InWriting

Winter 2012 - Vol 6.1 - Grand Valley Writing Department In This Issue Proposed WRT Curriculum Visiting Writers 2-3 Writing Scholarship 4 Becomes Reality SRS’s Play Festival 4 year can serve as course substitutions. Writer’s Club 5 Mieke Stoub “We’ll have to show some flexibility in Publishing Night 6-7 the transition in order to help students fter almost five years of planning match existing coursework with our new Magazine Writing 9 by faculty since Fall 2007, the re- course offerings,” said Writing Depart- AWP Conference 10 vised writing curriculum has been ment Chair Dan Royer. “Since we didn’t approved by the University Curriculum remove any writing courses, it will still be My Life Story 11 A Committee. The Writing Department’s possible to use the old curriculum.” Alum Advice 12 new program will begin full implementa- Associate Professor Ellen Schendel, tion in Fall 2012. Writing majors and their who aided in the curriculum’s revision, professors will be able to achieve more envisions the program will better prepare specific goals with the new and improved students for the many careers in writing. program. Instead of having to choose between the The new curriculum affords students the professional or creative emphasis, the flexibility to choose the direction in which new program will allow students to tailor Contributors they want their career and future to go. their college experience with a modular While the major is still 42 credits, there is approach that allows a mixing and no longer a need to declare a professional matching of both. Lauren Allen or creative emphasis. Instead, the major “We’ve developed many new courses Marissa Bell now includes nine modules that offer a to more fully flesh out different aspects Karah Bradshaw variety of courses (see diagram on page 8). of workplace and professional writing Writing majors will pick three modules Michelle Coppens and that marry concepts in creative and depending on their interests and career professional writing,” she said. Brian Hudson goals, allowing a tailored program for each Schendel is currently teaching the Karla Lamb student. new course WRT 307 Consulting with Lauren Longo Students starting at GVSU in Fall 2012 Writers, which focuses on the way writing Hannah Matro will be required to follow this curriculum. consultations happen in academic contexts Morgan Miller Students who started prior to Fall 2012 (such as writing centers) and how techni- will have the choice to follow the new Elizabeth Morse cal communicators work with software curriculum or stick with the old. Allie Oosta To make the transition smooth from the Therese Stastny old curriculum to the new, current students See MAJOR on Page 9 Mieke Stoub have the option to substitute many of the updated courses with those in the old curriculum. Most of the WRT 380 courses offered this past APPROVED! InWriting—2 Playwright Randy Wyatt Delights Said and Meant collection. Kira Michelle Coppens Butland-Smith enjoyed participat- ing in the performance. “Well, he said a lot of his writing comes from n Monday, February 13, GVSU rage,” Butland-Smith said, “and welcomed renowned playwright when he’s angry, he becomes funny; Randy Wyatt for a craft talk that’s what stood out most to me.” and performance. Wyatt is an Assistant During the performance of O “Not Judgmental,” students read Professor and the Theatre Program Direc- tor at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, lines that held profound meaning. MI. He is the author of many impressive “Just think, if only we would works ranging from children’s theater to communicate all our thoughts, short plays challenging social norms. clearly and with no prejudice, world During the craft talk, Wyatt answered peace could actually be achievable,” questions about his background and a student read. This short play in style. He said, “My style is acidic comedy, Tiny Catastrophes tells of a man not realistic melodrama.” Wyatt began who speaks his mind to the people playwriting while he had roots in the he encounters, which embarrasses evangelical church; this led him to write the woman he was taking out for short plays that asked questions, explored coffee. Wyatt challenged the serious topics, and examined complex audience during this performance; social problems. He referred to his works he questioned their ethics and as “economic and elegant.” His writing responded to the racism seen every also helped him realize his homosexuality, day. “Thank you, my friend of a a process which fueled his short plays. different race which I acknowledge In the transition between the craft talk and respect. I, in no way, consider you Wyatt’s “economic and elegant” plays and the performance, Wyatt gathered servile for performing this transaction,” the were around ten minutes long and were six student volunteers to be spontaneous student read in a loud voice, responding to well constructed. “The Strange Case is a actors and actresses. He talked with them the African American coffee guy. While play for total Hasbro nerds,” Wyatt said about their parts, giving them directions the outbursts of the man were comical, as he introduced this play. It was a witty and suggestions. Wyatt leaves the lingering thought in our and satirical look at the Hasbro games Assistant Professor Austin Bunn minds: what if people spoke this way? of childhoods past such as GI Joe, The introduced Randy Wyatt and narrated the Each performance had a comical, dark Inhumanoids, Transformers, and Jem. stage directions during the performances humor element mixed with an undertone “The Essential Components of Marriage” of two shorts from Wyatt’s collection of seriousness. As the audience watched titled Tiny Catastrophes, two monologue the performances, Wyatt stood, casually plays from Ghost Moments, a ten minute leaning against the wall, watching his work See WYATT on Page 10 play called The Strange Case of Hector come to life, chuckling along with his Ramirez, and a short play from his audience. Klatt: Fluidity of Thought

