America's greatest writers belong to the Writers Guild of America. Many of the Southwestern College's best writers belong to the Other Writers Guild.
Students ready to put their minds and pens to good use created the Other Writers Guild in the spring of 2008 to promote creative writing and are committed to encouraging the literary talents of SWC students.
"It's a way to meet other writers," said Heather Eudy, professor of language and literature and advisor of the Other Writers Guild Club.
Members said they found the club helpful.
"The biggest benefit of joining the club is meeting people who can help you expand your literary knowledge," said Ocatvio Lopez, literature major and club president.
Lopez said there are many benefits to joining the club, including creative writing workshops, open mics, panels, spoken word, guest speakers and student readings. Friendships are created and confidence within club members raise because they help each other with their writing, he said.
By giving constructive criticism backed with a positive environment from advisors and fellow members, the club helps students grow as writers.
Students who desire to learn the mechanisms of writing genres such as poetry, non-fiction, fiction and manuscripts are encouraged to join the club.
"The club develops leadership, social and writing confidence within the members of the club," said Eudy. "It develops a community of writers and deeper relationships."
Jer Cava, business administration major and treasurer of the club, agreed.
"It provides an opportunity for people to share their talents and skills," he said. "And at the same time make friends and enjoy their stay at Southwestern College."
Members of the club publish a monthly journal, The Vagabond Reader. They began publishing the journal last semester with short stories and poems done by members of the club and students of the creative writing classes. Next semester editors plan to get more SWC students involved and encouraging people from the community to submit their own short stories and poems.
"The Vagabond Reader creates an opportunity to expose its member's creative writing talent," said Paul Scott-Blair, English major and member of the club. "You can be read by an audience, which is essentially the school campus."
Members of the club welcome SWC students who enjoy writing whether it is a hobby or something serious. Students can also learn more about the creative writing world and learning about the different styles of writing.
"If you like writing and you want to improve you are welcome to come," said Brandon Runnells, English major club secretary.
Writing is not black and white to the creative writing club members.
"The key factor behind the club is to expose students to the art that is writing," said Lopez. "It's more than just an assignment to some people, it's a way of life."
Official club meetings are every Tuesday in room 416 at 11 a.m. For further information contact swccreativewriting@gmail.com
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