cooperative multi-genre art projects in the world,” writes Langston.

—Sierra Nyokka, Marketing & Engagement Manager

The Quill #2: Local Favorites #3

March 3, 2025

Visit Milwaukee

MIlwaukee is about two hours away from Green Bay, a short drive. It is a bustling destination full of entertainment and adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or someone who enjoys traveling, Milwaukee may genuinely have something extraordinary for you, for everyone!

MARCH EVENTS

Festival Symphony OrchestraSaturdays: Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony offers free “accessible-to-all” concerts every Saturday at the Bradley Symphony Center. 

March 21: The 12th Annual Milwaukee’s Blues Festival, which will take place at the Riverside Theater at 8 p.m., is a unique night of moving lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment.

PLACES

  • MKE Art MuseumMilwaukee Art Museum: Renowned for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of artworks, the Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-visit for visitors and art enthusiasts alike.
  • Milwaukee Public Museum: Experience, explore, and discover history, culture, and innovation in “Wisconsin’s largest natural history museum.”
  • “Slice of Ice” at Red Arrow Park: Free outdoor ice skating (with your own skates) transforms winter nights into a magical adventure! Glide beneath the city’s skyline, creating unforgettable memories of joy and exhilaration. Skates, skating aides, and mobility sleds available to rent.

FOOD
Milwaukee has some great eateries with a relaxed atmosphere are off the beaten path, and the food … ¡delicioso!

  • Café Corazon: Wonderful ambiance, authentic Latin dishes, and reasonable prices.
  • Classic Slice: This pizza spot is a must. It has an existentialist vibe.
  • Milwaukee Public Market: Indulge in delicious flavors at their community events and experience the vibrant world of artisanal and ethnic food!
—Mia Perez-Behringer

The Quill #2: Recommended Reads #1

March 3, 2025

Dune
by Frank Herbert

Dune coverWhen it comes to complex interstellar stories that present deep, thought-provoking messages, there are few I’ve experienced that have surpassed Frank Herbert’s Dune. Published in 1965, Dune is an epic novel that is considered by some to be the work that defined the science fiction genre as we know it today.

The primary setting is a desert planet called Arrakis, a fully fleshed-out world consisting of well-developed civilizations, an intricate, highly feudal political system, and a protagonist whomay be one of the most complex characters in fiction.

Paul Atreides, the son of the esteemed Duke Leto Atreides, is the final product of nearly 10,000 years of careful planning and breeding by the Bene Gesserit — a group of women who possess superhuman abilities. This is done for the sake of producing the Kwisatz Haderach (a male Bene Gesserit) who is prophesized to possess the ability to bridge time and space, thus shaping the very fate of the universe. From an early age, Paul displays many extraordinary powers — including the ability to see into the future — confirming his status as the Kwisatz Haderach. However, much to the chagrin of the Bene Gesserit, Paul chooses not to submit to their manipulation, instead striving to forge his own destiny. This takes Paul on an epic journey across Arrakis, forging an alliance with the nomadic Fremen for the sake of freeing the planet from the control of House Harkonnen, who have maintained dominance over the planet for the better part of a century.

While Dune features many familiar tropes, such as the “messianic chosen one,” it is depicted in a way that serves more as a deconstruction of the trope. While Paul does reject his status as the Kwisatz Haderach, his actions throughout the story cause significant harm to a great many people. This is Frank Herbert’s way of warning readers against placing power in the hands of “messianic” individuals, implying that it can lead society down a dangerous path of self-destruction. Prophecies can be incorrect, and chosen ones are not always willing to follow their chosen destiny. Paul is a prime example of this, and his gradual descent into darkness sends a truly powerful message to readers of all backgrounds.

So, is this a story that might engage you as much as it interested me? If your answer is yes, then get out there and snag a copy of Dune for yourself!  And if you’d rather check it out on the big screen, consider giving Dennis Villeneuve’s film adaptations a shot instead: Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) can both be found on HBO Max (Max), or both can be rented on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video.

—Noah Spellich, Books Editor

The Quill #2: Recommended Reads #4

March 3, 2025

QUIZ: Which Character Archetype are You? 

main character energy memeHave you ever thought that you have “main character energy”? Maybe you think you’re more of a quirky side character who’s up to some shenanigans in between assisting your protagonist pal. Maybe you think you’re just a regular person, there’s no story, and there’s no such thing as these stupid character archetypes.

If you fit into the latter category, then you’d be wrong! I’m here to tell you that you’re a part of the story, and this quiz is here to tell you which part you play!

Answer the questions below and tally up your score for your results.