Pulling the audience through a tumble “A compelling poem rarely proceeds in Marissa Bell of words, compelling and often mysterious, a straight line,” Klatt told his audience Klatt demonstrated the hypnotic power during his craft talk. oetry is a form of music; the of poetic melody, which can enchant the His follow-up performance was the rhythm of the words often makes senses even when the full meaning of the evidence behind his argument. Listeners sense to us before the meaning words is not clear. stumbled along eagerly with his readings, does. This was one of many thought- Each line of Klatt’s poetry settled intrigued by the rhythm and visual P dream-like on the minds of the listeners, impressions found in the language, which provoking ideas discussed by poet L.S. Klatt during the craft talk preceding his as a dust composed of half-tangible was presented by Klatt with humble performance at the Pew Campus Univer- secrets and “electric connections” (Klatt’s sity Club on February 20, as a part of the description of the raw emotions words can See KLATT ­on Page 3 GVSU Writers Series. provoke). InWriting—3 Wilkins Invokes Insight on Writing

chapbook, Ragged Point Road. His sane during the editing process, while eclectic repertoire includes poetry, being a father, teaching, homebrewing, fiction, narrative nonfiction, essay, whitewater rafting, and balancing it all. and creative journalism. Growing up in the lone-country During the event, audience farmlands of Montana, Wilkins brings to members listened attentively the page revelatory and exciting moments to Wilkins’ publication advice, of loss and gain, fleeting pleasures, and career tips, and crafting ideas. the rural flavors of the everyday life of the Wilkins encouraged students to American interior. His lines coax beauty “just keep at it and be patient.” out of chaos, coming alive with the buzz He emphasized that “practice and sting of highway and railroad. His does make perfect” and that all poems ooze with the white noise of dirt you need to succeed in the writing and barbed wire while staying faithful world is “persistence, time, and to the fragmented nature of truth and a little bit of luck.” He admitted memory. Wilkins’ wide oeuvre defies to being an impulsive writer that typical literary conventions by combining gets easily bored with one genre, compassion, humor, and wisdom with hence his wide array of subject themes concerning social justice, nostalgia, matter, interests, and activism. and history. His progressive style is the Wilkins discussed the importance rugged intersection between the politi- of being a critical thinker along cal and the profoundly personal, fused with an informed citizen to together to form a delicate wreckage of acquire the core skills it takes to innovative images. become a proactive writer. He also What Wilkins loves most about writing expounded on the fact that to be are the quiet, hushed moments when he a good writer, one must also be an avid is forced inside a place and time, free to Karla Lamb reader, loving the technique as much as the navigate and experiment through his own product. understandings of stories, characters, and VSU was honored to host writer During the question and answer portion the worlds they inhabit. Wilkins obviously Joe Wilkins on March 13 to close of the lecture, he alluded to his creative pays meticulous attention to sentence out the GVSU Writers Series process, explaining that it consists of hours structure, line breaks, and formatting. He for the year. Joe Wilkins’ work has won of “playing around” with sounds, cutting expertly builds lyrical and heightened G and pasting forms, and testing out differ- prose out of the constituent parts. His numerous awards, including appearances in Best American Magazine Writing ent literary devices until he gets his finger distinctive works demand attention. 2010, Best New Poets 2006 and 2009, and on the pulse of something unexpected. Whether it is an activist essay or an multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. He The moment of insightful discovery is unapologetically romantic poem, Wilkins’ is the author of a memoir, The Mountain what keeps his affinity for language keen, imaginative wordplay is sure to satisfy any and the Fathers; two collections of poems, feeding his craft,and sharpening his skills. literary appetite. Notes from the Journey Westward, and a Wilkins also included tips on how to stay

