BSC Staff Submits to Figments of Imagination

Figments of Imagination is Bismarck State College’s literary magazine that allows students to submit their short stories, poems, artwork, photography, songs, and plays for publication. Figments has been around since 1992 and, for the first time since Figments started, it opened submissions to staff and faculty. Robert Wilson, a Professor of English here at BSC, submitted poetry for Figments and spoke more about the literary publication. He shared his thoughts on submissions being open for staff and faculty.

“I thought it was a cool thing. I enjoy creative pursuits. I’ve written quite a bit of poetry in my life and never really tried to get it published much,” he said.

“So the thought of having it published even in a college publication was a really cool thing.”

He added that this was also his last year here at BSC because he is moving to Illinois to get married. The idea of having his work published in Figments felt like a cool goodbye. Wilson shared what he thought were the most beneficial things about Figments.

“I think it allows people in this community, whether they’re students, faculty, or staff… to show an aspect of their personality and their ability that isn’t usually showcased in a community college like this, especially a more technical one,” he said.

Wilson continued by explaining that the creative arts are very important to BSC. He added that he has had many creative students in the past who do not have many avenues to showcase their creativity outside of a creative writing or art class.

“Having that publication that gets circulated and displayed on tables and shelves and stuff that people can see, it shows an aspect of life that we don’t get to showcase too often around here.”

Wilson shared that he would encourage more students to submit work to Figments of Imagination. He explained that art in general is extremely important to our society. “I would very much encourage anybody who has even an inkling of wanting to give it a shot to do it. There’s a lot you can gain from it.”

He added that you learn more about the language, such as self-expression and trying to convey a message through an artistic medium.

Wilson left off with some final thoughts.

“And it’s just fun. You know, it’s just fun to put yourself out there and get that kind of feeling of risk and reward.”