Imagine a room full writers talking, criticizing and comparing story ideas, subject matter and style. Enter: The Wordsmith Syndicate.
There are over 50 students groups at the University of Southern Maine as part of the BSO (Board of Student Organizations). The different groups range in theme from academic (Mathematical Society, Psychology Club), to religious (Catholic Newman Club, Pagan Students Association), to health and recreation (Bhakti Yoga Society, Ski and Ride Club), to the more eclectic (Interactive Simulations Group, Blade Society).
But this is the first group devoted entirely to student writers.
“The purpose of the group,” said Wordsmith Syndicate president Ryan Gato, “is to encourage the creative output of fellow writers and to establish a community of writers dedicated to exchanging ideas and offering helpful criticism.”
The group’s meetings, which are held every other week for two hours, focus mainly on work shopping members’ pieces. Additional time is devoted to sharing new and interesting work from the literary world. Informal writing “assignments” or exercises may be given for members to share with the group in an effort to aid in the creative process. The group also hopes to bring in guest faculty members occasionally to contribute to the workshopping experience.
Gato explained that the meetings are a lot like a workshop class that one might take at a university, only not so formal and without the authority figure.
“For me,” explains group treasurer John Rogers, “this is a catalyst to give myself some time to write during the semester when I have no writing classes, and to know that I have something to look forward to.”
Currently, the Wordsmith Syndicate is comprised of poets and fiction writers. But a goal of the group is to spread the word and get more diversity amongst the members. The group welcomes all types of writers including, but not limited to, nonfiction writers, screenwriters, playwrights, song lyricists and even children’s story writers.
A big step for the group in gaining visibility within the university is getting recognized by the BSO (which, by the time you read this, it should be). Another benefit in being officially recognized by the BSO is that the Wordsmith Syndicate will be funded by the university.
“This gives the group the opportunity to plan a trip, publish a chapbook, ect,” said Gato.
The idea for a writer’s group at USM was conceived by several students while attending last summer’s Stonecoast Writer’s Conference. Stonecoast, which is organized by USM every summer, is a 10-day conference comprised of daily workshops and readings by guest authors. Based on the positive experience and the camaraderie that the students shared at the conference, forming a writer’s group seemed like the only logical thing to do.
“It’s important for writers to meet other writers and for opinions to be shared and debated,” said Gato. “Writers need encouragement from each other. This is a great chance to become more passionate and productive in your craft.”
For more information on The Wordsmith Syndicate or to find the time and location of the next meeting, contact Ryan Gato at [email protected].