when he explained that poets are “driven discourse.” His poems have appeared in KLATT by need.” For the poet, there is always the publications such as Best American Poetry ...continued from Page 2 desire to portray what cannot be entirely 2011, Verse, and the Boston Review. His captured by words, and when words fail, first collection of poetry, entitledInterloper , the resulting poem often manages to won the Juniper Prize in 2008. His second enthusiasm. portray the writer’s mood purely through book, Cloud of Ink, won the 2010 Iowa “It definitely inspired me,” said Aaron instinct. According to Klatt, it seems, Poetry Prize and will be published by the Doublestein when asked about Klatt’s a hunger for perfecting the finesse of University of Iowa Press in March 2012. poetry after his performance. “Sometimes self-expression is the driving wind in every Hooked readers will be eagerly awaiting when you’re writing a book, you map passionate writer’s sails. his next publication. To quote a line from out the whole process, but in his case, he When he is not teaching American “The Fluid Rider,” which will appear in seemed to let it glide right out of him. It Literature and Creative Writing at Calvin Cloud of Ink, there is something addictive was really smooth.” College in Grand Rapids, MI, Klatt about Klatt’s poetry, “But I can’t/Put my Klatt’s craft talk had clearly resonated spends his time cultivating his poetry, finger on it.” with his fellow writers. Klatt gave some which he calls “the least rational form of insight into his own views on writing InWriting—4 Attention Writers: Free Money

reaffirm that my writing will be able to in different writing genres is supreme to Hannah Matro stand up in the world beyond classroom length or breadth of samples. walls—that I already possess the ability, or Pepelko stated about her own portfolio VSU offers a variety of scholar- at least the foundation, to succeed in the that won the scholarship, “I chose these ships to students in all different professional and creative writing worlds,” five pieces in particular because at the time areas of study. Some of these said Pepelko. I applied, they best exemplified my ability scholarships are well-known, based on To apply for the Writing Department as a writer. I think my portfolio as a whole G Scholarship, students must meet these illustrated my ability to write effectively in GPA, and do not require an application. Other funding opportunities seem to fly seven criteria: more than one genre, which I believe any under the radar and require more work to ▪▪ Be entering the senior year, with at successful applicant must demonstrate. It’s acquire. One such little-known fund is the least 85 credits completed much more impressive if you can produce Writing Department Scholarship. ▪▪ Be enrolled as a full-time student strong, well-written poetry and profes- Though the information is clearly visible seeking a degree sional documents than simply showing on the writing department’s website, ▪▪ Declare writing as a major that you can write well in just one par- only about five to 10 people apply for the ▪▪ Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA overall ticular genre. I wanted to show my range scholarship per year. This lack of awareness and a 3.5 overall in writing courses of abilities to the scholarship decision is a shame, for the scholarship is easy for ▪▪ Submit a portfolio of five separate committee with my portfolio submission. students to apply for once found and it writing samples I wanted to show them that I can thrive in reaps sufficient benefits. ▪▪ Fill out the FAFSA both the creative and professional worlds.” Kristina Pepelko, the most recent ▪▪ Be a GVSU student The award is for $500 per semester, recipient of the Writing Department totaling an even $1000. The recipient Scholarship, used the money to relieve Clearly, submitting a portfolio is the of the 2012-2013 scholarship will be some of the burden from college tuition. most challenging and vital portion to announced on April 27 at the Writing “It has also been great to know that I the application process. The other six Department Awards Ceremony. have the support of the Writing Depart- criteria are as straightforward as they ment behind me. Additionally, being come. Therefore, creating a portfolio that awarded the scholarship has helped to demonstrates adaptability and aptitude

SRS’s First 10-Minute Play Festival

will ultimately be showcased. Most of student volunteers will be assigned tasks Therese Stastny the submissions fell somewhere under such as assisting in stage crew, managing the genres of drama or comedy, but even props, and distributing flyers to promote within each of these genres there is a the festival. This event will also be filmed his April, the Student Reading broad spectrum of style and intensity, so by GVSU film students. Series (SRS) will be holding the the plays featured in the festival will be Austin Bunn, Assistant Professor and first ever 10-Minute Play Festival unique from one another. Faculty Advisor of the SRS, asked the atT the Dog Story Theater in Grand Rapids, The following is a list of the selected Dog Story Theater to agree to host the MI. This festival will include a series of 10-minute plays that will be featured: festival. This local venue, run entirely by performances of selected 10-minute plays ▪▪ “Home is Where” by Lynn Dimick volunteers, provides an intimate space for that were written and submitted by GVSU ▪▪ “Biology” by Russ Kaminski various artists of the Grand Rapids area to students. The SRS is a campus organiza- ▪▪ “In Between” by Hannah Moeggen- showcase their hard work and dedicated tion that allows student writers to show- borg passion in the form of theater, dance, case their work. Lynn Dimick and Jeremy ▪▪ “Little Mary with Her Head Bashed poetry, and more. Llorence have been the student coordina- In” by Andrew Wernette GVSU students and other community tors of this organization for the 2011-2012 ▪▪ “Continue?” by Jeremy Llorence members are encouraged to experience school year. The playwrights of the selected submis- this original showcase and to see what The SRS received a total of 16 submis- sions will work closely with students from these talented students have been working sions and five have been selected. Jason S.T.A.G.E. (Student Technicians and on all semester. The festival will take place Lenz, a GVSU graduate and guest judge Actors Guild for Entertainment) and on April 18 from 8pm to 9pm at the Dog of the event, was chosen to read all of GVSU theater students, participating in Story Theater. the submissions and select the plays that the directing of their own work. Other InWriting—5 Club Unites Student Writers

