The Opal is committed to publishing captivating fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction across genres, particularly from emerging writers who are new to the craft.
The word “opal” originates from the Latin term opalus, which means “precious jewel” combined with the Greek opallios, meaning “to see a change in color”. We believe the written word is a precious jewel that changes how we see the world, empowering us to walk with the faith and confidence that opal stones symbolize.
Launched in 2022, The Opal is a literary magazine in association with Spalding University. Staffed entirely from Spalding’s lauded Creative Writing BFA Program. We believe here at The Opal that all genres hold value in the writing sphere, as the written word is a precious jewel that changes how we see the world. We have set out to instill faith and confidence in emerging writers looking to make their mark in the publishing sphere.
The Opal Staff
Malakhi Barton
Malakhi Barton is a Creative Writing minor at Spalding University. He is a first-time author who is currently working on an adventure fantasy novel for queer children, which will be his first publication. He has a deep love for stories that blend imagination, identity, and a sense of belonging. Adventure fantasy is his favorite genre because it gives queer kids a chance to see themselves as the heroes of their own journeys.
Eariel Carthen
Eariel Carthen is a freshman at Spalding University studying as a Creative Writing major. She most enjoys watching action/shounen cartoons and hopes to one day write one of her own. Her favorite show (at the moment) is Invincible Fight Girl and her top inspirations include some of her favorite cartoonists like J.G. Quintel, Craig McCracken, and Lauren Faust.
Trinity Chenault
Trinity Chenault is a Kentucky native. She’s currently majoring in Studio Art and Creative Writing. A Power Puff Girls box set, given to her for Christmas in the third grade, is to blame for her fascination with storytelling. Since watching Craig McCracken explore his creative process, during a bonus behind the scenes short, Trinity has been dead set on doing the same in her life. Comedy, Action, Horror, Historical Fiction, and Creative-Nonfiction are the genres Trinity draws inspiration from. Most of her free time is spent working on personal art and writing projects. On rare occasions she’ll take a break from her desk and allow herself to enjoy a night out or plug in her console and dive into an RPG video game, typically Stardew Valley or The Legend of Zelda.
Bailey Haws
Bailey Haws is a professional writing major at Spalding University. In her spare time, she loves reading contemporary fiction and young adult novels. Her favorite books explore the complexities of relationships and the human experience. Her work has been published in Atticus Literary, Whispering Fields Review, and Nostalgia Literary. She is currently writing a coming-of-age novel that she hopes to publish in the future.
Ace Prather
Ace Prather is a Creative Writing Major at Spalding University. He enjoys watching horror movies, playing video games like Stardew Valley and Graveyard Keeper, as well as reading sci-fi, horror and fantasy pieces. His favorite director is Guillermo Del Toro and he is inspired by Del Toro’s use of monsters in fiction and the horror scene. He wishes to be able to be an author who can use monsters as tools for more than just fear but to represent various other themes just as Del Toro does.
Hannah Owens
Hannah Owens is a Christian fiction writer from Kentucky. She is very active within her church on the worship team or working in kids church. Reading wise, Hannah’s favorite genres are romance and fantasy. She dreams of publishing a Christian fantasy series and romance novels. She enjoys playing Animal Crossing and Spider-Man. Other ways she likes to relax is crochet, quilting, and other forms of sewing. She hopes that in the future she can travel to multiple countries. She particularly wants to visit Australia and New Zealand.
Cooper Robinson
Cooper Robinson is a Senior Creative Writing Major at Spalding University. A California native, Robinson enjoys writing fiction stories and novels, usually within the genres of Sci-Fi, Historical Fiction, and Realistic Fiction. Robinson also plays for Spalding’s Men’s Lacrosse team. If he isn’t playing on a turf field, he is at his desk either typing away on a story or staring at a blank page pulling his hair out. Robinson’s love of Sci-Fi comes from authors such as Michael Grant and Lois Lowry, and his love of Historical Fiction comes from an obsessive fixation on history as a subject.