MUSE Literary Journal
MUSE Art and Literary Journal
First published in 1986, the journal welcomes contributions from both emerging and established writers and artists, from RCC to across the globe. Every spring, students come together and collaborate to release the latest edition of MUSE, showcasing a diverse collection of art, poetry, and prose.
Muse Upcoming Events
Be sure to check out our calendar to stay informed about upcoming events. From workshops and readings to exhibitions and special gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Stay connected and mark your calendars to participate in the events that interest you!
Be Part of What's On Our Pages
RCC MUSE - General Submissions - SUBMISSIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 15 THROUGH JANUARY 31
Genres (PLEASE NOTE THE LIMITS):
- Fiction – Submit one short story (up to 1500 words max)
- Creative Nonfiction – One piece (up to 1500 words max)
- Poetry – Submit up to three poems
- Art – All kinds of art accepted for print. Preferred format: JPG, 300 DPI resolution, 8 inches on the long side
Email submissions to: muse@rcc.edu
- Submit poems as an email attachment in .doc, .docx, or .rtf formats only
- Include contact information in your submission file
- Use this subject line format: Last Name – Genre – Title of Submission (e.g., Smith – Poetry – “In Summer”)
- No handwritten submissions accepted
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please notify us if accepted elsewhere
- No creative work created with the assistance of AI will be accepted
- In the body of your email, include:
- Your full name (as you would like it to appear in the journal)
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Short third-person bio (approx. 50 words)
- Authors and artists receive one complimentary copy of the issue; additional copies may be purchased
- MUSE acquires First North American Serial Rights and non-exclusive reprint rights (for promotional use only)
- If published elsewhere in the future, please acknowledge MUSE as the original publisher
We appreciate your patience; we try to respond to all submissions within six months.
Mail submissions to:
RCC MUSE Literary Journal
James Ducat, Editorial Advisor
Riverside City College
4800 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92506
Join the MUSE Staff
Each member of our team plays a vital role in shaping the journal, ensuring that it reflects a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives. Together, we strive to create a publication that not only showcases exceptional work, but also nurtures the artistic community at RCC. This includes:
- Editorial Selection
- Graphic Design
- Fundraising
- Advertising
- Digital Marketing
- Networking
- Event Planning
- Distribution
- Photography
- and much more…
If this piques your interest, you can join our team by enrolling in ENG 17A, which is offered exclusively in the spring.
Holden Vaughn Spangler Awards
2025 Winner
Kate Hovey
"Metamorphoses"
2024 Winner
Megan Duffy Brown
“Death on Lake Pontchartrain”
2023 Winner
M.A Dubbs
“The Quiets of Parenting”
Helping Make Our Journal A Reality
Scholarship awards and prizes are designated annually, thanks to the generous donations to the MUSE Trust. Your contribution plays a crucial role in supporting these awards, enabling us to recognize and celebrate the talents of our community. Every donation helps foster creativity and encourages aspiring writers and artists to pursue their passions. We greatly appreciate your support in making these opportunities possible!
A MUSE 'ZINE
When MUSE was first established in 1986, it focused exclusively on publishing the works of RCC students. Over the years, the journal experienced significant growth, earning recognition as an internationally renowned art and literary publication. Its evolution allowed it to showcase a wide range of artistic expressions from around the globe, enriching the literary landscape.
In 2023, the MUSE staff made the strategic decision to return to its roots, launching a magazine dedicated solely to the creative expressions of RCC students. This new initiative aims to celebrate the unique talents within our community, fostering a supportive environment for local writers and artists to shine. By refocusing on our student body, we hope to cultivate a vibrant artistic community and provide an accessible platform for students to share their work with a wider audience.
For more information follow us on Instagram @rccmusezine.
Our Latest Editions
To explore our latest editions of MUSE, please click on the link below. Each edition features a diverse array of artistic expressions, including captivating poetry, thought-provoking prose, and stunning visual art. We invite you to immerse yourself in the creativity and talent showcased by our contributors. Discover the voices that define our community and celebrate their achievements!
Find More Info on our Platforms
The conversation is always moving forward. We invite you to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on our latest events. By connecting with us, you’ll gain access to exclusive interviews and sneak peeks at the exciting content we have in store. Join our community and be the first to discover the best of what’s yet to come!