Olivia Cipperman ’19: Advice from experienced writers and submission opportunities at Episcopal can expand any student’s writing skill set. English and history classes allow for academic growth, while writing clubs and electives promote writing as a form of artistic expression. Episcopal also holds writing contests to get students involved, such as the Stephen Hopkins Kalbach Prize, and releases school publications, like Epolitan. Writing is a skill that applies to all fields, so many students may find these opportunities valuable. Audrey Lee ’17 says, “Writing blurs the line between academics and artwork. When you think of writing, you think of essays. Creative writing definitely brings a more artistic spin onto it, which I love.” Audrey has been writing since fifth grade, and she is one example of the many students at the Episcopal Academy who write for work and for fun.
Professional writers note that they began writing in high school or even earlier. They agree that fostering skills from a young age can be beneficial. Christopher McCreary, an EA English teacher and poet, explains that he has been writing since childhood. “I think as a little kid I wrote mostly fiction,” he says. “I didn’t really start writing poetry until late in high school or really even college.” Elizabeth Scanlon, a poet, professor, and editor of the American Poetry Review who visited EA in April, also started young. “I began studying creative writing officially in college,” she says. “In high school, I had been involved to some extent as well because I went to a high school for performing arts and I had been a theater major.” They each have different reasons for continuing to write. McCreary says, “There are a couple of things that probably interest me the most. One is, I really like words.” Scanlon explains that, “Really, at this point it [writing] is kind of how I think.” Student writer Phoebe Barr ’19 remarks that “I like writing because it’s cathartic.”
Writing and sharing work as a student can be rewarding, but it is also a complex process. Scanlon advises, “Everyone always says read as much as you can, and that’s always true. I would add that, in this current moment, some of the best poets I know writing right now are also great on Twitter, or Tumblr. If there’s someone you find whose poems you like, seek them out on social media.” Mr. McCreary also promotes reading as much as possible to develop writing skills. He goes on to suggest that students use writing prompts to explore new avenues. He says, “The idea isn’t always to write something that’s going to be polished and finished and great.” Audrey Lee adds, “The first step is to not be afraid of rejection, because you’re going to get rejected about 200,000 times before anyone considers your work.” For students interested in long-term publishing, Scanlon speaks on getting involved: “I think if one is interested in a career in publishing, you do have to pursue internships or some kind of service at some point too. I now edit the American Poetry Review. I began as an intern in 1997.”
Students and teachers alike agree that writing is a part of the Episcopal community. Writing is pervasive, and it can help students to get good grades and express themselves. Audrey Lee closes, “Just keep on writing.”