08/14/2026
This week we are featuring Stetson MFA alums R.A. Allen (2026) and Shaun O. Smith (2024).
❄️R.A. Allen presents Harmony of Ice, which originated from his MFA thesis, and is now available on Amazon:
“With vengeance fueling his every move, Urdan hunts for the former general of King Mergigoth, Abas. As he makes his way through Simpana with the help of Barbadus, an ogunth he befriended, he is joined by a Snow Elf by the name of Vale. Having rescued her from the clutches of the orcs, it was decided that it was best for her to come along on the journey for revenge. Will Urdan get his revenge? What do the orcs want with Vale? Find out in the second story in the Hoivin Saga!” Find it here: https://a.co/d/03QCoffB
⚠️OFFICIAL USE ONLY (OUO) originated as Shaun O. Smith’s thesis at Stetson University’s MFA program:
“Three copies of the original were produced, withheld from circulation by design.
One is in the Stetson archive. One is with the author. One is still available.
The second iteration consists of 42 prompts across 425 cards. Each one is handwritten and claimable. The public ARCHIVE tracks every card, and prompts remain redacted until the holder makes a claim.
The 425 cards are distributed across 7 sets — by request, free public placement, and limited paid waves. KINDRED is available to those with connections to Shaun, and the form to request is currently available (no guarantee). On September 2nd, over 100 cards will be placed to be found across Florida State University’s campus. Each paid WAVE has its own unique feature, and any remaining cards in these sets will be destroyed at project close.
A free card and a paid card are claimed the same way, recorded the same way, and subject to the same deadline.
OFFICIAL USE ONLY runs July 1 – December 18, 2026.”
Full information and request forms can be found here: https://sospublishing.org/official-use-only
Congratulations to both R.A. Allen and Shaun O. Smith on turning your MFA theses into published work/working art for the world to interact with!
R.A. Allen Shaun O. Smith