class,” said Josh Campeau, the current club Circulation grows with each subsequent Brian Hudson president. semester, from approximately 150 copies Drake Parker, the former secretary said, in Fall 2010 to over 400 copies for the t’s 9pm on Thursday night, and, as “[It’s] a chance to feel like you are keeping upcoming Winter 2012 edition. A release they’ve been doing for several years, current in your writing, even if you’re party accompanies each edition, in which the GVSU Writers’ Club gathers in slacking otherwise. If you don’t bring accepted authors and their friends are one of Kirkhof ’s many conference rooms. something to club, you’re always encour- invited to celebrate the release. Some I aged to write in your own free time. It’s a authors will also read their work. The Most are writing majors or minors, and they come to share stories, talk about chance to connect with other writers.” release party for this semester will be on technique, and socialize. Occasional jokes Perhaps the most recognizable feature is April 19 in Kirkhof at 9pm. are made about the thumps that come its semi-annual publication, Running Out Despite all the work that goes into the from above from the Swing Dancing Club of Ink. The publication began as a one-off publication, the club isn’t all business. or other organizations that get a bit noisy compilation of student work entitled “I enjoy the people there the most; it’s a (a perpetual curse of the club, it seems). Don’t Open This, but the following year, fun group of people,” Campeau responded The group began in 2008 when several then-president Hannah Moeggenborg when asked about his favorite part of the writing consultants gathered to make wanted to make it a regular occurrence. club. Members also sometimes engage a dedicated time for them to write and Submissions are received from across the in alternative writing exercises, such as provide feedback on each other’s stories in university from writing and non-writing “Build-A-Creature” in which the entire a comfortable environment. Since then, it majors. Pieces are reviewed each week for group contributes to creating a mythical has grown to an organization of over 40 acceptance, and roughly a third to half the creature, such as its physical features, members who continue to share stories, pieces submitted are included in the final habitats, general personality, etc., and it is provide feedback, engage in writing publication, which is released at the end of then illustrated by the current secretary, contests with each other, and hang outside each Fall and Winter semester. Theresa Johnstone. of the club. “My favorite part of the club is the If you interested in joining, show up at “The club is a group of people who enjoy publication,” Parker said. “It’s a chance 9pm on Thursdays any time throughout writing. They come together and give each to really invest in a project, get your own the semester. Whether for fun or work, other feedback and support with anything work out there and to see an end product everyone comes to do what they love: they’re writing about in or outside of that you’re proud of.” write!

Distinction in Writing Honorees 2011-2012

Lynn Dimick

Dale Johnson

Jeremy Llorence

Kristina Pepelko

Megan Smith

Kiera Wilson InWriting—6

Writing Advice: Journey to Publishing

how creative, academic, and professional sent to a publisher, the reputation of the Karah Bradshaw writers publish their own work, so when writer may be tainted. our students leave GVSU they know how Prentiss noted that work is ready when ven the best writers get rejected. As the field works,” said Prentiss, “That way, the writer is positive the piece is the best budding authors, writing students when they are ready to publish, they’ll they can do, peers have agreed the work is must understand the publishing understand how to begin the process.” ready, and at least one professor or other Eprocess before they release their work to Student writers need to be honest with professional suggests getting it published. the world. Professors in the Writing De- “The bottom line is, do not rush it,” partment know that starting the process Prentiss advised. can seem daunting. With their students’ When the writing is ready to be sent, potential struggle in mind, the Writing “The key is, the first step is to find the right publisher. Department sponsored an informa- To determine this, the writer should find tional session on the topic. whatever you do, keep journals, publications, or agents that have Assistant Professors Sean Prentiss, published work with similar content and Amorak Huey, and Laurence José writing,” said Huey. stylistic value. Prentiss recommended that hosted GVSU’s premier Publishing students find five different journals to Night last February. All three professors submit work. Websites like have been published numerous times and Duotrope.com and Newpages.com are used their experience to offer students themselves about the readiness of their good places to start. advice on how to get published in various work. If they are not positive the writing “The quickest way to get rejected is not genres. should be published, students need to keep having knowledge of what they publish,” “We want students to understand revising. If pieces that are not ready get Huey added. InWriting—7

