InGrandW Valley Writing Departmentriting | Fall 2016 | Vol 10.2

In This Issue

Poetry Night 1 Distinguished Alum 2 New Faculty 3 Activism Writing 4 Watkins & Palacio 5 Donovan Hohn 6 Community Internship 7 Writing in the Margins 8 Grad School Night 9 Internship Night 9 Alumni News 12

Tracy K. Smith reads her poems and speaks on social justice. (photo: Todd Kaneko) Contributors Ashley Benedict “Perhaps What We Seek Sarah Cauzillo Riley Collins Lives Outside of Speech” EJ Fowler Lindsey Krawczak Maria McKee Annie Livingston ights dimmed and the packed room fell about when considering who to invite to Maria McKee silent on October 13, as faculty, students, the event. It is no surprise that de la Paz Eliza Ruffner and poetry lovers from West Michigan and Smith were received so warmly by Abby Schnell Lgathered downtown at GVSU’s L.V. Eberhard those in attendance. Center for the 14th annual Poetry Night. An “What an attractive crowd,” said Oliver Laura Thaxton installation of the annual Fall Arts Celebra- de la Paz as he approached the stage with Teresa Williams tion, poetry night has been known as one of laughter. He prefaced his reading with the foremost literary events in West Michigan smiles and jokes, but the room changed for some time, bringing renowned writers from when he began his first poem: a more across the country to share their work. This year, political piece that drew on his personal GVSU welcomed poets Oliver de la Paz and history. Originally from the Philippines, Tracy K. Smith to read their work for students, de la Paz and his family moved to Oregon faculty, and members of the local poetry when he was young. One particularly community. impactful moment was when de la Paz The event began with opening remarks by Full read, “Like bats spiraling along a mustard Professor Patricia Clark, who has led Poetry crowd…the angels for those of us who Night since its beginning in 2002. Clark said she turns to the books she’s reading and excited See PERHAPS on page 10 InWriting—2 Writing with Alum Mike Salibury Annie Livingston

