By Sierra Force ’20 Staff Writer
The English department at Lebanon Valley College strives to provide its students with real-world interactions with professional authors and writers.
Through the department’s visiting writers’ series, “Writing: A Life” Jen Michalski will visit LVC’s campus to host a variety of activities and events beginning Monday, Oct. 15.
Michalski is a fiction writer with a variety of published novels and novellas. Her most recent novel, “The Summer She Was Under Water” was published through Black Lawrence Press in 2017. Her fiction stories have also appeared in over 100 publications. Michalski’s vast writing experience makes her time at LVC an exciting one.
“Visiting writers are great for students who are interested in written word,” Sally Clark, assistant English professor, said. “They are able to share with students how they have grown. To hear them read is a uniquely personal encounter.”
Students will be able to have one-on-one time with Michalski to have their personal works read. The unique experience will allow students to perfect their craft as well as receive tips, advice and other suggestions from a well-renowned author.
“The more eyes to see your work, the better,” Clark said. “They have been through it all and have seen draft after draft.”
Michalski will host several other events throughout her time at LVC, such as a reading of her work with an opportunity to purchase copies, a creative writing workshop and colloquium talk. All events are free to attend and are highly encouraged by Clark and the other English professors to take advantage of. It is a great opportunity for writers to gain further insight of the craft and the various steps included from draft to published piece.
“Students are able to get to know the writers more than just as a professional, but as a human being,” Clark said. “Jen is a local author who has written about the Susquehanna River, which makes her work relatable. She is emerging in a really wonderful way.”
The reading and colloquium will take place in the atrium of Bishop Library, with the creative writing workshop taking place in Humanities Center classroom 302. All writers of varying style and experience are welcome to attend.