Scorpion’s Quill Shines Spotlight on Creativity at TSC

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Scorpion’s Quill, an annual literary and arts journal featuring the work of Texas Southmost College students, faculty and staff, has grown in popularity within the college community since its introduction in fall 2024.

“We weren’t sure how it was going to go the first time,” said TSC English Instructor Amanda Utzman. “We were thinking, ‘Maybe we’re going to have to really push people to submit.’ But that was not the case. It’s been very popular and we just want to see it continue to grow and get even more submissions. It’s been fantastic.”

The journal showcases a variety of creative works, including poetry, short fiction, memoirs, and other forms of creative writing. Digital and traditional art submissions, such as drawings, paintings, graphic design, and photography, are also encouraged.

“It has been fantastic for helping students to come out of their shell and really put themselves out there as artists and writers,” she said.

Ms. Utzman and then-Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Christopher Alves originally proposed the project, and she has overseen its development since its launch. The journal’s production cycle begins in the fall with a submission period and concludes with publication in the spring.

Students, faculty and staff may submit up to three original works for consideration.

“Not everybody is able to be accepted to the journal,” Ms. Utzman said. “We did have about 180 submissions for the last edition, and we took 56 people. So, the chances can vary. It’s higher if you submit multiple pieces because you have a better chance rather than just submitting one.”

While faculty and staff submissions are welcome, student participation is prioritized.

The selection process is anonymous, with all identifying information removed before submissions are reviewed. TSC students in an advanced, second-level art class evaluate art submissions, while students in a creative writing class review written works.

The students who select the journal’s content also choose the artwork featured on the cover.

“We want this to be a student-centric project,” Ms. Utzman said. “We don’t get the faculty together and just go, ‘Oh, we think this piece is the best.’ We allow students to vote on the pieces that they’d like to accept.”

English and art faculty then complete a final review of the selected entries before the completed manuscript is sent to print.

To expand awareness of the publication, a showcase event was introduced in April celebrating contributors featured in Scorpion’s Quill Issue 2. Students presented their work before a larger-than-expected audience at the Oliveira Student Services Center.

“I was amazed and astounded by how many people attended our first showcase event last year,” Ms. Utzman said. “We expected about 150 guests. We had 300 guests.”

Ms. Utzman said the success of the first showcase will allow organizers to develop a better plan for the Scorpion’s Quill Issue 3 showcase scheduled for spring 2027.

Contributors whose work is published in the journal receive a copy of the journal. Additional copies can be purchased at the showcase and other campus events.

One of Ms. Utzman’s goals is to make the journal more accessible to the broader community.

“I’d like to figure out the logistics of that so that more people can get a copy of the book,” she said. “I think that’s where we need to grow for the future.”

Beyond providing a creative outlet, Ms. Utzman said publication in the journal can offer long-term benefits for students.

“I always tell the students to put it on their resume and their CV,” she said. “That’s a publication. It’s an official document. You can turn this talent into something that’s going to be with you for the rest of your life.”

Through Scorpion’s Quill, students can showcase their creativity, build confidence in their abilities, see their work published, and become part of a growing tradition that celebrates artistic expression at Texas Southmost College.