A student-run publishing company at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will launch its newest book, a collection of poetry, with a series of free events Dec. 6-9.
Cornerstone Press will release "Meditations of a Beast" by Kristine Ong Muslim at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in the Laird Room of the Dreyfus University Center. Open to the public, the event will have live music, refreshments and speakers including College of Letters and Science Dean Chris Cirmo, English Assistant Professor and Publisher-in-chief Ross Tangedal and Cornerstone President Scott Thornsen, an English major from Wonewoc. The newest book and others published by Cornerstone Press will be available for purchase. Books are also available online at www.uwsp.edu/cornerstone.
In addition, Cornerstone Press will host a Paint and Sip event at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, in the Laird Room. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, an Open Mic Poetry Night is planned from 7-9 p.m. in The Encore Room in the Dreyfus University Center. An evening of yoga and meditation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the center's Alumni Room.
Sales of some of Cornerstone's previously published books are being held on Mondays in the Collins Classroom Center and on Thursdays in the Dreyfus University Center. Find @uwspcornerstonepress on Facebook for more information.
The class chose "Meditations of a Beast" because "the poetry spoke to the class, and it was unlike anything the press had published before," said Melanie Heibler, a content editor, co-publicity manager and English major from Plover.
A resident of the Philippines, Muslim has written eight books of fiction and poetry. Her works have been widely published in anthologies and magazines across the world. She has twice won the James Baker Award for Genre Poetry, was a finalist in the 2016 Arsenic Lobster Poetry Prize and her story collection, "Age of Blight," was included in The Best Books of 2016 So Far by the Chicago Review of Books. This year she will also release another poetry anthology, "Black Arcadia," through Philippines Press.
Tangedal taught valuable lessons as the course instructor, said Natalie Wanasek, editor-in-chief of Cornerstone Press and an English major from West Bend. "I have learned more about the publication business in two months than I ever imagined possible."
Students became engaged in the world of publishing, said Tangedal. "They not only learn the practical elements of bookmaking, but they also learn how to work together, to communicate professionally and with candor. I am proud to be a part of such a legacy."
"Cornerstone performs a wonderful service for aspiring writers," said Jim Pollock of the Council for Wisconsin Writers. "Muslim is a wonderful poet and a tribute to Cornerstone Press."
Established in 1984, Cornerstone Press has published 36 titles in every major genre. It is staffed by students in the Editing and Publishing course that operates with the support of the English Department.
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