First published in 1984, The MacGuffin has served as a premiere literary publication put out by Schoolcraft College.
For 40 years, Schoolcraft College has brought the literary world a special gift.
First published in 1984 by English Professor Arthur J. Lindenberg, The MacGuffin has served as a global ambassador for the College. The literary magazine has published writers from all over the country and across the world. Now, it’s marking its 40th anniversary.
Published three times a year, The MacGuffin — named for the moving force (and sometimes the solution) of a work of mystery, a concept that originated in Victorian England and popularized by Alfred Hitchcock — has published a diverse array of voices and styles over the years.
“It is exceptionally rare for a national literary journal to be published from a two-year college. While there may be more, I have not identified one,” said Dr. Brett Griffiths, editor of the publication and an English instructor at Schoolcraft College. “This makes us not only exceptional but an overlooked feather in the college’s cap, as it were.”
Roughly 8-11% of submissions are accepted, making it a great first publication for new writers, Griffiths said. The acceptance rate allows the magazine’s editorial staff — made up of volunteer readers from across the country — to vet thousands of submissions and select the ones that best fit The MacGuffin.
While other literary magazines saw their demise during the COVID-19 pandemic, The MacGuffin found new ways to flourish and to continue sharing the work of its authors. Managing Editor Gordon Krupsky—whom Griffiths describes as a “miracle worker”—found a way to pivot to a more digital workflow: not only were submissions accepted online, but editorial meetings went from being held in-person to Zoom, allowing for new editors from across the country. This work, Griffiths said, allowed the publication to continue strong as ever.
“Despite being a ‘part-time’ employee, Krupsky devoted his energy and loyalty to the college by ensuring the The MacGuffin (and a second journal published by the college, The Community College Enterprise) did not fail,” Griffiths said. “This was Herculean.”
Griffiths said she has also made efforts to grow the magazine. This includes creating a new position called “Arts Student Social Ambassador Fellowship,” as well as the potential creation of a Credit for Experiential Learning program to help students learn how to read submissions for and publish a literary journal.
Anniversary celebrations have already begun for The MacGuffin’s milestone. An event was held earlier this winter in Kansas City, Missouri, and another will be held this week at the College. A gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 17 in the Kehrl Auditorium inside the Vistatech Center. There, a poetry reading will take place with Barbara Crooker, the 2023 guest judge for Poet Hunt 28 and a featured contributor to the publication. Also presenting that evening is Kathleen McClung, the outreach coordinator for the West Coast. She also recently served as guest editor for the magazine. The event is made possible through a grant from the Schoolcraft College Foundation.
Registration to attend the celebration is free and can be done by visiting the magazine’s website, schoolcraft.edu/macguffin. Options to subscribe to the magazine are also available.
Griffiths said The MacGuffin’s long history is a testament to the literary community and its embrace, as well as its role as a great ambassador for Schoolcraft College.
“It’s really an amazing feat. We are — if not singular — very rare in our publication of this journal,” Griffiths said. “It’s a gem for the college — and should be recognized and promoted as such.”
Caption: Several members of the staff of The MacGuffin, including Brett Griffiths, editor; Gordon Krupsky, managing editor; Kathleen McClung, former editor and current poetry reader staff; and Melissa Converse, who is currently the Arts Student Social Ambassador Fellowship.