Tracy Spicer
Staff Writer
Passionate writers at the University of La Verne have found an outlet to share their work with others through the Alliance of Writers and Editors. This newly formed club enables developing writers to improve their craft.
The Alliance serves as a writer’s circle for those interested in “workshopping” with others. It is a student organization, though it is open for members of the community as well.
The club strives to improve the members’ style of writing and to discuss various approaches to writing. Members can submit their choice of work, ranging from fiction to essays, and other members give their feedback.
“AWE provides a linkage of individuals who share an interest in improving their writing skills or venturing into incorporating some aspect of writing into their lives,” said AWE Secretary Adrianna Gardner, a creative writing major. “Writing everyday is not an easy task and it takes an alliance of people who share the same interest in the craft to keep you focused, enthused about writing and interested in growth.”
According to the club, the members are “writers (creators) first, then editors second.” By critiquing each other’s work, they not only benefit other club members, but also are able to further develop their own skills as a writer.
The Alliance of Writers and Editors’ Treasurer Julie Hadfield, a junior art major, finds the club to be helpful for her writing, as well as therapeutic.
“I feel that AWE is important because there are very few places where you will meet fellow writers who are willing to look over your work and let you look over their work for editing and other advice,” Hadfield said. “Also, it’s somewhat of a support group through writing – feeling free to write and share your writing can be an outlet for those who want their words to be heard, not just read.”
In addition to the workshops, the club provides source information regarding various writing opportunities, potential careers, publishing and summer programs.
The organization is also involved in the selection process for ULV’s Prism Review.
Kirsten Ogden, assistant professor of English and the club’s adviser, hopes the club will begin to sponsor more events, like the upcoming visit of an Argentinean creative writer this fall.
Also, she hopes more students will become more excited about giving public readings.
“Poetry slams and readings are always scary for writers who have never participated in them,” Ogden said. “So, it’s good when an open-minded and welcoming group of students like AWE focuses on events like that.”
New this semester, the club is mainly conducted using the Blackboard web site system due to previous scheduling conflicts with the club members.
“It is easier to communicate with members now that it is through Blackboard,” said Sara Lesniak, founder and president of the Alliance of Writers and Editors. “However, it has been a bumpy road because it is a new tool and not everyone is familiar with the online course. We are still working out the bugs and the new layout.”
Lesniak is the first creative writing major at ULV. She was encouraged by the newly formed Creative Writing Department to start the organization last year.
“We needed to push the creative writing program because it was so new,” Lesniak said.
Writing has always been a talent for Lesniak. However, she did not initially think to pursue it as a career. As a business major, Lesniak was inspired to write after taking Eric Grekowicz’ English class.
“He was an inspiration,” Lesniak said. “In the class I started seeing my creativity and ability in writing.”
Lesniak ultimately decided to major in creative writing and minor in business administration. She hopes to pursue a career in the publishing field or printing press.
Lesniak also hopes the club she founded will grow in the future.
“By the time I graduate, I want to be able to pass on the club’s leadership and to have club members be more active within the club,” Lesniak said. “I also hope there is more participation and more successful fundraisers, which are necessary for the club’s survival.”
Tracy Spicer can be reached at tspicer@ulv.edu.
