After several years of silence, “The Muse”, MN’s literary magazine, has finally returned with the creative spirit that once filled its pages with vibrant voices, bold ideas, and untold stories. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a literary revolution that is bound to happen sooner or later.

The last time MN’s literary magazine existed was back in 2014. Junior A.J. Johnson brought it back 11 years later with the help of English teacher Whitney Hansen. The name “Muse” was chosen because of the nine muses and Greek mythology.

“I think it’s important to inspire people to do art and put out their art and writing because it’s a powerful thing, and people should feel encouraged to do that in a safe environment,” Johnson said.

Submissions, which were due by Feb. 28, allow students to publish poetry, art, fiction, nonfiction, comics, visual art, short films, and music. “The Muse” has not set a date for the first issue yet, but it hopes to go in print next year.

“It [“The Muse”] helps expand our horizons and helps people look at other perspectives and understand the meaning of creativity,” Johnson said.

The first issue’s theme is “New Beginnings,” and it was chosen because as a symbolic phrase for the magazine’s recommencement.

“The meaning can be broad. We accept anything in the category that represents new beginnings like moving, starting in a new school, starting a new mentality, changing the way you think, etc,” Johnson said.

After the Feb. 28 deadline, editors will review submissions and discuss what should be published. They will strive to include every piece and ask submissions to revise if necessary.

“I hope people will gain some experience in art, writing, etc. to put pieces on their resume,” Johnson said.

Johnson and the rest of the members provide a platform for a diverse range of student voices and promote “The Muse” by displaying posters and speaking to classrooms to spread the word.

“I like how “The Muse” encourages members to produce meaningful insights on other students’ creations. We can be creative together and help each other’s creativity,” junior Samantha Le, a member of the literary magazine, said.

The magazine’s positions include readers, who review submissions; editors, who are in charge of revisions and resubmissions; and, lastly, the Co-Editor-in-Chiefs, Johnson and junior Katie Sykora.

“My goal for “The Muse” is for our club and body of student creators to continue expanding. Every person counts towards creating an epic student-led online literary magazine and building a more united Millard North community,” Le said.

Le submitted a drawing to improve her drawing skills. As a reader, she would like to help the magazine grow and is enjoying the process of publishing the first issue.

“I joined “The Muse” because I was excited to be part of a cool school organization that has returned after years of hiatus,” Le said.

Junior Annabel Averett is the editor of “The Muse”, and she focuses mostly on fiction and poetry. She joined “The Muse” because she was invited by Johnson to come to one of the meetings, and she liked the idea a literary magazine.

‘My goal for Muse is to get lots of submissions, lots of views, and to get people creative,” Averett said.

Averett submitted a picture of a crochet rose she made her sophomore year representing the theme of new beginnings.

“I like that it’s a creative and safe space for people to be able to put art out there [and] say they published something and have everyone see what they are talented at,” Averett said.

The return of “The Muse” brings a fresh wave of creativity to Millard North, offering a platform for students’ talents. As it prepares for its first issue, “The Muse” marks the start of a new creative era.