Since 2017, the English Department’s Creative Writing Collective has gathered together to create, share and socialize. This month marks its 50th meeting.
The University is no stranger to writing groups on campus. In fact, the first one began in 1945 with the Manusribblers, a student-run club. Since then, groups like it have emerged, like the Creative Writing Club and, of course, the Creative Writing Collective.
“An extraordinary group of faculty lead the Creative Writing Collective—Stacy Gnall, Amanda Hiber, Michael Lauchlan, Nick Rombes, and Rosemary Weatherston,” said Dr. Mary-Catherine Harrison, head of the English department. “We have also had other faculty members lead CWC sessions—last year, Molly Barlow, and this year, Isaac Pickell.”
While all the organizers are professors of the English department, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Professor Gnall, the poet-in-residence at Detroit Mercy, said her favorite kinds of moments are when people from all backgrounds come.
“I love when folks who don’t necessarily ‘identify’ as writers join us,” Gnall said. “It’s inspiring to see bio majors and math faculty, for instance, discuss poems and stories, write their own, and share (but only if they want to) what they’ve created during our sessions. What they write is often spectacular. I also love when people surprise themselves with what they write.”
This sentiment was echoed by another CWC organizer, Professor Hiber.
“What I really love about CWC is how it brings together such a diverse combination of people from different age groups, professions, departments, offices, majors, etc., who might otherwise never meet,” Hiber said. “And then, at the start of each meeting, we just jump right into nerding out about our shared passion for writing. It always feels so comfortable and supportive—and fun! Sure, I consider it part of my job, but I also truly enjoy every single CWC gathering.”
Three times a semester, the collective meets with one of the organizers leading the session with a specific prompt or theme. Everyone is given time to write and share if they please, making for a supportive, creative environment. English major, Melissa Converse, spoke to how beneficial the meetings can be.
“It has been a fast but freeing, no-stakes space that allows you to let loose and see what sticks,” Converse said. “To be writing alongside both peers and my professors has been a truly unique and inspiring experience. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend. Experienced or not.”
The CWC seems to have caught lightning in a bottle with how special they have been able to make this creative space.
“I don’t know of any other group on campus that brings together students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni—truly all are welcome,” Harrison said. “What I particularly love about CWC is that it is a space to experiment and play with writing. Folks come together, talk about craft and write alongside each other.”
The CWC is as easy as it comes to get involved.
When asked how she joined, Professor Gnall responded, “That’s one of the cool things about the CWC—you don’t have to join. If you’re affiliated with the university in any way (whether you’re a student, alum, faculty, staff, neighbor, etc.), you already belong to the CWC. You just have to swing on by.”
The CWC will hold its 50th meeting on Oct. 22.