raduating writing students are to his own writing. developing in our curriculum translate often faced with the question: Despite having a toddler to take care in a variety of ways that might not be what happens next? GVSU Alum of, he still creates time to write every day. immediately apparent to them.” Seeing and GMike Salisbury advises students: “Don’t let He says that being a successful writer hearing from successful alumni is part of people make your world small.” Ever since means you need to know how to build your what empowers students to reach for bigger Salisbury graduated from GVSU in 2006 “lifestyle around your writing.” Among and brighter opportunities and to grow with a dual degree in Communications and many others, his fiction has been published their world of possibilities, instead of letting Writing, he has lived by these words. On in Black Warrior Review, Crab Orchard anyone “make their world small.” October 11, Salisbury, this year’s CLAS Review, and Midwestern Gothic. In 2012, Alumni-in-Residence, returned to campus his short story “Horizontal Accidents” was and spoke to a room full of writing majors adapted into a film by GVSU’s Film/Video and minors, professors, and writing-minded Department’s Summer Film Project. folks alike. On the nature of writing and what a While life after university can seem difficult beast it can be, Salisbury is nothing overwhelming, Salisbury’s experience short of inspirational. He knows that should assure students of the amazing “storytelling is core to our being, it’s in opportunities and experiences with which our DNA.” Learning how to channel this their degree can provide them. Salisbury’s storytelling in his career has been beyond success post-GVSU is a testament to how rewarding. It is what led him into the world advantageous the writing degree is. Salis- of publishing and a life dedicated to writing. bury works with individuals and leading “As a student, Mike was a talented writer publishers like Hachette, HarperCollins, and a generous critic of his classmates work,” says Associate Professor Chris Haven and longtime friend of Salisbury. “But what is most remarkable is how much “Being a successful he loved to read, both inside and outside of writer means you need class. It’s his love of reading that has fueled to know how to build his success in writing and publishing.” Since Salisbury graduated in 2006, GVSU your ‘lifestyle around has grown as a university in many ways. your writing.’” “There were a lot more cornfields,” Salisbury laughed regarding his own time here. But New Chair of the besides the sheer appearance of campus, it Writing Department: is hard to see a contrast between the GVSU and Penguin Random House. As Salisbury Salisbury described and the one students Christoper Toth puts it, a degree in writing can be as know today. especially within the Writing versatile as students need it to be. Department. The caliber of the faculty at The Writing Department is After attending Pacific University of pleased to announce that Associate Oregon’s MFA program in 2012, he became Professor Christopher Toth has assumed the role of department a literary agent for Yates & Yates, and “Storytelling is core to has worked with extraordinary writing, chair as of Fall 2016. like New York Times bestselling authors. our being, it’s in our Salisbury considers himself as someone DNA.’’ Dr. Toth holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric whose “communication and creative and Professional Communication collide.” While many writing students may from Iowa State University and be under the impression that a degree in GVSU and the amount of time given to has been teaching at GVSU for writing necessitates a career in academia, pure student-faculty connection is a staple seven years. Salisbury said he “always knew I didn’t want that has remained since day one. Salisbury to be a professor.” Instead, working in the credits much of his passion for writing to Look for a full profile of Dr. Toth world of publishing has been rewarding and the talented faculty at GVSU. and his first year as the chair of inspiring for him. In addition to assisting “He shared with students the wide the Writing Department in the others in the telling and spreading of their relevance of the major,” Haven said of Winter Issue of InWriting. stories, Salisbury strives to dedicate himself Salisbury’s visit, “and how the skills they’re InWriting—3 New Faculty: Amy Ferdinandt Stolley Eliza Ruffner my Ferdinandt Stolley has a Tarez Samra Graban, and Kathleen J. Ryan. vivacious spirit for teaching writing The book received the Council of Writing and a passion for getting students Program Administrator’s Best Book Award toA think critically. She has joined the GVSU in 2014. Writing Department as an Associate Throughout her education, Stolley Professor of first-year writing and, as of has consistently centered herself around January 2017, will serve as director of the developing a student-minded writing First-Year Writing Program. pedagogy. Her research has surrounded Stolley makes it clear that she is not the writing program administration. In type of professor that wants students to combination with her writing center work see her as superior to them. “I want my experiences, she has been enabled to see the classroom to be a place where students value that comes from talking with students are free to ask questions,” she says, “where face-to-face about their writing. students are challenged or pushed beyond “Most of us are better writers when what they were expecting.” we are talking to other people about the Stolley received her Ph.D in English with writing we are trying to do. When we talk a concentration in Rhetoric and Compo- to each other the act of writing becomes sition from Purdue University. In addition, communal,” Stolley says. She is a professor Stolley is an accomplished published and administrator that sees writing as a writer. She has been published in WPA: powerful tool made better by community. Writing Program Administration and has “My belief is that all writing—regardless of co-authored a book, GenAdmin: Theorizing purpose—is an act of civic engagement.” WPA Identities in the Twenty-First Century, with Colin Charlton, Jonnika Charlton, Associate Professor Amy Ferdinandt Stolley

