Glass Mountain is the University of Houston's undergraduate literary magazine for emerging artists. Our journal’s name was inspired by a line from a short story written by Donald Barthelme, one of the founders of the University of Houston’s Creative Writing program. In his short story “Glass Mountain” he wrote “To climb the glass mountain, one first requires a good reason.” The glass mountain, a sky scraper like the many we have here in Houston, represented the achievement of what seemed impossible when we first began laying plans. Our good reason was simple: our journal was needed. Scores of new voices needed expression and a place to be heard, both on the printed page and at our readings and gatherings. A community of emerging writers needed a platform within the already vibrant arts community of Houston and beyond. Our journal continues to offer emerging writers a unique national platform for publication, with high literary standards in print and online. As Glass Mountain continues to grow and thrive, we remain committed to the writing community and to quality work. We invite you to read, submit, attend, and enjoy.