ISSUE 6

4 large watermelons on a table. A basket of pomegranates in the background.

Every literary magazine has its origin story—The Orange Couch just happens to be a literal one. If you’ve ever passed through the DePaul Writing Center, you’ve probably seen the iconic orange couches near the front windows. They’re where tutors and writers gather, where stories are swapped, and where writing begins to transform. This magazine carries that same energy: it’s collaborative, welcoming, and grounded in the idea that good writing grows through community.

This was my first time working on The Orange Couch, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. As someone getting their master’s in English Literature and Publishing, I’ve spent a lot of time studying the publishing world—but nothing compares to actually building a magazine from the ground up. From reading submissions to organizing reflection statements, editing pieces, and wrestling with WordPress (a rite of passage, I’ve learned), I’ve been lucky to see this issue come to life.

One thing that makes this publication special is our submission process. Writers are only eligible to submit if they’ve met with a Writing Center tutor or attended a Writers Guild session. Every piece you’ll read here has been shaped by feedback and revision, in line with our Writing Center’s belief that all writers can grow through collaboration. These conversations—between writer and tutor, peer and peer—are where creativity deepens and clarity emerges.

Issue 6 is full of work that showcases that spirit. You’ll find poetry that explores what it means to be broken apart for love, fiction with sharp emotional undercurrents and tense character dynamics, reflective journal entries that turn personal experiences into art, and—for the first time ever—an original script. The range is exciting, the voices distinct, and every piece offers something memorable.

To our contributors: thank you for trusting us with your work and for being open to revision. To the tutors and Writers Guild members who offered feedback, thank you for your care and insight. And to our wonderful readers—Abby K., Luisa F., Leo S., Elena R., Ella M., Olivia-Grace P., Bella Z., and Mel S.—your feedback helped shape this issue in meaningful ways.

Though I’ll be stepping down from my role as a Graduate Assistant to focus on my studies and career, I’m so grateful to have been part of this issue’s journey. Working on The Orange Couch reminded me just how powerful community-based publishing can be—and why I love doing this work.

Thanks for reading. I hope these pages inspire you, challenge you, or maybe even get you writing something of your own.

Selena Tomas, Managing Editor | June 03, 2025