Bolo Tie Collective launches ninth anthology featuring student writers and illustrators
The MacEwan group group celebrates the release of its latest student anthology.
President Jayden Tobert, holding a copy of the new book Photo credit: Riley Travis
The Bolo Tie Collective launched its ninth anthology on Jan. 30, celebrating the release of The Bolo Tie Collective: Volume IX, which features work by MacEwan students, and, for the first time, student illustrations.
“It is the first book that we got graphic design students to be a part of, so it’s the first one to have illustrations inside, which is unreal,” said editor-in-chief Cait Erlenbach. “They are incredible.”
Bolo Tie president Jayden Tobert said the student-run collective operates entirely on a volunteer basis and does not currently offer honorariums to contributors. Instead, she said all proceeds from book sales are put toward producing the next volume.
Erlenbach said the Bolo Tie is working to expand participation across the university, but faces challenges as an all-volunteer group.
“We want to reach as many departments as possible,” said Tobert. “We’re trying to grow our engagement, but it’s hard as a student group that’s all volunteers.”
Beyond publishing and literary work, the collective provides students with experience in publishing and communications.
It has also hosted editing sessions and workshops themed around fantasy, world-building and other themes.
Lyra Brown, an author featured in the book, said it was surreal to have her work published.
“If you’re somebody who writes and who wants to be read and published, definitely contact the Bolo Tie,” said Brown, who praised the Bolo Tie editors. “It’s a great chance to grow.”
Tobert said the collective also hosts events like writing workshops and open mic nights at Towers.
“It’s a good opportunity to share your work, get it out of there and read it in front of an audience,” said Tobert.
Erlenbach encouraged interested students to get involved with the group. “If you’re thinking about it, just get involved,” she said. “We’re always looking for more people. We welcome anybody.”
The anthology, along with previous volumes, is available for purchase at Bolo Tie Book sales in SAMU and at the MacEwan bookstore.
