Three months ago, I took the reins as managing editor of The Independent. Anytime a publication changes editors, more changes are sure to follow. From day one of my time with the Indy, I’ve worked for those changes to be positive, to grow the Indy in ways that would provide you with even better content than you’d already come to expect.
While some of you may have seen a writer or two you liked disappear (or a writer you loved to argue with), I’ve made sure to fill those vacancies with the best writers our region has to offer.
In fact, after the work we’ve done in the past three months, I’m 100 percent confident in making two statements. First, The Independent is the only major publication in Southern Utah to have a policy against running stories off newswire. I created this policy to insure that we’re always bringing you the best original content around. Second, I have no doubt The Independent’s pool of writers is the most talented bunch in the region.
Here is an introduction to all of the new content you can find at The Independent.
Opinion writers
In the past three months, we’ve welcomed eight new opinion writers on board. Each of these writers has a deep background in writing. Between them, they hold six baccalaureate degrees and four master’s degrees in English or English-related fields. They have won dozens of literary awards and shared their work in front of thousands of people. Here’s a little more about each of them.
Whitney Shurtleff has a background in theater and poetry. She’s been a member of Southern Utah’s National Poetry Slam team twice (2014 and 2015) and was the 2015 Southern Utah Poetry Grand Slam Champion.
Marianne Hales Harding has a background in theater and writing. After receiving a master’s of fine arts in play writing from Ohio University, she’s taught theater courses at DSU and creative writing courses at BYU. She’s also the director of Provo’s “Speak for Yourself” creative writing open mic.
Rebecca DiVerniero holds a Ph.D. in communications from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is an assistant professor in DSU’s communications department.
A.j. Moyer is a poet living in Las Vegas. He’s been a member of multiple National Poetry Slam teams. He was named the 2009 Legendary Santa Cruz Slam champion, and in 2012 he was awarded Desert Companion’s “Best of the City, Reader’s Choice” award for poetry guru.
Elaine Wilson graduated in English from DSU before beginning post-graduate work at the University of Utah. She has spent years as a professional writer and for a short time taught English courses at DSU. She currently teaches English, journalism, and debate at the American Leadership Academy.
Lauren Jo Sypniewski holds a master’s of fine arts from Emerson College where she focused on writing creative nonfiction. She’s also a poet and was a member of Southern Utah’s 2015 National Poetry Slam team. Currently, she’s working as the director of DSU’s writing center and teaching various classes in DSU’s English department.
Cora Hamer is a tutor in the DSU Writing Center, an animal lover, and an up-and-coming writer.
Vogue Robinson graduated from San Diego State University and spent over six years in the San Diego poetry scene before moving to Las Vegas. She has been a member of multiple National Poetry Slam teams. Her first book of poetry, “Vogue 3:16,” was released a few years ago to an extremely warm reception.
In addition to all of these new opinion writers, we’ve created a handful of new features as well as brought on new writers to take charge of some of our existing features.
Art Smart
Every other Monday, you can get step-by-step instructions (and some witty insights) for a new DIY art project to try with your kids from Aimee Olsen Cox.
The Obsessive Bookseller
Every other Wednesday, sci-fi and fantasy fans can get great book reviews and recommendations with our new “The Obsessive Bookseller” feature from former Barnes and Noble receiving manager Niki Hawkes.
The Art of Beauty
Every other Thursday, you can catch a unique and artistic look at the world of makeup from USU English graduate and professional makeup artist Mary K. Nelson.
Helping out with our Exploring Southern Utah hiking section, you can read what Charlotte Emett, another English graduate and current receiving manager at Barnes and Noble, has to say. You can also check out the spectacular photos by Travis Higley that accompany her articles.
If you’re interested in new album releases, you won’t want to miss The Independent’s newest album reviews by Arlene Trani.
With all of this new exciting content at The Independent, it’s important to remember that we’re still bringing you much of the content you’ve come to love over the years from writers like Marianne Mansfield, Chris Zinda, Dallas Hyland, Jason Gottfried, Laurie Nelson-Barker, and more! You can also catch your favorite features like Your Family Expert, Peace on Paper, Healthy Recipe of the Week, and Southern Utah Gardening, as well as our fashion column by Jessica Rigs Tempfer and our golf columns by Scott Dunford and Adam Schwartz. Of course, you’ll never want to miss our movie and theater reviews by Adam Mast and Missy Potash.
And don’t worry: As we press further into 2016, The Independent is primed to continue adding to the already exciting list of content you can enjoy from us.
