MARION — Fourteen writers and photographers from across South Coast Massachusetts came together for the inaugural edition of Sippizine, an online, semi-annual literary magazine that aims to publish creative writing, poetry and artwork by area writers and artists. 

According to Sippizine editor and publisher Alanna Nelson, upon finishing the publication's first volume she felt a “relief” that was quickly followed by excitement.

“So many people who were in [Sippizine] did not know about the other people who were writing,” said Nelson, who is also executive director of the Sippican Historical Society. “I love the way the connections are starting to develop.”

Nelson started Sippizine to bring together South Coast “creative [and] literary folk,” she said, noting that she “definitely met the goal.”

The fourteen writers and photographers, some of whom are Tri-Town residents, were selected from 17 submissions. 

Some writers submitted work after attending a “writing prompt session” led by Nelson at the Marion Art Center, she said. 

“Each [writing prompt session] had a different focus, so it made people think about a different aspect of writing,” she said. “And the last one that we did was outdoors and it was fun to be inspired by the place around us.”

Nelson hopes that the success of Sippizine’s first volume will inspire more creatives to submit their work.

“Some people that I couldn't convince the first time to submit photos … I think they're going to come around this time because they have a level of trust [in Sippizine],” she said.

The theme for the second volume of Sippizine is “next step,” said Nelson.

“I think beginnings get a lot of attention, and so do endings,” she said. “ But the middle part is maybe not as clear. I think it’s pretty flexible but I’m curious to see what takes people [have] on it.”

Looking ahead to the future of Sippizine, Nelson is “open to all options” when it comes to changing or improving the magazine.

“I know sometimes you have to be patient, especially in writing. If you put something out [it might be] okay but it can be better,” she said. “Sometimes everything bubbles up and then it happens. So I'm sure that’ll happen with Sippizine.”

Submissions for Sippizine volume two are open through Friday, Sept. 29. Read Sippizine’s first volume, “Beginnings,” online at www.sippizine.art.