The Creative Writing Club wraps up for the semester
Students got the chance to tell their own story at the Creative Writing Club’s final meeting of the semester, held on Nov. 12 in Spratt 203. The event featured guest Elora Maxwell, independent author and digital marketing coordinator at MoWest, who gave a reading from one of her own stories and answered some questions from the audience.
Maxwell read a short passage from her novel, The River’s Deception. She aimed to inspire writers by showing them that becoming an author is not as far-fetched of a story as it sounds.
"Making connections with readers and aspiring writers is my favorite part of what I do,” said Maxwell. “I'm so passionate about what I write about that I just love sharing it with others in the hopes that they'll pick up that passion too."
Maxwell followed her reading by answering questions from the audience. She discussed her inspiration, the writing process, the publishing process and other facets of being an author.
Justin Eells, advisor of the club and communication professor, was interested in how her process differed from his.
“Her process was really interesting,” said Eells. "It's always interesting to see, because for everyone it's different…it's interesting to see, kind of how these books, how these ideas come to people, and how the project comes together.”
The Creative Writing Club is never complete without writing, and there was plenty of time for that. Eells presented a writing prompt that gave members places and times in history to help generate ideas.
Those not engaged with the prompt were discussing their own writing processes and brainstorming ways to improve their own craft. The workshopping element best reflects the core goal of the club: to foster an environment for writers to grow and be themselves—something Maxwell wishes she got to experience during her time as a student.
“A space for creative writers is something that I dearly wish I had during my time at MoWest,” said Maxwell. “It's wonderful that the Creative Writing Club offers a place that aspiring writers, or those who just love to get creative, can get together and explore the medium of writing. It's an opportunity that I hope others on campus will hear about and want to join because it really is a fun place to explore.”
The Creative Writing Club is a space for writers to develop their skills, learn from others and to be comfortable in expressing whatever story they want to tell.
“It's just kind of coming and hanging out and talking to other writers,” said Eells. “Writing is a solitary activity, as is reading. This is an opportunity to kind of form a community with other people who like to do the same thing.”
Although it’s the last meeting for this semester, the Creative Writing Club has plenty more to show in the next. To find out more about getting involved, contact Justin Eells at jeells@missouriwestern.edu.
