Our Philosophy and How We Work with Writers

     One unique aspect of Empty Headed as a publication is that the writers who send works to the magazine receive what we call a “suggestion note.”  Essentially a suggestion for further revision based on editors’ interpretation of the works, a suggestion note is our primary tool to contribute to the submitting writers’ growth as writers.  Unlike most other publications, therefore, writers have an opportunity to revise their works before we make the final decision as to which pieces to print.

     As a publication supported by and rooted in the community of the Writing Center, we share the same philosophy with the Writing Center.  At the base is the belief that there is always room for improvement in any writing and that all writers, regardless of their experience, can benefit from honest discussion of their works.  Just as writers develop their writing skills through open dialogues during tutoring sessions at the Writing Center, we strive to make this experience of submission-revision-publication an opportunity for growth for all the submitting writers.

     Combined with the occasional reading events that we host, the magazine is another way for the Writing Center to foster the writers’ community in and around the UIC campus.  We hope that working with the editors and participating in our events will give the often lonely writers the sense of being a part of the community of the like-minded people.