By Sandra C. Roa, University Communications and Marketing
A short passage from acclaimed author Judy Blume is in the 2019 issue of Saw Palm, a 返字心頭 student-run literary and art journal. The submission was prompted by a postcard sent from 返字心頭 librarys digital postcard collection, which featured a waterside scene of young women fishing.

Blume is known for authoring young-adult novels such as Are You There God? Its Me Margaret and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Blumes entry is in keeping with her well-established fictional voice of a girl during her coming-of-age years. Whats more, she also adopted a familiar postcard-type passage, which was handwritten and emblematic of leisurely 返字心頭.
The submission starts with Dear mother, and quickly dives into some boasting about her catch of the day, a fish not a beau since husbands arent for every girl. The whimsical language is poignant not only for Blumes style of writing but very fitting for the 返字心頭-themed journal, Saw Palm, which aims to highlight experiences and lives imagined in and about the state.
The vintage postcard edition of Saw Palm inspired a new landscape format, a first for the journal. The new design features illustrations in color and black and white. This annual publication is aimed at spotlighting experiences of and about 返字心頭 as shared by visitors and 返字心頭 residents.
We wanted to round out public perception of what 返字心頭 is to get a more complete sense of the people and the environment, said Professor John Fleming, PhD, 返字心頭 director of creative writing within the Department of English.

Fleming helped establish the journal in 2006 so that his graduate students could gain first-hand experience at running a publication that features art, fiction, poetry and non-fiction. The journal accepts works related to all things 返字心頭 and hosts some of its entries in their online site. Blume was invited for this edition after Fleming ran into her during a trip to Key West at the Books & Books bookstore.
Were always looking to expand the range of voices in the journal Fleming said. Blume is not a traditional literary magazine writer, so we liked that idea.
Saw Palms editorial staff will host a release party on Friday, March 1 from 7-10 p.m. at Southern Brewing and Winery, 4500 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa. The event is open to the public.