New Faculty: Aiman Wesley Mueller EJ Fowler

etting involved in the Writing in creative writing as an undergraduate, Department as an undergradu- Mueller became more involved with ate can lead to a career with the the department than just taking writing Guniversity. No one knows that more than classes. He was a contributor to InWriting Affiliate Professor Aiman Wesley Mueller, and worked as a writing consultant at who has joined the Writing Department the Fredrick Meijer Center for Writing. as a first-year writing professor this fall. His experiences at the Writing Center Mueller has a long history with GVSU, contributed to his passion for teaching. “I both as an alum and as an educator. Born look at it [the Writing Center] as almost and raised in Jackson, Michigan, Professor like another degree,” he says, “because of Mueller spent the first three years of his the interactions there.” The Writing Center undergraduate career at Calvin College was such a strong influence on Mueller that studying engineering. After transferring he continued to work there as a graduate to GVSU, he shifted his focus to linguis- assistant while pursuing his Masters of tics and creative writing and was drawn Education in Literacy Studies with an to Writing Department. “[The Writing emphasis in TESOL (Teach English to Department] is a good group of people, Speakers of Other Languages). and I liked communicating with them and As an educator, Mueller embraces all working with them,” Mueller says of his types of students and thrives in a diverse time as a student. classroom setting. “I can begin each While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts See MUELLER on page 11 Affiliate Professor Aiman Wesley Mueller InWriting—4 Writing Students Exploring Art in the Age of Activism Ashley Benedict ow can artists create activist art? each student chooses for their project can it,” Williams says. “One of the best lessons Why does art even matter in the vary as well. Some have decided to create I’ve taken from this class is using the age of activism? These are just two films, while others have worked on writing ability I have as a writer to also do activist Hof the questions that Assistant Professor essays or poetry collections. work—that my work can be both a piece of Beth Peterson’s new writing class examines. As long as the content relates to activism, art and inspire social action.” The writing This class is called WRT 180: Art and Peterson says that they can be as creative skills they have learned have enhanced Activism. Like the name suggests, this class as they want with it. “People think that their abilities to be not just writers, but also works to combine activism with art and art has to be art for art’s sake and can’t creators within a community. encourages students to get outside their have a message or a purpose,” she says. comfort zone. College students are placed This class is trying to change the way we in environments that actively explore the think about art and view the world around issues of the world and are often interested us. As writers, Peterson says that it helps “One of the best lessons in figuring out ways to engage with these her students think about questions to ask, I’ve taken from this class is issues. Peterson has created a course that how to write ethically and in a literary way, reflects and engages with students’ activist and also makes their work interesting and using the ability I have as interests and passions. The class grants engaging. a writer to also do activist more creative freedom to its students than One student and activist, Teresa work—that my work can most. Williams, is completing a mapping project “Students are getting out [of the about coffee shops and gentrification, “I’m be both a piece of art and classroom] and their curiosity is the central hoping my audiences will see that coffee inspire social action.” thing we’re working with,” says Peterson. shops, while not the cause of gentrification, “Everyone is creating one project through- are often associated with it.” Students are out the semester that looks different actively leaving their comfort zones and for each student, like eighteen different seeing the world with different eyes. “We The class is currently only offered for independent studies, because each student have to make an effort to get to know the Fall 2016 semester. However, Peterson picks an area of focus.” The medium that what’s happening and talk to people about encourages students to keep an eye out for future news on the development of this course. Students currently enrolled in this class will be showcasing their finalized projects to the public on December 8, 2016 at the Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters in Grand Rapids.

Writing Major Scholarship Applications due March 1, 2017

See the Writing Department Website for details about avilability, eligibility & how to apply Assistant Professor Beth Peterson (photo: Todd Kaneko) InWriting—5 To Be Raw, Honest, and Feeling Laura Thaxton hy am I writing this right now?” asked acclaimed author Claire Vaye Watkins, alongside fellow authorW and husband Derek Palacio during their visit at GVSU on October 25. The Grand Valley Writers Series hosted their visit, with the two fiction authors providing a craft talk and a reading for the GVSU community. Claire Vaye Watkins is the author of two books, Battleborn and Gold Fame Citrus. Although she was raised in in the Mojave Desert, she earned her MFA at and is now a faculty member of the Helen Zell Writer’s Program at the . Her stories and essays have appeared in Granta, Tin House, and The Paris Review among many other acclaimed literary journals. Battleborn, a collection of short stories, has also won a multitude of awards as well. Claire Vaye Watkins and Derek Palacio speaking to GVSU students on October 25 (photo: Todd Kaneko)

