Filled with readers, the event kicked off at noon, with editor Ryan Drendel thanking those who submitted writing and artwork.

He went on to thank the bordertown editorial staff, mentioning the vision Faculty Adviser Dr. Jenny Ferguson has for the publication, as well as the interviews found within.

He also talked about how this year’s publication thematically parallels Daniel Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe, the focus of Literature Lives. Additionally, he announced the winners of the flash fiction contest and invited them to read their submissions.

In third place was Drip drip drip by Natasha Sage Rowe. Selected for second place was Sarah Robbins’ Into this Dystopia. Winning first was Lipstick by Slade Woodward.

The release party kicked off Robinson Crusoe week, and the announcement for the Desert Island short story prompt.

Allowing a two-day window for writers, the competition had a category for current Missouri Southern students, one for high school students, and a third for community members and alumni.

The final event for the Robinson Crusoe week is the gala reception, which will take place at 6 p.m., March 8, in the North End Zone Academic Room.

Clay pots will be available for pick up and the winner of the Desert Island story contest will be announced.