By JOHN BILLINGER
Tiger Media Network
For those interested in writing stories, poetry, or other forms of writing, whether creative or nonfiction, the Forsyth Library offers a Writing Circle to anyone interested in the craft. Learning Initiatives and Open Educational Resources Librarian Claire Nickerson heads the writing circle. Nickerson has been in charge of the circle since its start in the fall of 2016.
The writing experience can be a daunting process, and Nickerson hopes that the writing circle can help alleviate that feeling.
“Writing for pleasure can be a very isolating experience because you sit alone at your desk and you’re writing by yourself,” she said. “I think it’s nice to have an opportunity to meet like-minded people and to get some feedback on your writing as well.”
The events that go on during the meetings are straightforward.
“Frequently, people bring writing to share,” Nickerson said. “They either share it ahead of time or they read it out loud, sometimes both. People give feedback on the writing that was shared. And then, if there’s additional time available, sometimes we do some free writing or a writing prompt.”
Nickerson continued saying sometimes the group discusses writing in general.
“Sometimes people will talk about where they find inspiration in other types of media,” she said. “Like books they’ve read or TV shows they’ve watched.”
Nickerson said she has seen a lot of fantasy in the past meetings.
“I’ve also seen some contemporary fiction,” she said. “I’ve seen some creative non-fiction like personal essays. Some poetry, mostly free-verse.”
These meetings are not just for students. Anyone is welcome to join in. Nickerson said that in the past few years, they have had community members attend as well, in addition to those affiliated with the university.”
For those who attend, such as regular attendee Eileen Veacth, the Writing Circle has been very rewarding.
“I love it. I look forward to it every other Friday,” she said.
The Writing Circle meets at 4:00 p.m. every other Friday in Forsyth Library 210.