“Instead of asking how we She told writing students and faculty in Palacio talked earnestly of his debut attendance at the craft talk that once you novel, The Mortifications, specifically about should write, we should be earn this external mark, you keep reaching. his Cuban background and how that asking why we write about Watkins shared a story to the audience that influenced his writing. Although he wasn’t certain things.” even when she got into The Paris Review, born in Cuba himself, he feels strongly which she claimed before would legitimize attached to the country and its traditions, her as a writer, merely deadpanned: “The Paris Review… it’s not what it used to Derek Palacio also received his MFA be.” Constantly looking for validation is a “Five years ago, why did you from Ohio State University. His short struggle many writers feel on a daily basis. story, “Sugarcane” won an O. Henry Prize “The true value of writing exists outside write? As of yesterday, why in 2013. His other work includes a novella, these structures,” Watkins affirmed. do you write? Why do you How to Shake the Other Man, and his debut Palacio posed to the audience a similar think you’ll still be writing novel The Mortifications, which was just question. He prompted those in attendance published on October 1. He also teaches to ask themselves three questions: five years five years from now?” in Ann Arbor, MI, and is on faculty at the ago, why did you write? As of yesterday, Institute of American Indian Arts MFA why do you write? Why do you think you’ll program. still be writing five years from now? “I don’t and to Cuban-American literature. He What Watkins spoke of was a question think I could even answer that,” Watkins advised students to find a true reason for many writing students seldom ask chimed in. why they write what they write—whether themselves. “Instead of asking how we Esmé, the writers’ two-year-old daughter it be personal experience, heritage, or just to should write,” she elaborated, speaking was also in attendance with them, and the make sense of the feelings they have about of how most writing classes operate, “we two were trying to juggle talking about their the world around them. should be asking why we write about craft and entertaining her. Eventually, Esmé Later on in the day, the duo’s reading certain things.” Watkins stated that getting settled in her mother’s lap. But, instead of took place in Lake Superior Hall. Watkins published was a “process of legitimization” writing on the paper in front of her, she delighted the audience with lyric prose for her as a growing writer. But now, she took to drawing all over both Watkins and inspired by her daughter and some new says that the point of writing should not Palacio’s hands and arms with her pen. material that is still a work-in-progress. be publishing “to the man” or to earn an “Look,” digressed Watkins, “she’s a writer “external mark of success.” too!” See RAW on page 11 InWriting—6 Of Ducks and Donovan Hohn Abby Schnell uthor Donovan Hohn came to childhood. The quest was to learn how these other works, Hohn admits that his writing GVSU to take us on a journey. Not ducks were lost in the first place and where really was a blend of two styles: what was only one in the literary sense, but they were today. This time at sea reminded nonfiction became poetry, and poetry alsoA on a real-life adventure. With his 2011 him heavily of the classic Moby Dick, which became nonfiction. This blend of art and fact novel Moby Duck, Hohn guided students served as inspiration for his own novel. made its way into several of his readings at and spectators through the endless sea of The craft talk itself discussed more than the event, from his novel to a prose on his creative nonfiction. On Thursday, September just his book. Hohn spoke of many authors love of snails. In the quiet light of the lecture 29, Hohn presented the first craft talk of who have published “quest” stories, from hall that evening, all had hushed to hear him GVSU’s annual Writers Series. With a slide- journeys in Australia to hitch-hiking girls in read. To hear an author pick through his show and podium, the professor from Wayne America. Each of these authors had to travel pieces in his own voice is truly something to State University showed GVSU the amount to get their content, but Hohn also focused remember. of depth that goes into travel writing. on the importance of their writing: partic- In the words of Hohn himself, “Not for ularly the beginning and end. “Give them a nothing does the word ‘quest’ appear in glimpse of the whale at the beginning,” he question.” Through a voyage of discovery, told us. “Give the audience a glimpse of the “Give the audience Hohn spent summers abroad on land and treasure at the end, so they will be with you a glimpse at the at sea, hunting the truth behind the story of as you continue to hunt for it.” beginning. Give the the missing