So how does a writer know if they could be published in a magazine? Answer: when their writing is similar to what that Quick Tips Other Advice magazine publishes. The book,Writer’s Market, was the suggested resource to find ▪ ▪▪ Keep cover letters simple, build detailed information and guidelines for ▪ Always follow all guidelines credentials, and don’t explain your commercial publishers. given by the publisher piece Making it in the commercial world takes ▪ more than sending out writing samples. ▪ Make a chart to keep track of ▪▪ Don’t enter contests in the The writer needs to build relationships what, when, and where a piece creative arena; do enter contests with editors through networking and then is sent in academic writing send those editors writing samples that ▪ match the tone of the publication. If the ▪ Google “editors list of pet ▪▪ Avoid duplicate submissions; samples are well-received, editors will give peeves” to avoid committing if the writing is already online, the writer an assignment. annoying offenses most publishers will not publish “Be willing to write anything,” Huey ▪ it again advised, “small assignments lead to big ▪ Google “undergrad literary assignments.” journals” to find more places to ▪▪ Take initiative to get your name José, who has worked as a journal editor, submit to potential clients if you want to said that content is the key. She described ▪ be a freelance writer academic writing as a good way for ▪ Check out New York Press and students to build a professional reputation University Presses; these are ▪▪ Don’t get discouraged; 5-6% and contribute to their fields of knowl- good publishers for books acceptance rate is very good edge. Scholars in Writing, Kairos, The Jump, and Exchanges were recommended places for undergraduates to get published. “Don’t always expect to be paid,” said José, pointing out that students are often paid with feedback, letters of recommendation, résumé builders, or new opportunities. To expose themselves as professional writers, students should be willing to put themselves out there. They could offer to assist professors or other professionals in the designing or writing of projects. Non- profit organizations are usually in need of help in this arena. While these may not be paying jobs, they will advance a writer’s journey to publishing. Learning tricks of the trade from professional writers will improve students’ chances of getting published in the future. Even though all writers get rejected, taking the right steps on the journey is what counts. “The key is, whatever you do, keep writing,” said Huey. Reflecting on the information session, Prentiss said, “we were pleased with the turnout from the event and the feedback from students was great, so we hope to make Publishing Night a permanent part of what we offer our students.” InWriting—8

New Writing Curriculum Starting Fall 2012

All Writing majors need 42 credits (12 from the Core + 18 from the Modules + 6 from WRT or Cognate Electives + 6 from the Capstones)

Core Requirements (12 credits) WRT 200 Introduction to Professional Writing WRT 210 Writing with Style WRT 219 Introduction to Creative Writing WRT 253 Document Production and Design Modules

Take two courses from three of the following modules:

Poetry Workshops Fiction Workshops WRT 320 Int. Poetry Workshop WRT 330 Int. Fiction Workshop WRT 420 Adv. Poetry Workshop WRT 430 Adv. Fiction Workshop

Drama Workshops Nonfiction Workshops WRT 340 Int. Drama WRT 360 Int. Creative Nonfiction WRT 440 Adv. Drama WRT 460 Adv. Creative Nonfiction

Writing for the Web Magazine Writing WRT 351 Writing for the Web WRT 365 Int. Magazine Writing WRT 451 Adv. Writing for Web WRT 465 Adv. Magazine Writing

Style and Technique Working with Writers WRT 310 Int. Style & Technique WRT 307 Consulting with Writers WRT 410 Adv. Style & Technique WRT 308 Working with Manuscripts

Writing with Technologies WRT 353 Visual Rhetoric & Doc Design WRT 455 Multimodal Composing

Cognate Electives Writing Electives Advisor Approved Course OR Any WRT Course Advisor Approved Course Any WRT Course