1. What do you call the machine you drink water from in public places?

a.) Bubbler (+0)
b.) Water Fountain (+1)
c.) Drinking Fountain (+2)

2. What’s your favorite primary color?
a.) Red (+0)
b.) Blue (+1)
c.) Yellow (+2)

3. Which of these do you consider yourself?
a.) Night Owl (+0)
b.) Early Bird (+1)
c.) Always Tired (+2)

4. Which dessert are you ordering?
a.) Chocolate cake (+0)
b.) Berry pie (+1)
c.) Ice cream sundae (+2)

5. Which instrument would you play in a band?
a.) Drums (+0)
b.) Guitar (+1)
c.) Bass (+2)

6. What’s the proper way to cut a sandwich?
a.) No cut (+0)
b.) Into rectangles (+1)
c.) Into triangles (+2)

7. Which kind of stories do you engage with the most?
a.) Books (+0)
b.) TV/Movies (+1)
c.) Video Games (+2)

8. Which reptile is the coolest?
a.) Snake (+0)
b.) Turtle (+1)
c.) Lizard (+2)

9. How do you prefer your drinks?
a.) Hot (+0)
b.) Cold (+1)
c.) Frozen (+2)

10. Is a hotdog a sandwich?
a.) Yes (+0)
b.) Maybe (+1)
c.) No (+2)

Add up your points. Your total decides your results!

0-4: The Villain
Ooooh, you’re so bad. While the others worry about saving the world, you’re busy plotting its downfall. Your intelligence and careful scheming make you a formidable foe. Charismatic but cunning, stylish but sinister — and always a fan favorite —  you’ll have your evil victory if it’s the last thing you do!

5-9: The Sidekick
You like to tag along with your protagonist buddy in the action and are always ready with a good one-liner. Sometimes that friend is off doing cooler, more important things, and on those days, you find yourself biding your time with the goofy and unimportant subplots, awaiting their return. If you’re sitting here thinking; “How come you talked about the main character so much in my own description?” — to that I say: get used to it!

10-14: The Hero
It’s true, you have main character energy. You’re the center of the action, and it’s your destiny. It can get annoying, constantly being followed by trouble — but you manage. Your story is so interesting, someone ought to write a book about it.

15-19: The Love Interest
You’re who the main character is pining for. Heck, you may have a few characters fighting over you. You’ve just got that somethin’ special. You may not be the most well-rounded character to ever be written, but hey, at least you’re lovable!

20: The One Who Dies Before Anything Else Happens
Sorry about that, champ. If it makes you feel any better, we all really liked you for that first chapter. Thanks for raising the emotional stakes!

 —Brooke Schoening

The Quill #2: Recommended Reads #5

March 3, 2025

Book Travel: Maame

Maame cover“They just won’t understand, you know? We’re Ghanaian, so we do things differently,” writes one of the characters in Jessica George’s Maame.

Maame, whose title means “woman” in Africa (according to Ancestry.com), is a 2023 fictional coming-of-age novel set in Croydon, a borough of London. George has you hanging out with the main character, Maddie, who straddles the line between her Ghanaian roots and her life in England while she works through cross-cultural (and other) struggles. She is battling with all the usual suspects of being a young adult: family and illness, love, career, and figuring out her place in this world.

Now, let’s plan a trip to Croydon!

Who likes zombies? Go to the TripAdvisor app where, for $21, you can sign up to participate in a game/tour where you will encounter zombies and learn if and how well you would survive during a zombie apocalypse!

Not into zombies? There are several hiking and biking trails surrounded by lush forests and hills, and landmark sites like towers and windmills. From Croydon, you can take tours of Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, and other nearby London well-knowns.

After your zombie encounter, you will probably be ready for some non-human sustenance. Croydon has a decent food scene with choices like the raved-about Sri Lankan wings at Machan Kitchen, Chicken Shish from Mithras Restaurant, South African cuisine, Turkish, Taiwanese, European, and more! You will not go hungry in Croydon!

Looking for somewhere to hang up your zombie garb for the night? Croydon has plenty of lodging options starting at $65/night and up. You can slumber in places like the Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn, Leonardo Hotel, or what Expedia calls the best hotel in Croydon, the Hilton London Croydon. Personally, my curiosity is intrigued by CitizenM (www.citizenm.com). With views of the famous London Bridge, common areas that are filled with books, 370 smart rooms, views of the London skyline near the Gherkin and Sky Garden, and a rooftop bar, this sounds like the place for me!

If you’re interested in seeing how Maddie of Maame lived, doing some zombie chasing, or snuggling into a bed with a view of the London skyline, think about checking out the UK and making your way over to Croydon, London.

—Karrie Wortner, Book Travel Editor