rubber ducklings. When almost 30,000 bath toys were lost at sea on a cargo audience a glimpse of ship, he set out to write the story behind the treasure at the end, these ducks and where they had sailed off to. so they will be with What began as research from a comfy laptop would turn into months of global expedi- you as you continue to tions, with assistance from sea captains and hunt for it.” oceanographers. As he was drawn further and further into the intricacies and dropped cases of these bath toys, Hohn finally Donovan Hohn also captured his audience realized it was his calling to find the truth with the idea of writing in new lands. Often, for himself: “I had to go.” writers reframe themselves to working from home with a good idea and some Wi-Fi. But like these ducks, some stories take an expedition to uncover what’s beneath. “As he was drawn Through travel writing, an author can earn further and further their story by living it. When the curiosity strikes, any writer has the power to answer. into the intricacies In a world of internet access, rarely does and dropped cases of one have the guts to go and carve their own these bath toys, Hohn story. But with so many tales to tell, students have the option to go and get lost in their finally realized it was own treasure, to chase after their rubber his calling to find the ducks, and like Hohn’s book shows us, it is Donovan Hohn takes students on an adventure. truth for himself. ‘I worth taking note. had to go.’” For endings, reality can make things more difficult. Unlike fiction, there isn’t always a satisfying ending wrapped in a bow. Hohn stressed the importance of telling the What happened next was a series of story, even if there is not a classic ending. expeditions and interviews. In a classic Sometimes, the whale escapes us. But that sailor’s yellow rain slicker, Donovan Hohn will not stop us from saying it was there. teamed up with oceanographer Amy Bower With Hohn’s poetic style, hunks of plastic to learn of the inner workings of the ocean, toys become intriguing. When reading something that had fascinated him since excerpts of Moby Duck and a collection of InWriting—7 An Internship that Has Shaped a Community Sarah Cauzillo t started as a pipe dream,” Danielle Knowledge taken from traditionally “profes- is currently applying to MFA programs Clark, a senior writing student, says of sional” writing courses such as document across the state and nation. She says this her internship. “I just wanted to have design and professional communication internship has given her a leg-up on other Ia space to hold readings for my friends.” have helped her immensely. She never MFA candidates, because she is doing What began as a mere dream for Clark has a similar level of MFA caliber work by now evolved into full-scale programming coordinating and facilitating readings and at the Great Lakes Commonwealth of workshops for Writers Under 30. Clark Letters (GLCL) and a full-time internship. Because of her says she now has a unique perspective of Clark not only coordinates and moderates workshopping and communal writing that the programming, Writers Under 30 at the initiative, drive, she believes will show universities that GLCL, but she created it. and passion, she is ready to fit right into their MFA The GLCL is a nonprofit writers center GVSU students, program. in Grand Rapids. It is a community hub for Clark hopes to stay at the GLCL for as writers seeking workshops, programming, alum, and Grand long as she can until attending an MFA readings, and more. Clark began to dream Rapids community program. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to hand it of a reading event for writers under 30 at members now have a off to the community,” she says, “I want to the GLCL when she noticed that there was say, ‘we cultivated this, let’s continue it’ to a lack of literary youth representation. collaborative space the successors.” Clark has now coordinated, “I wanted to create a bridge between with Writers Under 30. moderated, and facilitated three Writers the community of GLCL and new-school Under 30 events at the time of publishing. people, young writers.” Clark connected They have each been massively successful, with GLCL management through with the available reading spots filling Assistant Professor Todd Kaneko. After expected that this dream of hers would turn up quickly. Clark has recognized through expressing her dream of holding reading into event planning and management, but GVSU workshop courses the unique needs events for young writers, she found herself she has enjoyed it immensely. creating the first Writers Under 30 event Clark is graduating in April 2017, and See CLARK on page 11 during the summer of 2016. Clark, a poet, was immediately thrown into tasks in which she had little experience, like event planning, itinerary writing, and collaborating with partner sponsors. She was granted independence and freedom