Capstones WRT 490 Internship WRT 495 Genre and Writing InWriting—9 Magazine Writing Comes to Life

using a narrative style to write the type of how to analyze the magazine’s audience, Morgan Miller feature stories seen in popular magazines. develop reporting skills, prepare interview Mukherjee plans on making changes questions, pitch ideas to an editor, and to the syllabi of both courses. This past understand different research techniques. or GVSU writing students who year in Intermediate Magazine Writing, Students wrote a mini profile and an hope to one day write for a maga- students read a variety of magazine obituary, along with a full length profile zine, there are brand new classes articles, eliminating textbook costs. The and a feature story with a local interest that can launch them in the right direc- “textbooks” for the class are magazines focus based on the magazine’s audience, F including Harper’s, The Atlantic, Vanity which students selected earlier in the tion. As of Fall 2011, the Writing Depart- Fair, National Geographic, Rolling Stone, semester. ment offered two new magazine writing Mukherjee gave some guidelines for classes: WRT 365 Intermediate each assignment, but she was flexible Magazine Writing and WRT 465 “If you want to know the with the topics as long as they were Advanced Magazine Writing. Both relevant and newsworthy. were taught by new Assistant Professor standard of good writing, you This year, Advanced Writing students Oindrila Mukherjee. The department used The New Yorker as the textbook piloted Intermediate Magazine should read The New Yorker,” for the class, along with other assigned Writing in Winter and Fall 2011. readings. This pilot course has now transformed Mukherjee said. “If you want to know the standard of into its own module in the new writing good writing, you should read The New curriculum, adding an advanced level The Economist and Esquire. Each student Yorker,” Mukherjee said. “You learn from course also. picked a magazine of their choice and the best.” “[Magazine Writing] is a cross section wrote their feature stories based on the This past year, Muhkerjee assigned short of creative and professional writing,” audience of the particular magazine. critical assignments, like responses to Mukherjee said. “It focuses on literary Students also read articles from award published articles, pitches for published journalism.” winning pieces in Best American Magazine articles, and a long feature of a topic of Instead of writing a straight-to-the- Writing. point news story, as taught in journalism Intermediate Magazine Writing See MAGAZINE on Page 10 classes, students will spice up the news concentrates on basic techniques such as

ibility in this modular program not only “We look at writing in terms of style MAJOR allows students more options for classes and technique more closely and with more ...continued from Page 1 they’d like to take, it also puts students in precision than I ever have, even in classes I control of their professional futures. took in graduate school,” Haven said. “It’s Toth says that the new curriculum been the most rewarding experience I’ve and other engineers to write documenta- challenges students to think about how had as a teacher to date.” tion. With this new curriculum, she they define themselves as writers, which Krysta Thelen has taken two of the new foresees students gaining the knowledge will ultimately allow them to excel in their courses: WRT 310 Intermediate Style and and confidence to succeed in the various chosen career. Technique and WRT 353 Visual Rhetori- collaborative projects they will find in the “In the old curriculum, if you were in cal and Document Design. She enjoys the professional world. one track, you couldn’t necessarily branch knowledge that the professors bring to Writing programs across the country out and take courses in the other because courses but also the freedom that is given are striving to help students see and make it wouldn’t count toward the major,” Toth for her as a student to explore the topic. these connections. Initially, many college said. “Now, students can start forming a “They allow us to use our creative and writing programs began as segments of conceptual view of who they are, what it analytical thinking skills to bring in new English programs and do not have their is that they want to do when they leave information and come up with some own independent academic departments GVSU, and select relevant courses.” pretty cool answers to questions we may like GVSU. Only recently did the trend Associate Professor Chris Haven is have,” Thelen said. “I feel this helps me of independent writing programs become happy with how innovative the new prepare for my future.” evident. curriculum has made GVSU’s Writing Royer encourages students to work with Assistant Professor Christopher Toth, Department and is excited about the their advisors if they’d like to blend the old who aided in the curriculum’s transforma- potential outcomes. He also helped and new curriculums together during this tion, hopes that GVSU’s program will to develop the new curriculum and is initial transition period. Many of the new serve as a model for other universities that currently focused on the new Style and course offerings can substitute for those in want to break away from English. The flex- Technique module. the old curriculum. InWriting—10 AWP Conference 2012 Offers Knowledge, Expertise, and Promotion

