Where stories come to life

MSU’s creative writing club is as inclusive as it is laid-back — the club is for everyone. Writers are encouraged to attend meetings and share their work, whether it’s their next bestseller or simply a fun story.

The club is based around peer review and constructive criticism to foster confidence and skill development in its members. I attended the club on a workshop day, where club members bring in their current project to have it reviewed by another writer. The club meets every Friday and holds workshop days approximately once a month. Club President James TakesGun says that these days are very popular with members. Club Secretary Brendan Gibson explained, “No matter where we are in the writing stage, we try to help each other out.” Writers introduce their project, and another member volunteers to read it and share their thoughts. James is working on an expanded version of a horror story which he had submitted to a writing contest, Club Vice President Karina Holcomb is writing a short story every week and Brendan needed a set of eyes on what he described as an “Uber-rough rough draft”.

If you’re interested in joining but don’t know where to begin, fear not. The creative writing club is a perfect setting to kick off your surely-triumphant writing career. TakesGun provides prompts for writers in need of inspiration, and the club’s collaborative atmosphere is a nursery for creative minds.

The club is also a valuable resource for experienced writers who want to take their craft to the next level. Members study writing and storytelling methods and know how to help writers incorporate sophisticated techniques into their work and prepare manuscripts for publication.

The creative writing club meets every Friday from 5 - 6 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge and is open to all. There is no cost to join. As the club’s website puts it, “No fees, we be free.” RSVP to the next Creative Writing Club meeting on its website.

https://montanastate.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/creativewritingclub