Welcome to Off Campus Writers' Workshop
Hosted by the members of OCWW for writers and readers everywhere.
SUSAN BEARMAN
What I Learned | Writing Resources
At the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, I spoke to many writers about the anticipated luxury of having time: time to think, time to research, time to write. Unfortunately, many of us soon discovered that worry was not conducive to creativity, and we all had a lot of worry. Some of us could barely read, let alone write.
Traditions
But bright spots have found a way to pierce the darkness. Off Campus Writers’ Workshop, now celebrating nearly 80 years serving the writing community, is one of those beacons. This institution is steeped in tradition — starting with weekly in-person meetings at the Winnetka Community House on Thursday mornings. That tradition could have collapsed during lockdown, bringing OCWW to a sudden and tragic end.
Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning … Make some light."
— Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux
Looking Ahead
Instead, the OCWW board guided us forward into the new and the now, adopting virtual systems (as we all had to) to continue our mission of “providing members with the inspiration, education and collegial support to achieve their writing and publishing goals.” Instead of perishing, OCWW has thrived and grown into an even stronger community, with speakers, members, and visitors from literally around the world. And so innovation has sparked new tradition and new opportunities.
Which leads us here, to another innovation and opportunity. Like the OCWW anthologies, About Write has been designed to showcase OCWW members. It is a place to share our knowledge, questions, and skills; a place to learn about the submission process, have work reviewed and edited, and, for some, see their name and writing out in the world in print (or pixels) for the first time. About Write plans to include posts on:
Applying What I Learned
Craft
Interviews
Reviews
Tools
That’s the plan, but we look forward to being surprised by our contributors' creativity!
Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.
— Truman Capote
Writers and readers from OCWW and beyond will find this a supportive and collegial environment for all things writing. Come to learn, to grow, to be inspired. For writing, at its best, has always served as a light in the darkness.
Welcome. We hope you’ll visit often.
SUSAN BEARMAN is a writer, editor, and communications specialist in Evanston, IL. Author of The Animal Store Alphabet Book, Susan is a long-time OCWW member, former board member, and currently serves on the editorial board of OCWW's About Write. Find her at Bearman.us, Mike & Ollie, and on Twitter @2KoP.