Creative Writing at Marian Faces Unclear Future
By Erin Stratta and Marissa MarkA student sits and stares at a computer screen for hours trying to punch out a few pages for a paper on some really old dead guy. Finally bored to death, she shuts off the computer, climb into bed, and grabs her journal.
Sudden thoughts permeate her mind, her hand barely fast enough to get everything on paper. She scribbles until her hand cramps and she can do no more, only to notice five plus pages of her journal filled to the brim with figments of her imagination.
She writes about the dreams sheUs been having, an analysis of her favorite TV show, a punching bag of sorts for her frustrations or a peaceful little poem sheUs been knitting in her head. Why is this so much easier than typing a page on good Tole Abe Lincoln? Creative writing is a form of self-expression. It provides a way for people to release their thoughts and search the depths of their imagination. "I like it because I can write about what I'm feeling or just anything I've been thinking about, " said Junior Stevie Mumm.
As far as education goes, creative writing plays an important role in the English department. Taught by Mr. Pat Powers and taken by both juniors and seniors, the class is a refreshing elective for those juniors and seniors enrolled. The class consists of about 15 students, including junior Stevie Mumm. "I like the class because he really gives us freedom to write about what we want."
Years ago, literature teacher Mrs. Regina Lehnhoff and the AP Literature Symposium class produced a school sponsored literary magazine entitled The Fifth Season. Then, to carry on the torch, in 1995 Mrs. Marsha Kalkowski began teaching the creative writing class and took on responsibility of the magazine. The last year for The Fifth Season was four years ago, just before the class of 2001 came to Marian. The final decision to drop the magazine was that of the English department. "It just wasnUt making the money that we were putting into it," said Mrs. Kalkowski.
The year following the magazine retirement, a group of students followed up with a strictly student-ran The Sixth Season. The magazine's material was submitted anonymously and was free for students. The magazine only lasted one year because it was a huge time commitment. Without the help of the school, the students' task was overwhelming. The Sixth Season staff consisted of only about six people.
As important as the class is to the English department, Creative Writing will sadly follow in The Fifth SeasonUs footsteps. Next year, Creative Writing will no longer be an offered elective at Marian.
"Not enough people signed up for the class," explained Mr. Powers. "Lots of girls think they have to take more demanding classes to prepare them for college, but they will probably have to retake most of it in college anyway. ItUs just sad because there arenUt a lot of electives here, as is."
Creative writing is truly a unique form of art and there are numerous showcases for such work. While some people write in journals or do very personal work, other artists feel the need to publish their work. For the latter, coffee shops with open-mic nights, songwriting contests, poetry readings, literary magazines and story collections might be right up their alley.
Though Marian doesnUt have direct access to many of these services, they are incredibly easy to find. The writing contest bulletin board at the bottom of the main stairwell, and on the English department webpage (marian.creighton.edu/~writing.html) offer opportunities for students to expand their writing skills. On the web alone there are hundreds of magazines that encourage people to submit work, and many of them will even offer payment.
One such online literary magazine is Between the Lines, a student-written and organized site showcasing student poetry, art, short stories, essays, dramas, book-reviews and journals. It is found under the student magazine section at http://www.ncteamericancollection.org. Advisor Leslie Bezich (lbezich@earthlink.net) is always looking for more submissions, and students receive up to $40 for each published submission.
Senior Briana Villafuerte is currently taking Marian's creative writing class and has been submitting to online poetry compilations since her eighth grade year. "The class really added to what I was already interested in. I've learned a lot, and I still submit regularly," Briana said.
For those who would rather read poetry or break out the ole guitar, coffee houses such as Borders (72nd and Dodge and 132nd and Maple) and Stage Right (14th and Farnam) hold poetry readings, open-mic nights and other outlets for work weekly or monthly. So if the same old papers are getting you down, dab into your creative side for a breath of fresh air.
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