Fairmont State's Kestrel Literary Journal Has Been a Cultural Influence in Appalachia for Over Thirty Years

Story by Jason Bolyard

For more than three decades, Kestrel, Fairmont State University’s literary journal, has served as a cultural and creative outlet for West Virginia and the Appalachian region. It remains the only print literary journal in the state backed by a higher education institution. 

First published in 1993, Kestrel has released fifty-two volumes and counting, with two issues per year: a summer volume and a winter volume. Professor of English and Editor-in-Chief Dr. Donna Long has overseen publication since 2008 and is passionate about maintaining the journal’s quality. She and her colleagues collaborate to determine which submissions are selected for each volume. This editorial team includes Dr. Elizabeth Savage, Dr. Robert Powers, Dr. Nathan Myers, and Dr. Suzanne Heagy—all of whom, except Heagy, are Fairmont State faculty. Interns Mia Yeager and Zachary Summers have also assisted with reviewing submissions. 

The journal publishes a wide variety of artistic works, including poetry, short stories, and visual art. While Kestrel emphasizes Appalachian and emerging writers, this is not a strict requirement for publication. Submissions are considered based on how well they align with the journal’s overall tone and theme. 

“We look at submissions from all over the place, even from different countries,” said Long. “As long as the submission fits the theme and feels like it belongs in Kestrel, we will work with it. But the regional aspect is important to us as well.” 

The most recent volume, Winter 2024–2025, features strong themes of isolation, pain, and emotional distress in its short stories and poems. While each piece is unique, they are unified by these dark, often deeply personal themes. 

Each story offers a distinct perspective on its characters’ emotional journeys. One example is Cherry Ice, which follows two football teammates as they age—one of whom experiences declining health. The narrator watches his friend grow weaker and eventually feeds him his favorite treat, cherry ice, for the last time. 

Kestrel has had a significant impact on both Fairmont State students and the artists featured in its pages—many of whom are being published for the first time. The journal provides a platform for emerging writers to share their work and build their reputations, making it a valuable resource for aspiring authors. 

“One piece of advice I can give to someone who wants their work in Kestrel is to read past volumes,” said Long. “That is the best way for someone to know what we like to include in the journal and whether their work would be a good fit.” 

“We love to work with new writers, especially those who have never been published before [...] we’ve even had some new writers win awards for their submissions to Kestrel,” Long added, emphasizing the journal’s role in nurturing literary talent. 

Following the release of each edition, a “celebration” is held where featured writers participate in a panel and read selections of their work. These events offer encouragement and confidence to students and new writers, helping them share their voices. 

To subscribe to Kestrel before the summer issue is released at the end of August, or to make a donation, visit https://www.fairmontstate.edu/kestrel/subscribe-donate.aspx. 

Those interested in submitting their work for possible inclusion in the next volume can visit https://www.fairmontstate.edu/kestrel/submission-guidelines.aspx.