The Ourglass

When I found out that I could take a creative writing class as an elective while working towards an English literature degree, I was excited. I realized quickly that writing fiction is what I want to do. I registered for the class, which was held in a clssroom so small it had a water-closet sink in the corner. Jeff, our intrepid professor, entered the room on crutches. Knee surgey, he said. Must have made those classes difficult. But he made them happen anyway, guiding us through the strange world of storytelling. One of the requirements for the class was that at the end of the semester we would each submit a piece we had written over the semester to The Ourglass, The Community College of Denver’s award winning literary journal. The idea of submission has always made me nervous. But as my work developed I began to feel better and better about it. When the day came I chose one short story and one poem, both of which got chosen, along with the excellent work of some of my classmates.

I continued to write fiction while at CCD, some of which showed up in the next two issues as well. I felt fortunate to have had a publication like The Ourglass publish so much of my work. Their support helped me believe in myself — that I could do the thing I always wanted, and that I had a real shot at making writing a way of life. Thanks to everyone who made that possible, especially Jeff, who was my biggest promoter.

Recently, I was invited to read at the Emanuell Gallery and to celebrate more great works of art that are coming from new, wonderfully talented student artists. I read my short story The Whale, which was my last submission before moving on in my academic carrer, appearing in the 2018-2019 issue. It was interesting reading something I hadnt even looked at in 5 years. I was a fiction writer finding his footing, yet still a little unsure of himself. After two more years studying at the University of Clorado Denver, I graduated with a bachelors in English Literature. I then spent the two years building my own writing practice, which yielded a body of work that got me into The Mile High MFA in creative writing at Regis university. I havent had anything published since The Whale in 2019, but being included in the release event for the newest issue reminded me that I can make it happen again, I just have to muster the courage to hit that submit button, and let my stories out into the wild. — Travis Mundt