that this was her first time at the confer- of compiling a simultaneously diverse and Elizabeth Morse ence since her book, This Is Not Your City, cohesive group of speakers. The differen- came out. tiation of presenters’ literary and personal “This year I gave two talks, an off-site backgrounds allowed for such a wide scope rom February 29 to March 3, the reading, had a signing for my book, and of views grouped around the focus of each Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, worked at the Bookfair for a journal I help panel.” IL, was the place to be for aspiring edit, plus some business lunches,” she said. Past attendees have said that it is an Fand published writers because the Associa- Horrocks was also promoting one of her enlightening event in different ways. As- tion of Writers and Writers Programs (AWP) books. She stated, “It was exciting to have sistant Professor Sean Prentiss confirmed Annual Conference returned for its 2012 the signing and to see my book for sale at with, “It’s definitely both personal and showcase. the Bookfair.” professional. I get to see to see some of my TheAWP Conference serves to promote TheAWP Conference is a good source of favorite friends and writers, a few panels writers and writing programs, as well knowledge and expertise for new writers. a day, chat with the GVSU students who as to create a community for them. It is GVSU junior, Jim Hinkson, attended attend the conference, and network with known to be a professional and personal the conference for the first time this year. editors.” setting where they can listen to readings He was shocked by all the amazing experi- Assistant Professor Amorak Huey and panels of other writers, endorse their ences offered by the conference. Hinkson agreed, considering it a more professional published work, and form new contacts was drawn in by the abundant information setting but with some personal advantages. with journals, colleges, and other publica- and skills gathered in one location. “When I come home from AWP inspired tion opportunities. When asked if it was a more profes- as a writer, that is both a personal and At this year’s conference, Margaret sional or personal experience, he replied professional benefit.” Atwood gave the keynote address. with, “I’m not really able to make a clear TheAWP Conference is respected Featured presenters included Dago- distinction between the professional and amongst the GVSU Writing Department berto Gilb, Luis J. Rodriguez, Esmeralda personal experiences in this way, since faculty. Huey stated, “Every year after Santiago, Jeannette Walls, Phillip Levine, all of the presenters were corroborating AWP, I come away feeling good about and many more. These presentations on subject matter that was so fascinating what we’re doing here in the Writing consisted of a reading followed by a to me as well as simultaneously being Department. This year was no exception. conversation discussing craft and address- enlightening as a writer, reader, and I feel good about my colleagues here and ing questions from audience members. student.” good about our students, and proud of the Many writers attend the conference to Hinkson was unable to anticipate a work we do.” meet with fellow writer friends to bounce specific event or panel. “I was thrilled Next year’s conference will be held ideas and catch up with each other, as well for everything. In hindsight, the panels March 6-9, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel as to promote their own work. Assistant themselves were definitely the best part and Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Professor Caitlin Horrocks has attended of the conference,” he explains. “The MA. for the past eight years. However, she said conference organizers did a fantastic job

MAGAZINE niche audiences that cover various topics WYATT and genres including food, travel, sports, ...continued from Page 9 politics, current affairs, and entertainment. ...continued from Page 2 The Magazine Writing module will their choice. All the students’ assignments improve students’ research skills, interview on the other hand, part of the Said and resembled a New Yorker-type writing style techniques, and familiarity with producing Meant Collection, focuses on language and and tone but with a GVSU focus, since a magazine. communication mishaps. one of their main projects as a class was For anyone who hopes to write for a Wyatt is a master playwright whose to make their own magazine consisting of magazine in the future, you can’t find works challenge our opinions and their work from the semester. Mukherjee’s better courses at GVSU that focus on emotions; he is in tune with the idiosyn- long term goal for the class is to print the magazine writing and how to establish crasies of life, love, and people, capturing magazine for the campus to see. yourself as a magazine writer. Only the their spirit with his short plays; they are The goal for the Magazine Writing Writing Department has these unique surely not to be overlooked. module is to be able to write for different courses. InWriting—11 A Life in Writing: Lessons Beyond the Classroom

