On the other side of room 216’s unassuming door, a space-themed room is filled with an atmosphere of comfort and support that creates a home for the Creative Writing club, which meets during first block on Tuesdays. This lesser-known after-school activity can prove to be a fun way to spend your afternoon, and here’s why.
Creative Writing Club is clearly meant for writing, but it is in no way going to restrict you. You can write anything: haiku, poems, short stories, murder mysteries—you can even write the Bee Movie script if you desire to do that. If you are feeling stuck or want to challenge yourself, you can use the two prompts (one written and one in the form of a picture), but you don’t have to follow the prompt or stick with it.
A lot of the members of the club have had a long-term love of writing. Eighth-grader Oviya R. (Ovi)writes poems and enjoys the experience. She often makes use of club sponsor Andrea Duggan’s bowl of random words, challenging herself to write a haiku with whatever she pulls out. Another member, 8th grader Zoe Guo, listened to her older brother telling her stories and fell in love with writing that way.
Anyone who has an interest in writing can come on in and give it a try. Just don’t expect to be told what to write.
“If you come into this club expecting to be entertained for the hour– you’ll be disappointed. I mean you are entertaining yourselves, that’s what is happening,” said Ms. Duggan, who teaches the Creative Writing class and Journalism in addition to hosting the club.
“I love seeing students in their creative process. I love to be able to help them along that journey,” Duggan explained. “It’s my happy place.”
She also provides a safe place for students to share their work and explore new ideas.
“It’s actually a nice encouragement,” Ovi stated, also pointing out that Duggan is a “chill” teacher, which helps with the chill atmosphere.
Though Duggan has made it clear the space should be used for creative writing and any conversation should be loosely related to that topic, one of the biggest parts of the club is the social aspect. You might be expecting a silent room, but that only happens on occasion. There is usually a current of positive energy running through the room.
“Crazy, chaotic, but also very fun,” remarked Ovi, describing the vibe.
“Very social but also very write-ey,” echoed Alexis F., another eighth grade frequenter.
“Very silly,” added Zoe. “There is no serious atmosphere at all. You just leave it outside. Once you enter this room all of your seriousness is just gone—evaporated.”
Though described by members as a “chill” teacher, Ms. Duggan tries to reign in the crazy just a little.
“I like to keep it relaxed,” said Duggan. “Once in a while, there’s a little more energy than I love after a full day of dealing with full classes, but it’s a nice small club and they have a focus and they’ll usually listen if I ask them to settle down a little bit.”
Somewhere between the manic energy of the students and the calming influence of Ms. Duggan, a balanced atmosphere is created.
“It’s very welcoming and friendly,” described 8th grader Ellie S. “People are definitely open in there. That’s a good thing. It’s just, it’s goofy, that’s the best way to explain it.”
To wrap it all up, Creative Writing Club is truly a hidden gemstone for those who love socializing while writing.
“It’s basically just this place where I can write with a bunch of people and friends and just like a bunch of weirdos like me” Ovi summed up. “If they are interested in writing, and interested in meeting other writers, and a little bit of socializing, a little bit of chaotic weirdness and fun and murder [Stories, we assure you] then, sure! 10 out of 10 to those who love writing.”
