Teen-Run Literary Magazine Makes a Mark in Calgary

Calgary’s Exclamation Mark Literary Journal, founded by a group of high school students, is gaining attention and praise from readers worldwide. As editor-in-chief Darren Yang, a Grade 12 student, explains, the magazine aims to publish raw, relatable pieces that explore the darker side of human emotion, filling a gap in the literary world.

With over 1,500 monthly readers, the magazine has already earned recognition from the Toronto Review and a $5,000 grant as one of six winners in a contest by Chill Subs and the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses. Yang, who writes under the pseudonym Robert Hills, emphasizes the importance of not letting age be a barrier to credibility. He notes that the team’s success might have been different if audiences knew their age, highlighting the project's legitimacy as a serious publication.

For expats and digital nomads like myself, based in Calgary, this is a reminder that even in a city known for its corporate and professional environment, creativity and passion can thrive. If you're looking to support local talent or just enjoy some raw, relatable writing, Exclamation Mark Literary Journal is definitely worth a read.