The MacGuffin, Schoolcraft College’s highly acclaimed international literary arts magazine, begins a new chapter with the appointment of Guest Editor Kathleen McClung. McClung, an Adjunct Professor in the English Department at Skyline College in San Bruno, California, takes the reins from Dr. Steven Dolgin, English professor, who retired in December after more than 30 years of service at Schoolcraft College.
“I’ve admired and savored reading The MacGuffin for at least 10 years and regard it as among the best literary journals in the country,” McClung said. “It was probably the distinctive title of the magazine* that first drew my attention and the high quality of writing that’s made me a faithful reader over the years.”
McClung also has been an active contributor to the publication, earning an Honorable Mention in 2017 in the magazine’s Poet Hunt for her work, “Big Sky Drive-In.” She also had three poems published in last fall’s issue featuring formal verse.
That led to an invitation from Managing Editor Gordon Krupsky to join the poetry staff in September 2020.
“Kathleen is a well-published writer: she has published four poetry collections and has placed numerous works in magazines and journals, including being an Honorable Mention in The MacGuffin’s own 2017 Poet Hunt contest,” Krupsky said. “She has been serving as a member of the volunteer reading staff since I rebuilt and restructured the staff and the editorial process back in the fall.
“This gave me a chance to work with her and get a feel for her take on writing. In her time on the staff, she's provided insightful and thoughtful commentary and has held a prominent role in our editorial discussions. She’s shown a real understanding of our submitters and their craft.”
McClung is eager to build upon the strong foundation in place and The MacGuffin’s outstanding national and international reputation.
“I really like that The MacGuffin showcases work by writers around the country and internationally, including work by writers at all stages of their careers, emerging as well as established,” she said.
McClung also feels publications like The MacGuffin are especially important now.
“The COVID pandemic has challenged everyone profoundly. The literary arts strengthen and console us during difficult times,” she said. “I want to continue creating a journal that provides hope and inspiration.”
*The term “MacGuffin,” credited to famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, is something that moves the plot along. It can be an object or objective important to characters in a movie, but not necessarily important to the audience.