Get to know a club is a column where students can read about the different clubs on campus and what they do.
If you like reading stories and writing original material, then TU’s Reading and Writing Club is the student organization for you! The Reading and Writing club is TU’s on-campus creative writing club run by President Savannah Maughan and Vice President Vincent Gann.
What type of people do you think would most enjoy the club?
The club is great for English majors or anyone willing to talk about books. But everyone is welcome, and we highly encourage everyone who is interested to come and see if the club is a good fit for you. Drag your friends or your enemies, I’m down to write a story about the drama.
What happens at a typical RAW meeting?
A typical RAW meeting consists of a writing prompt, time to write and time to share your work with others. We have had some interesting prompts in the past that led to even more interesting pieces. You don’t have to write or share anything if you do not want to; sometimes hearing the stories created through the prompts is entertaining enough. I will happily let new club members read my “Dora The Explorer” fanfiction I wrote in forty minutes during a meeting last semester — it’s a doozy. We pride ourselves on being laid back and flexible, meetings go wherever the conversation takes us. Constructive criticism is encouraged, as we always appreciate an extra ear for feedback. Also encouraged is anger at Gann for writing another sad dog story at a meeting.
So does the club exclusively write and read each other’s stories?
We do not just read our own stuff. We often discuss books we have recently read, but not like a formal book club where members are assigned required readings. Each person discusses a new book or series they began to read and tell the rest of the club about it. You might end up finding someone else who has also read the book and now you’re comparing favorite moments and arguing about the ending. In the past, we have spent time reminiscing about books we read in middle school while slowly coming to the dawning realization that you should not have the series as a kid (for example “Unwind” by Neal Shusterman).
What plans do you have for this semester?
This semester we plan to compile works written during meetings from everyone who wants to participate, a mini library of sorts. That way, if you miss a meeting, or we run out of time
for everyone to share, we can all still get feedback and entertain ourselves with the nonsense.
Where are club meetings held?
Our club meetings recently moved to Chapman with the transition of the English department headquarters. We have now infested the third floor Seminar Room, and mooch off the English department break room for some free tea. (Don’t worry, we were given permission.)
How can one reach out for more information about the club?
Reach out to me through my email (slm0258@utulsa.edu) and I can add you to the club’s GroupMe. Our first meeting will be on Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. but weekly meeting times will be established once we get a gauge for people’s schedules. We’re here for a good time, not a long time, as meetings are only about an hour each week.
