Pierce College Literary Magazine Directions Returns with “The Resurrection Edition”
Pierce College Literary Magazine Directions Returns with “The Resurrection Edition”
After a years-long hiatus, Directions, the literary magazine of Los Angeles Pierce College, returned to print this fall with a powerful new issue aptly titled “The Resurrection Edition.” First published in 1959, Directions has long served as a platform for student creativity and expression, but this marks the first issue since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted campus life and halted publication.
To celebrate its return, the Directions staff and the Pierce College English Department invite students, faculty, alumni, and the community to a Release Party and Reading on Monday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Game N’ Grounds (21727 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, CA 91311). The event is free and open to the public and will feature live readings from student contributors, refreshments, and copies of the magazine available on-site.
The revival of Directions began in the English 32: Literary Publications course, where students learn the full spectrum of literary magazine production, from community outreach to editing, layout, and publishing. The 2025 editorial staff embraced the theme of resurrection and set out to reconnect Pierce’s student body with this publication. Last semester, they hosted open mic events during Club Rush, at the Open Books storefront in the mall, at Tía Chucha’s Cultural Center in Pacoima, and right at Game N’ Grounds. Their efforts yielded over 100 student submissions.
In a first for the publication, the Directions staff partnered with Sean Pessin, director of the CSUN Book Arts Lab, to take on every stage of physical book production. Students spent hours and multiple visits to CSUN learning color separation, pagination, cutting, and binding by hand. For many, it was their first time on a four-year college campus. The hands-on experience created a sense of ownership and community that infused new energy into the magazine.
The last issue of Directions was ready to go to print just as COVID shut everything down. That “lost” issue may still see the light of day, with students now discussing ways to raise funds to publish it. While there has been some interest in converting Directions to a digital platform, the current staff felt strongly that the spirit of Directions lives in the physical object: a printed book that serves as a cultural artifact and platform for artistic expression.
Beyond the release event, the future of Directions is already taking shape. A new cohort of students has chosen the theme for the next issue and is actively preparing to gather submissions. Those interested can learn more or submit their work by visiting piercereview.wordpress.com
