Enthusiasm was easily observed when forty or so eager students gathered in the Literary House this past week, all possessing a single common interest: writing.
The Writers Union is a group of students who are involved with the student-run programs occurring in the Literary House.
"It's your house. For enlightenment, relaxation, for your writing. Take good care of it. It will take good care of you," stated Literary House Director BobMooney.
"Don't be shy about coming up with new ideas, and take initiative on how you'd like to use the house. The house is here for your use."
The club provides a forum for writers. By becoming a member, each person is informed of different events that will take place, and will be included in various student activities.
Such events include Tea and Talks by Professors and Flash Fiction Night. Tea and Talks will be reading of works written by professors on campus.
Flash Fiction Night, scheduled for November, is an event where participating students will have one hour to write a story. They will then read it in front of a judge.
The winner will walk away with a $100 prize.
A calendar of upcoming events will be posted in the Writer's Union's publication, The Onion.
Students interested in joining the Union are expected to pay five dollars in dues. After they pay they will recieve a tee-shirt and be allowed to attend social functions. Payment may be submitted to Treasurer Rachel Mauro or placed in her mailbox.
Students will be informed of upcoming events held in the O'Neil Literary House once he or she has joined the Union, and will be included in futureprograms that will be held.
An additional benefit of joining the Union is the option of becoming the editor of one's own independent literary magazine.
A student may publish one's own writing in a magazine designed by his or her own choosing. All they have to do is give a proposal to professor Wagner.
Member and sophomore Ron Young states, "I'm interested in the literary aspect of campus."
"[The Writers Union] provides a communication network for all publications on campus." Young adds.
According to junior member Chris Herman, "Students receive lots of feedback on writing. You get to go to a lot of parties. It's just a good atmosphere for writers in general."
Furthermore, involvement is not only encouraged, but also entirely possible within the Union.
Heidi Atwood, the spokesperson for the Union, encourages students to join the planning committee in order to have a part in deciding how each event will be run.
The Planning committee is open to any student who wishes to partake in the planning of future events.
"If you really want to get involved, join the planning committee. We won't leave you on your own," Atwood stated.
Freshman and recent member Claire DeRose is looking forward to her involvement in the club. "At first I wasn't interested in joining the Writers Union, but after attending Tuesday's meeting I realized that it will be a really fun and interesting thing to be involved in," DeRose stated.
"Not only do members get to be included in fun activities, but they also improve their writing skills immensely."
Students interested in joining the Writers Union can contact Spokesperson Atwood or vice-spokesperson Kate Amann.
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