Red Rock Review Earns National Literary Recognition

Big news out of CSN’s literary corner — and it’s the kind worth celebrating loudly.

A short story published in Red Rock Review, the college’s nationally recognized literary journal, has been named a Distinguished Story of 2024 by Best American Short Stories, one of the most respected literary anthologies in the country.

The story, “Hail Mary” by Austin Blaze, rose through a highly competitive national field. Each year, the anthology receives more than 3,000 nominations. Only 100 are forwarded to the final editor, and just 20 are ultimately published. Being named a distinguished story places Blaze — and Red Rock Review — among the best literary work in the nation.

That recognition also means Red Rock Review is now officially cited in the Best American Short Stories anthology, marking a major milestone for the journal and the faculty editors behind it.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional talent and scholarly creativity of our English faculty and literary community,” said Dr. James R. McCoy, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. “Having Red Rock Review recognized in the BASS anthology is an achievement we should all celebrate.”

Dr. McCoy also congratulated faculty members John Ziebell, Jacob Elison and Megan Padilla for their editorial leadership and contributions, noting that the honor speaks to the quality, care and editorial vision guiding the journal.

For CSN, it’s another reminder that powerful, nationally recognized work is happening right here — in classrooms, in journals and through the creative efforts of students and faculty alike.

In short: this is a big deal, and it deserves the applause.

To read more about or get in touch with Austin Blaze, check out his website: https://www.austintblaze.com/