“I wanted to create a bridge between the community of GLCL and new-school people, young writers.”

in her position to create Writers Under 30 from the ground up, and continues to have independent responsibility in managing the program. This has meant she has used more “professional” writing skills and theories than she had ever anticipated. “Honestly,” she says, “all I do is commu- Danielle Clark moderating Writers Under 30 at the GLCL. (photo: Sarah Cauzillo) nicate and email. And that has been vital.” InWriting—8 Writing In the Margins Riley Collins here’s a new writing club break- with spoken word, poetry, and a celebration ing out on campus. In the Margins of community for those of marginalized poetry club is a new GVSU writing identities. Students Eliza Ruffner and club,T serving as a space for student writers Ashlyn Rowell saw reason to continue the and poets with marginalized identities to celebration and expand the space for not experiment with spoken word and connect just LGBT individuals, but those of all through their similar experiences, while marginalized identites. participating in socially conscious campus conversations. The type of writing during meetings consists mostly of poetry and spoken word, “This is a set time though within these genres there are no where you’re going to guidelines, and feedback is only given when asked for by writers. Performing is optional. think, you’re going An emphasis on writing, rather than to write, and you’re workshopping, during meetings is a goal of going to have people In the Margins, since many students do not have time to write for the sake of writing to support you in that outside of class. “This is a set time where who won’t judge you.” you’re going to think, you’re going to write, and you’re going to have people to support you in that who won’t judge you,” co-creator of the club, Eliza Ruffner says. Before efforts to create a formal student Writers working at In the Margins. In the Margins was created after an club occurred, In the Margins actually started (photo: Ashlyn N. Rowell) enthusiastic response to the LGBT Center’s as a monthly meeting in Rowell’s apartment. “Queer the Air” event, which takes place After “Queer the Air,” students of marginal- once per semester in celebration of National ized identities wanted more opportunities to space, where issues like reclaiming language Coming Out Day. The event is a night filled express themselves among friends in a safe and marginalized experiences could be grappled with. “But even monthly meetings were too infrequent for people,” Rowell says, “so we just decided to open up an actual club.” The club was created primarily as a safe working space for marginalized students, but allies are also more than welcome. It is a good place for writers without much experience writing poetry to try out or cultivate their skills. “This is a club for people who have all different skill sets,” Rowell says. “Even if you’re new to poetry or a poetry veteran. Any type of skill set can find a place at this club.” Anywhere from twenty to thirty students are taking part in the club this semester, with about twelve dedicated students attending every weekly meeting. Meetings take place at the LGBT resource center at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday nightsand are usually followed by informal readings after meetings. Not only does the club serve as a creative outlet and safe space for those of marginalized identities, it is also a place to make friends In the Margins poetry club gathers at the LGBT resource center. and keep a celebration of identity alive all (photo: Ashlyn N. Rowell) year long. InWriting—9 Furthering Writing: Grad School Night Teresa Williams he night began with cider, red velvet the writing major gave students a glimpse at for both. cupcakes, and apprehensive writing the different graduate school potentials. The The first question was slightly abstract, but students finishing their undergradu- Writing Department’s module curriculum probably the most important of the night: ateT journeys. As students look into potential why go to grad school? career opportunities, their futures can feel Students may want to head to graduate intangible and surreal. Grad School Night “Graduate school school to build their professional identity is one of the ways the Writing Depart- through their program and the coursework ment aims to guide undergraduate students provides the they engage with. Graduate school towards potential future goals. opportunity to interact provides the opportunity to interact with On September 26, Associate Professors with other writers who other writers who also want to learn, ask Caitlin Horrocks, Laurence José, and questions, and understand the theory behind Assistant Professor Beth Peterson hosted also want to learn, writing. Grad School Night in Lake Ontario Hall. ask questions, and Horrocks explained that students in the The session felt more like a conversation understand the theory creative writing field might choose graduate than presentation, with all three professors school to dedicate more time to reading and sitting down across from students at tables. behind writing.” writing. MFA programs can be a place to Students were encouraged to ask questions read heavily and study the genre students throughout the evening, as Peterson, want to write in, as well as have a like-mind- Horrocks, and José took turns offering their encourages this cross-pollination between ed group of peers to provide feedback. unique perspectives. professional and creative writing. Several Having professors from both the creative students even voiced being caught between writing and the professional writing sides of the two and wanting to know their options See GRAD on page 11 Self-Discovery Through Internship Night Lindsey Krawczak n November 7, a room filled with promote her skills in order to create a can get the most from it. Learning to step writing students gathered for position for herself. Later, McMillen also out of his comfort zone as a fiction writer, internship night, hosted by Associ- found another internship that allowed her to Harkins was able to experience news writing Oate Professor Laurence José and Affiliate experience technical writing, a field that also with the help of an attentive editor. Professor Dauvan Mulally. The event was sparks her interest. Another writing student, Anna held to help writers find and secure intern- Bouwkamp gave her own take on intern- ships, as well as address any apprehension ships from her publishing experience at or intimidation students may feel about this “‘An internship Dzanc Books. Bouwkamp shared that process. her internship is virtual and allows her to While writing majors are required to gives you the means work with manuscripts of novels and short complete an internship, the event focused on to discover.’ These fiction. The virtual aspect of her internship the opportunities and discoveries that can discoveries lead means she has no prearranged time set aside arise through the process of interning. “An for working. Ultimately, this taught her internship gives you a means to discover,” students to learn more how to create her own work schedule and José told students. These discoveries lead about their own skill build time management skills. Bouwkamp students to learn more about their own skill sets and strengths.” explained, “The virtual internship definitely sets and strengths, while allowing them to requires more effort on the student’s part, try out a field they are interested in. but it is worth all of it.” Three writing students shared their Tim Harkins, another writing student, To writing students who may feel intim- experiences with their internships. Senior spoke about his internship in Dublin, idated about the prospect of finding and Kelly McMillen shared about finding Ireland. His internship allowed him to focus beginning an internship, Internship Night her internship at the public library in her on multicultural aspects and work for a gave a variety of responses. José and Mulally hometown. At her internship, McMillen newspaper. Harkins stressed the importance told students to broaden their search wrote for the library’s newsletter, and of letting those in charge of your internship through that experience learned how to know what you want to get out of it so you See INTERN on page 11 InWriting—10

