Creativity is a word that is very important to Western students, especially when they are describing the Cullowhee night life to their friends in Boone, Chapel Hill and everywhere else on earth.
Sometimes it takes a creative imagination to navigate the life of a student or life in general. And here to help students here at Western Carolina explore their more creative side are the two freshman that created the Creative Writing Club.
Tony Christopher and Tim Blekicki founded the club because, as Blekicki explains, they “were not satisfied with the writing options the campus offered.”
With the help of Dr. Brian Railsback, the department head of the English department, the two began to form the club.
Railsback stated that as the Dean of the Honors College he had noticed a lot of students that did creative writing, but they didn’t have a place to go.
Now students that are interested in creative writing or interested in listening to others’ works have a place on Western Carolina’s campus.
The club’s meetings are casual and informal and they focus around the presentation of original works or readings from favorite authors.
Christopher said, “It’s a good environment and a much more open place to learn than in a classroom.” He added, “You don’t have to an intellectual to be a part of the club.”
In fact, students don’t even have to share if they don’t want to; everything is voluntary. Some just come, listen and offer helpful suggestions to enhance the creative writing.
Railsback stated that while he was aware of those students that were interested in creative writing, he didn’t know that there were people that just liked to listen and talk about literature.
The group doesn’t just read and critique writing–they are also planning some activities for this semester. At the beginning of March the group is going on a hike on Whiteside Mountain and they have also planned a couple of poetry readings and slams with the English Club.
In addition, the club is planning to attend readings by different authors around the area.
According to Christopher, the club’s future plans are to begin publishing the writings in local magazines and newspapers, as well as the on the web.
Students who are interested in this club might want to check out this year’s Nomad publication because the club has many members that have submitted their work for publication.
Although this club is housed in the English department it is open to everyone, whether you like to write or listen. The club is also open to the surrounding community.
Meetings are every other Monday (next meeting is February 12) at 5 p.m. in Coulter room 419.
If you would like anymore information about the Creative Writing Club, call 227-7264.
