Creative writing club sparks creative interest

The creative writing club gets together- Photo by Joseph Calatrello

The newly improved creative writing club of Mt. SAC gives young authors the chance to share their work with the world. Writers of all genres are welcome, and the club has several events planned for the fall semester that are meant to inspire young literature loving literati everywhere.

Both president of the creative writing club A.J. Orona, English literature major, and Vice President Ryan Gilbert, film and creative writing major said that the club underwent quite a few changes this semester in order for the club to accomplish more as well as have more activities. Orona said that this was done by having officers keep track of plans in order to keep activities and meetings running smoothly and efficiently. The officers keep club plans well organized so that activities can be ensured throughout the semester, he said.

“We tried to get officers, not just people who were best friends, but people who were good friends but still distant enough to keep each other accountable,” said Orona. “We have that feeling of pressure.”

Gilbert said that these changes have helped the club become what it is today.

“This is my first time in any club, but I went to a couple meetings for the creative writing club last term and it was not at all what it is now,” said Gilbert. “It has suddenly blossomed thanks to the will and help of the president and my friend A.J. We’ve really been working hard to get the club up and running in a way it never has before.”

Since the start of the semester, the club has already had the chance to see American poet and award winner Robert Pinsky at a reading and Q&A in Whittier. Gilbert said the experience was both “sensational and inspiring.” The club has several more events planned, which will include meeting more poetry readings, hosting and participating in several open mic nights and movie nights to attract more members.

The club also has a very welcoming atmosphere that encourages participation from club advisor John Brantingham. Gilbert said that Advisor Brantingham helps shy members out by personally reading their work to the club to take the edge off of having to read publicly. This seems to be becoming less and less of a problem, though, since the club has so many members wanting to read their work to the class, Gilbert said.

“There are so many people wanting to share their writings and ideas that we never have enough time in the meeting for everything,” he said.

President Orona has also said that the creative writing club currently has around 30 members which include short story writers, novelists and poets. Vice President Gilbert also openly welcomes aspiring novelists or poets to stop in to participate by showing their work, especially since he is often in awe of the work that people bring in.

“I am often very moved by the things that I hear,” Gilbert said. “I’m reassured that writing, as an art form, is not at all dead and is very much alive in the spirit of we young aspiring writers.”

Raymond Mendoza
Managing Editor