One thing the Writers' Union is not lacking this semester is writers.
"Each year, the Writers' Union ... likes to do anything they can to help establish a dedicated writing community," said Mindy Beers, the new Writers' Union spokesperson.
According to treasurer Jillian Fletcher, the Writers' Union is traditionally the largest student organization on campus. She and Beers estimate that this year, the union has just under 150 members.
The purpose of the Writers' Union is to help writers in the WC community both to gain exposure for their work and to get reactions to it. Beers described its role as one of building a writing community that encourages "fellow writers to interact and get comfortable with each other."
Fletcher agreed, defining the union as "a group of people genuinely interested in writing that can help you if you need help."
In addition to being led this year by Beers, Ben Clausen has taken over the role of vice spokesperson. The union's faculty advisors are Professors Robert Mooney and Kathy Wagner.
Beers expressed her hopes that as the group's new leader, she can preside over "a happy union, if that's not an oxymoron."
Beers also looks forward to active involvement by members at the readings the union offers. At these readings, typically held at the O'Neill Literary House, members can read their work and receive input on it from others.
The union also provides money for students who wish to create their own literary magazines. In addition, it publishes Broadsides of student poetry, which are posted around campus.
With a membership fee of ten dollars, the most immediate reward of payment for members is a Writers' Union t-shirt. This year's t-shirt will be based on the winning design of a contest soon to be held. The winning artist will receive a free shirt and $25.
Other activities and opportunities the union offers are redefined yearly, based on what its members desire, explained Beers.
Freshmen in particular should have an incentive to join the union according to Beers. She explained that it offers freshmen the chance to see who their fellow writers are. It also allows them to interact with other writers at readings, both receiving criticism and giving it, in a supporting environment.
Prospective member Emily Getman, a freshman, attended the first meeting of the Writers' Union. She cited her enjoyment of creative writing as the reason for her interest. "I see this as an outlet for my work," Getman said.
Getman said she is also interested in publishing a literary magazine with a friend.
For those who missed the initial meeting, the Writers' Union will soon hold a Welcome Back Picnic, and readings are quickly approaching.
Beers advises anyone still interested in joining the union to "drop me an e-mail and ask to be put on the mailing list. I'll be happy to answer any questions they might have."
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