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.
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.
Scarlett Emerson
Scarlett Emerson is a Creative Writing major at Spalding University. She enjoys reading Fantasy and Mythology related stories, and really
anything that is mind-bending and allows for new thought. When she has free time, she works on her books as well as drawing and photography. She hopes to see more people embrace work of art in all forms as a treasured form of expression.
Bailey Haws
Bailey Haws is a professional writing major at Spalding University. In her spare time, she loves reading literary fiction and dystopian books, with the occasional poetry collection. In particular, she is drawn to works that follow introspective characters, appeal to a contemporary audience, and explore the intricacies of the human condition. Her work has been published in Rewrite the Stars Review, The Myrtle Zine, Nostalgia Literary, and elsewhere.
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.
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.