Once we formed editorial groups in our English 357 class, we began to discuss what we wanted our journals to be like. We explained our ideas quietly, like spies discussing covert operations, not wanting other groups to hear the ideas we were sure were going to fail. Yet, secretly, deep inside we all had a glimmer of hope that our journal propositions would be deemed worthy.

 

          In this way, we debated whether Offbeat would be a better name because it was more hip, whether Yadda Yadda seemed too gossipy, and whether Burnt Birch would only attract bird watchers. Finally we agreed on Water Tower Review. A water tower was the perfect symbol for what we wanted for our journal: realistic tales about everyday events, but with unique twists.

 

          Much like how every town has water towers but no two are the same, the stories, poems and art in this journal reflect individual’s approaches to everyday life. In Cassandra Mehlenbacher’s “The Gossip Dog,” a man goes through his morning routine only to learn new things about his family. In “Snapshot,” Shelby Wick expresses a longing reminiscence. The acrylic painting by Jonathan S. Matteson titled “Circuit” uses abstraction and vivid contrast to evoke the viewer’s memory and imagination. We hope you enjoy the work in this volume, and come to appreciate your own perspective.