At the end of this past academic year, alum Nawaal Nackerdien, former Managing Editor, was interviewed about her experiences while working at The Forge. She recounted milestones that she achieved and shared fond memories!

Q1) Can you introduce yourself a little?
Hi! My name is Nawaal Nackerdien. I graduated from George Mason with a BFA in Creative Writing: Fiction and a minor in Professional and Technical Writing. I joined The Forge in Fall 2024! While at The Forge, I was an Editor, Illustrator, Marketing Manager, and became the Managing Editor

Q2) How did you find out about The Forge, and what made you want to join?
I’ve hopped around a bunch of the Student Media groups at GMU, but I found out about The Forge when I joined Volition while still at Northern Virginia Community College. The Forge cohosted one of Volition’s open mic nights. I’ve always been a deep fan of fantasy and sci-fi, so learning about The Forge really intrigued me! I sent in my staff application shortly after.

Q3) Which one was your favorite issue of The Forge?
My favourite is the second-ever issue of the Cyberforge. Since it was going to be a digital issue, we as a team decided we wanted to expand our horizons for what our magazine could look like. This included doing more with spreads, looking at what we can do with a digital format, and holding a higher standard for literature and artwork alike. What we ended up with is an issue that holds so much passion and heart that I really am very happy with it! When it got printed, I was even more delighted and it reinforced my love for the issue.

Q4) What is your favorite memory with The Forge?
During the College Media Awards 2025 in Washington, D.C., The Forge was able to win multiple awards, including first place for literary magazine of the year and for cover artwork. This made our magazine one that was award-winning on the national level. Seeing our name pop up on the screen for first place and all of us applauding for our lives was an experience that I don’t think I’ll forget. It told me that our hard work does not go unnoticed and that working together, aiming for high quality, and expanding our horizons all paid off.

Q5) What accomplishment(s) from your time at The Forge are you the most proud of?
Definitely our awards! But also being able to have a team that thinks deeply about what we accept into our magazine. I wanted students coming into The Forge to leave with really special memories of creating the magazine but also to learn actual skills too. For me, I’m really proud that I can leave the team in the hands of editors who know what to look for in a story and can communicate appropriately with authors to get that story where it needs to be. Installing multiple levels of editing, introducing the Chicago Manual of Style; it all enables our editors to use their skills in a future publishing world if they want to!

Q6) Do you feel joining The Forge made your university career at GMU more memorable?
One thousand percent! My career at GMU would’ve been pretty stagnant without The Forge. The Forge was my creative outlet. I could develop my craft of writing while also having that work visible to other students around me. Being able to hold an issue with my own work in it feels so special. Alongside this, I was also able to have my artwork published too. But more important was being able to work with people who like what I like, enjoy reading/watching fantasy and sci-fi, while also being passionate about their own writing and artwork. I could come into the office each week and expect to have fun, great conversations, and work together to make something so meaningful to all of us.

Q7) Why do you think others should join the staff and/or submit to The Forge?
To meet people you like! To gain skills for the publishing world! For Fun! The Forge has something for everyone and all kinds of people who just want to create together and learn something new. Whether you’re a more quiet personality or one that wants to avidly argue over how the author of your favourite book series killed its main character, you will love The Forge.
If you are thinking of submitting, do it! The Forge is a national award-winning magazine that loves reading the weird, the interesting, and the chaotic. I never thought my writing and art would get published until I submitted! And if you’re unsure about your story? Our editors will work with you to make it the best it can be. Our artists will give you any advice to make your artwork pop as much as possible. Plus, there’s no harm in trying.

Q8) As alumni leadership, what would you say to future members of The Forge?
The Forge is an organization that is filled with heart, determination, and love. It’s filled with good people who want to learn and create something that embodies these ideas. There will be hard times: deadlines are tough, learning new skills takes time! Despite it all, there has been nothing I’ve ever regretted. You will leave The Forge with friends, good memories, and an issue (or more) that you can take pride in helping create. Jump in the deep end and learn how to swim!

Q9) Any additional comments?

I stayed with The Forge from the beginning of my two years at GMU until graduation. I met so many people from all slices of life, going through different challenges and still being there for the team through thick and thin. While I was Managing Editor, I constantly worried that my ideas would pose issues for the team or introduce too much red tape. Instead, everyone embraced and accepted them. For this, I will always be eternally grateful. I’ve never encountered anything like my time at The Forge anywhere else, and it’s very bittersweet that it has come to an end. To the editorial team: you all are the most dedicated, kindest people I have ever met. Thank you for putting up with my constant pinging in the Discord. To Sam and Areeza, you both gave me courage and are the true reasons The Forge is able to flourish and grow as it has. As it will. To the entire Forge staff: You give The Forge life. I will always remember all of you and our moments at events, in the office, or just walking on campus. Keep going and keep The Forge’s fire lit.