Creative Writing Club at Cerro Coso Community College

THE INTEREST IN STARTING A CLUB

Several students have expressed to me an interest in starting an Online Creative Writing Club at Cerro Coso Community College. The purpose of this club would be to gather together creative writers at Cerro Coso into one force or community, or support group--however you want to look at it. Online discussions could consist of workshopping each other's poems, stories, or essays, discussing contemporary literature of note, and organizing, planning, editing, and publishing a college literary journal.

WHY ONLINE?

Starting a club online ensures that all Cerro Coso students will be able to participate--even those on the other side of the globe! Our service area stretches from Mammoth and Bishop to Ridgecrest, from the South Kern desserts to the Kern River Valley and ultimately around the globe via our CC Online program. Why not start a club for all interested students--not just those at one campus.

Meetings could take place via a dedicated WebBoard meeting place. WebBoard conferencing would mean that members could participate wherever and whenever they can through the Internet. A physical time and place is rendered unimportant.

A REVIVED LITERARY JOURNAL

One of the greatest benefits to starting a club that I see is the revival of a quality college literary journal. If you've read my previous post on Metamorphoses, then you already know some of the history of Metamorphoses, the college journal whose funding was pulled a few years ago by the student development fund committee. If a creative writing club were started, that club would then be able to apply for even more funding for the revival and publication of this worthy tradition.

A college as rich and varied as Cerro Coso really deserves a quality literary journal that highlights the talent of students and community members. Club involvement in this project would ensure student participation.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

If this sounds like a club you're interested in joining, then send me an email expressing your interest so that I can contact you. The only criteria are that you are a currently enrolled Cerro Coso student in good standing and that you have an interest in creative writing, contemporary literature, and/or the editing of a publication.

----------------------------------------------------------

COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS,

COLLEAGUES, AND COMMUNITY
(To add a comment, simply send email. Thanks!)

Karen O’Connor said…
Hi Gary, This is Karen O’Connor, a colleague here at CC. I think your idea is awesome. I love to write so I am all for promoting your club. I also teach business communications online so I regularly run into students who also like to write.
Thu Oct 6

Inge Olsen said…
I think it is an excellent idea and I know a lot of students expressed to me how much they would like to have a club like this one.
Thu Oct 6

Caroline Bobo said…
This sounds great Gary; perhaps you could work deadlines around dead-times—in other words what about something for winter, spring, or summer break to keep the ‘ol creative energy going? Another idea is to include CCCC alumni.
Thu Oct 6

Brandy Landrigan said…
I am interested in the journal. so keep me on the list.
Thu Oct 6

Tim Gerarden said…
A creative writing club sounds like a terrific idea. There is a lot of untapped talent just waiting to come out here at Cerro Coso. I totally support the notion.
Thu Oct 6

Magan Weid said…
Like most others, my time is limited. Still, if you can't find time to do something creative and share with others, what's the point of all the running around? I'm very interested in this group. Please keep updated.
Thu Oct 6

Angela Looper said…
I would be very interested in joining a creative writing club. I have many poems and short stories that could really use some good feedback. Let me know if this gets off the ground. Thank you,
Tue Oct 4

Ed Smith said…
I'm interested in being a part of the creative writing club in whatever capacity might be needed. My time is somewhat limited, but I'm willing.
Mon Oct 3

Ric Soard said…
Professor Enns, I am interested in the Creative Writing Club that you mentioned in your blog. I have spent a lot of time considering this because my available time is so limited, but I don't think this is an opportunity that I wish to pass up.
Fri Sep 30

Noel Dunne said…
My name is Noel Dunne and I am really interested in an online creativewriting club. Does it really exist yet, or is it just an idea?? I wouldlove to support the club and I would appreciate some additional information. Thanks!
Fri Sep 30

Matildakay said...
What a great creative writer's/writing blog! This type of blog/service has been missing from our community. Thanks for including me...
Fri Sep 30, 10:51:05 AM

Christine Swiridoff said…
Creative writing opportunities are lacking at many of the campuses, so anything that can pull interested students together and fill the gap is wonderful.
Thu Sep 29

Monica Whitney said...
Wow, This sounds like fun! I think I will have to try and make time to do this. :)
Thu Sep 29, 06:33:02 PM

Ruby Lee said...
I would love to do this project... only, I don't go to school in Cerro Coso...
Thu Sep 29, 03:00:28 PM

Cindy Brough said…
Hey Gary, This club sounds awesome!!! How do I go about becoming a member??
Thu Sep 29

Chris Doyen said...
I like the idea of an informal, relaxed forum to post work and get some feeback, and of course read others' work. It won't have the demands of a class--students can post whenever they'd like, check back at any time, offer critique any time they feel so inclined. It has the potential to be a really fun, creative endeavor. I also like the idea of communicating more with people from all of Cerro Coso's instructional sites. Sounds very exciting. Chris Doyen
Thu Sep 29, 11:34:53 AM

n.l. said...
Creative Writing students should be all over such a project and want to see their words in print...
Thu Sep 29, 10:27:00 AM

Chris Doyen said…
Pulling students together would definitely be a great benefit of the club, which could act as a bridge between the disparate instructional sites. And since it isn't a class, the more informal, relaxed environment could be very inviting for students. I just posted the note below on my three online classes, and will hand it out to my onsite classes. Fabulous idea!
Thu Sep 29