PERHAPS continued from page 1 are unspeakable,” which provided guests the leaving listeners in a place of contemplation themselves back into their surroundings, opportunity to contemplate complacency and comfort. those were the questions on the minds of during moments of injustice. His words, Throughout her reading, Smith spoke with many in the Eberhard Center that evening. matched with moments of unwavering eye a gentle humor in which she confessed that For those who have been so affected by contact with the audience, made the poem a a lot of her poetry is based on reconciling Smith and de la Paz’s written words, this truly moving beginning to the reading. being a parent and being a “real person.” Throughout the rest of his reading, de la Beyond that, Smith revealed that much of Paz shared moments of laughter, sadness, why she writes is to release anxieties about “What roles do we play in and raw honesty as he discussed his cancer the world, history, and social events. From diagnosis near the birth of his first son. He her poem “Ghazal” Smith read, “Perhaps times of injustice? Where explained that he thought he was writing what we seek lives outside of speech,”— an do we speak, and how do against the clock, and wanted to leave important reminder to any human struggling we speak?” behind moments for his wife and son. with how to release emotion. Everyone listened intently to de la Paz tell his story; emotions were high as he again moved the room to reflect on the frailty of event was an excellent opportunity to engage what it means to be human. with the poets and others who admire their After sharing a poem about this experi- work. Following the reading, guests met in ence, he dedicated a poem to Associate the lobby for food, drinks, and discussion. Professor Caitlin Horrocks’s son, Galileo They also had the chance to meet Smith and Hawk, and then closed his reading with the de la Paz, who signed books and answered poem “Prince Credo” which was written questions. Ultimately, this year’s event after the passing of Prince earlier this year. provided not only an opportunity to attend a This final poem injected energy and laughter poetry reading, but also served as a reflection into the audience and served as an opportu- on what it means to be someone who writes nity to celebrate otherness. “I believe in the poetry. gospel of summer,” de la Paz read, “And in the car parked sideways. / And goddamn, I believe in the party, / and that it was meant to last.” 2016-2017 Writing “I believe in the gospel of summer ... and in the car Major Scholarship parked sideways. / And Poet Oliver de la Paz reads at Poetry Night. Winners goddamn, I believe in (photo: Todd Kaneko) the party, / and that it Smith closed her reading by talking directly about issues of social injustice. As was meant to last.” a person of color, Smith explained that she 1st Place: feels deeply about the racial injustices too often witnessed in the world. When asked Teresa Williams Much like de la Paz, Tracy K. Smith also how she deals with anger toward these provided the audience with reflective content topics in her writing and in life in general, on a number of issues ranging from death to Smith reminded the audience of a basic 2nd Place: parenthood to social justice. She began by truth of poetry: that emotions are fluid and reading from her book Life on Mars, which writers should not hold themselves to anger Andrea Klapp won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 2012. or any one emotion in a poem. “We will As she read, she explained that while much wear ourselves thin fighting something that of the content is based on fears she experi- isn’t our natural inclination,” Smith said. 3rdPlace: enced after the passing of her father, it is also What makes someone human? What Nicole Kariotis a celebration of life. This is seen in her poem roles do we play in times of injustice? When “Sci-Fi,” from which she read: “Weightless, do we speak, and how do we speak? These unhinged, / Eons from even our own moon, questions may not have been asked directly we’ll drift / In the haze of space, which will by either of the poets that night, but as the be, once, / And for all, scrutable and safe,” lights came back up and people blinked InWriting—11