really helped the whole Lauren Longo process,” said Nowak. She chose to write the story from the first person tudents sometimes struggle to take point of view because she what they learn in the classroom and wanted it to sound like apply it to the world. Diana Nowak, her patient was telling a GVSU senior, has found a way to make S the story even though her writing interests meaningful, not only the words came from her to herself, but to a dying man and his voice. Although writing family. in first person when the This past summer, Nowak completed nonfiction story was not training through Spectrum Health to her own felt uncomfortable be part of the My Life Story project. at times, Nowak wanted to After feeling like she was “squandering” capture the personal nature too much of her time in college, Nowak of the piece. decided that she wanted to do something “You could tell there was meaningful. emotion in his voice,” she “I felt like I wasted a lot of time,” said said, “and I really wanted Nowak. “I never utilized my major in any to portray that in the way that helped anybody. Nursing students story.” go and help people, they get experience in Nowak explained that their field. I wasn’t getting it.” this experience has led her This inclination to gain experience led to experiment more this her to seek a program that would incorpo- semester with different rate her passion for writing and her desire points of view and has to volunteer. She found this mix through persuaded her to write My Life Story. from the male perspective. The project trains volunteers and assigns “The most inspiring thing was my She has also learned important lessons on them to hospice patients who want to patient’s acceptance through all of this,” accepting feedback on her work. record their life stories before they pass. she said. “He was never unkind to me ever. “You could feel there is so much more The stories are then given to the patients’ I feel like some people in life can be so weight to it,” she said. “You’re not making families. In Nowak’s case, time was espe- cruel, even I can, but he was never unkind up a story in your head, you’re writing cially precious because her patient suffered to me in any way; he was always open and someone’s history. You can’t embellish or from terminal cancer. She confessed that, humble. It was so beautiful to me and so put in anything they don’t want. It helped although her training taught her to work inspiring and such an amazing experience me to be more open to people’s opinion of with patients, the experience intimidated to have someone treat you with so much my writing.” her at first. respect even though they don’t have to. It The lessons she learned were not just “It was difficult,” she admitted. “It’s still shows a different side of humanity that professional, however, they were also difficult when I think about it because you don’t get to see in class.” lessons in humanity. you get to know someone so intimately and see things that made up a person’s life and made it so special without them even knowing you.” InWriting Nowak spent an hour with her patient Faculty Advisor: Christopher Toth every week, asking questions, taking notes, Copy Editors: Lauren Allen, Michelle Coppens, Hannah and listening to his story. When they Matro, Morgan Miller, Elizabeth Morse, Karla finished, she wrote his life story, which Photo Contributions: Lamb focused around the theme of his work. Karla Lamb (2,3); Karah Bradshaw (6,7); “The things I learned in class last Printers: Lauren Longo (11) semester came out a lot in my writing and Custom Printers, Inc. InWriting—12 Writing Alum Shares Internship Advice

I could make some minimal mistakes ▪▪ Try to quickly determine your beat or Allie Oosta and still get a 96%—a shiny, happy A. niche, and immerse yourself in that But at Seattle Met, editors will hunt you world. Read similar sections in other down and say, “Allie, where the hell is the magazines or newspapers, befriend the am an editorial intern at Seattle Met- missing four percent?” editor of that niche, learn the lingo, ropolitan magazine—in other words, Here are some tips for future magazine and go to the events. I’m a blog editor, a fact checker, a re- interns: ▪▪ Constantly ask the editors what you Isearcher, a writer, a proofreader, a minion, ▪▪ Figure out your weaknesses now, and can do for them. Most of the fun stuff and a drinker of way too much coffee. On do your best to correct them. Even I’ve gotten to do has happened when I a good day, something that I write doesn’t if it’s a sticky note on your computer asked. Volunteer to make phone calls, get changed at all. On an even better day, screen that says, “don’t use ampersands run errands, or do research. my name shows up in print in the maga- in running text”—cover your screen ▪▪ Use your opportunities within the zine. But on most days, I make mistakes— with these! Editors hate repeated office to get published. All the pieces and every single day, I don’t get paid. mistakes. I’ve gotten into the magazine have I’m free labor—Seattle Met uses me ▪▪ Buy a copy of the Chicago Manual of been pitched to editors the same way and I use Seattle Met. I’ve been there 25 Style and read it seven hundred times. that a freelancer would have pitched hours a week (yeah right—more like 35) ▪▪ Learn how to use a CMS (Content them, except I take advantage of for two months, and I’m only now starting Management System) Also, learn only being ten feet away and ask to feel at home. I can still remember my some basic coding. what could improve my piece/pitch. interview. My now managing editor asked ▪▪ Practice your interviewing skills in Sometimes, communication alone me, “How do you think working for this person, on the phone, and via email. pays off. One of my fellow interns magazine will differ from your other ▪▪ Make friends with every person you kept pitching ideas that the editors writing experiences?” My answer, which is interview—you never know when didn’t like, but one of them asked her lost to me now, could only have been full you’ll need to talk to them again. to write a different article for him of naivety and falsities—because I didn’t ▪▪ Follow deadlines. because he noticed her interest in a have a clue. Here’s the truth: city maga- ▪▪ Read the magazine before you start similar topic. zines are nothing like school. In school, your internship.

Student Awards On April, 27, 2012, the Writing Department will honor the following students at the annual award ceremony. The students are being recognized for their outstanding work and contribu- tions. Congratulations!

Megan Smith Department of Writing Outstanding Student Lynn Dimick Kenneth R. VenderBush Student Leadership Award Nominee

Kristina Pepelko Glenn A. Niemeyer Award Nominee

Devin Beck Internship Award

Andrew Lazzaro Kristina Pepelko 3rd Annual Poetry Prize