Creative Writing Opportunities | Graphic by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
Writing is an important skill to learn in today’s society; however, writing is commonly used via electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. While Wright State offers courses on this fundamental skill, there are other avenues of writing to explore. This is where creative writing comes in as a way to be the author of your own story.
Creation and clubs on campus
There are many student organizations and clubs that Wright State University has to offer; however, creative writing does not have a designated club. To change that, creative writing needs to have its own club or student organization.
Courtney Laukitis, program manager of student organizations, explained how students can create a club on campus.
“It’s a fairly simple process that starts with a lengthy email explaining the step-by-step instructions on submitting an application the right way,” Laukitis said.
An example question that is included in the application are the goals of starting a student organization (i.e. creative writing).
This will also require applicants to complete two types of training: (1) Intro to New Student Organization and (2) Constitution. The training takes on average four to six weeks to complete. Some organization leaders complete training in as little as three weeks, while some may take a whole semester to complete the required training.
Creative writing
To be able to write creatively, Dr. Erin Flanagan, English professor and award-winning author, provides some suggestions.
“Students need dedication, curiosity and practice,” Flanagan said.
These three elements are crucial to writing creatively. Students can strengthen these faculties in a creative club.
According to Abigail Boyd, a student who takes Introduction to Fiction Writing (ENG3830), creative writing helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Pros and cons
There are pros and cons to having a Creative Writing Club. First, creative writing shares knowledge.
“It’s to show what they’ve learned in their classes and receive feedback on their own work,” Flanagan said.
If a writer is new to the creative writing field, they can ask Flanagan for advice and guidance. New writers can also ask fellow writers who have taken a creative writing class to learn the ropes about the creative writing field.
Second, creative writing provides support in the form of groups, which gives writers a confidence boost. The bigger the support group, the more confidence writers have in their own story.
“It also helps other writers to bounce ideas off of each other on how to best make their story function and a new way to make friends,” Boyd said
With the advantages of a Creative Writing Club mentioned above, there are a couple of negatives to starting a Creative Writing Club as well.
First, starting a club like this could take time to be introduced.
“Creative Writing Club may require commitment and must belong to an English Club,” Flanagan said.
Also, starting a club requires an invite, leadership and continuity. Having leadership experience is a crucial element in order for members to take the leader seriously.
With the pros and cons in mind, should the university have a Creative Writing Club? The short answer is: YES!
By having a Creative Writing Club for Wright State University, students will get a creative outlet to express their own thoughts and feelings while meeting new members at the same time.
It would also give members inspiration by sharing ideas with others in a creative environment.
Ethan Bistline, an English major, recommends introducing a Literary Magazine.
“It would be a great addition to a Creative Writing Club,” Bistline said.
He explains that a literary magazine is just like the Wright State Guardian Nexus Literary Magazine, and it is like what students normally see when they read what is new around the university; however, the literary magazine would be filled with short stories, poems and other creative pieces written by Creative Writing Club members.
Overall, a Creative Writing Club would be a wonderful addition to Wright State University’s student organizations and clubs. This would be a great opportunity for writers to gain experience and have their work presented for new career opportunities in the future.