MUELLER continued from page 3 CLARK continued from page 7 GRAD continued from page 9 semester welcoming students who hate to of writers to work in community, and that Graduate school is an opportunity to write just as warmly as those who love it,” writers work best in collaboration with extend and enhance the undergraduate Mueller says when discussing his teaching other writers. And because of her initiative, education gained from the Writing philosophy. “My role is to initiate or accel- drive, and passion, GVSU students, alum, Department. “Don’t think of grad school as a erate each student…with comprehensible and Grand Rapids community members mandatory step,” José told everyone. “Take a balances of challenge and support, critique now have that space with Writers Under 30. moment and think about what you’re doing and affirmation, authoritative guidance and and what you want to do.” naïve provocation.” All three professors echoed: research, Along with a dedication to teaching, research, research. They all recommended Mueller has a deep passion for human that students look into a wide variety of interests and exploring different and global programs and scrutinize what they have perspectives. “Learning processes thrive RAW continued from page 5 to offer, including funding opportunities, in infinite progression,” he says. “This is location, and resources available for graduate why teachers never cease to study.” He Palacio took the stage and read aloud parts students. All of these aspects are important believes in the importance of constantly of his new novel. A hush grew over the to what grad schools have to offer. striving to learn and discover. As someone audience as he described the plight that his Writing students at GVSU are fortunate with a passion for global perspectives, characters faced in America. His characters to have the expertise of well-trained and Mueller has also worked as an English as came to life in the room as he read from experienced faculty who are eager and a Second Language tutor for years, forging different parts of his novel, tempting excited to help. Horrocks, Peterson, and José strong connections with local immigrant everyone to hear how it ends. all encouraged students to talk to them, or communities. October 25 gave the writing community anyone else, in the Writing Department The Writing Department is thrilled to around GVSU a chance to come and regarding questions or advice. welcome Mueller to the First-Year Writing hear about craft from two acclaimed and “I felt like they wanted me to succeed, and Program as an affiliate professor. He cares celebrated authors. Watkins and Palacio they encouraged us to come talk to them if deeply for the program, his students, and sought give thought-provoking advice for we needed help,” senior Laura Thaxton said the department, as shown by his history writing students who seek publication in after Grad School Night. “It really put my with the university. the future, and to understand students’ future in perspective.” motivations and compulsions to write. The Figuring out whether graduate school Watkins and Palacio duo illuminated the is the next step takes a great deal of time, idea throughout their talks and readings research, and effort—but students have the that being a writer is all about being human: Writing Department’s unwavering support INTERN continued from page 9 raw, honest, and feeling. and dedication through it all. when applying for internships. Fields that students may not feel immediately qualified for, or that are not necessarily directly relevant to writing, can be great Grand Valley Writers Series opportunities for experience. Professor José explained that fields like public relations and communications demand interns to be Winter 2017 Lineup skilled at writing, and will provide ample opportunities for students to use what they learned in the writing curriculum. Amorak Huey & Bich Minh Nguyen Both Bouwkamp and Harkins gave Caitlin Horrocks Fiction Reading similar advice to students with the same GVSU Writing Dept. Thursday, March 24 concern of securing internships. “It doesn’t Faculty Reading have to be exactly what you want to do,” Bouwkamp explained, “it’s surprising how Tuesday, January 31 Austin Bunn many related jobs can make you marketable Fiction Writer, Playwright to the job you think you want.” & Filmmaker Events Through internships, students learn to Vievee Francis & connect ideas taught in classes with outside Matthew Olzmann Thursday, April 13 experiences needed in their future jobs. Poetry Craft Talk & Reading Internships lead students to discover more Monday, February 27 about their potential fields in writing and develop the skills that they will need to succeed after college. InWriting—12 Alumni News InWriting 2008 2016 Fall 2016 David LeGault and his family Michelle Kuznicki works at just moved to Prague for a Columbia Southern University Editor two-year stint at an international as a Writing Center Specialist, school where he is helping where she works with students by Sarah Cauzillo to develop their AP English phone, email, and through screen curriculum. He is a contributor share software, offering students to the Essay Daily/Coffee House feedback as well as tutorials, Press anthology, How We Speak to personalized recorded lessons, Reviewers & Copy Editors One Another which is forthcoming and other tools. She is currently in March 2017, and his book of pursuing her Master’s Degree Ashley Benedict essays One Million Maniacs is in Organizational Leadership Paige Dhyne forthcoming in June 2017 from with a concentration in Human EJ Fowler Outpost19. Resource Development at CSU’s Jessica Kenely sister school Waldorf University. Rachel Kishman She lives in Alabama with her cat, Lindsey Krawczak 2012 Randy. Marissa LaPorte Annie Livingston Alexandra Dailey currently Maria McKee works at Crooked Tree Arts Sydney McCann currently works Alissa Rabideau Center of Petoskey, MI as the for a nonprofit, teaching ESL to Ashlyn N. Rowell Public Relations Specialist. As of recent immigrants and non-native Eliza Ruffner 2016, she began writing monthly speakers and writes for the online Abby Schnell columns for the Traverse City magazine called Because I Got Wine. Laura Thaxton Record-Eagle and the Petoskey She is also a sexual assault advocate Teresa Williams News-Review. at a domestic violence shelter called SafePlace.

2014 Staff Photographer Megan Rodawold is currently Amy Hinman works as Rachel Kishman the Development and on a Fulbright Fellowship to the Communications Manager at Czech Republic where she teaches HQ, a drop-in center for young English language and conversation at two secondary schools. She is people experiencing unsafe/ Faculty Advisor unstable housing. also studying Czech as a language student and working on two W. Todd Kaneko nonfiction pieces, one long-form and one a series of letters.

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