Northwestern English program offering Writing Marathon October 4 in downtown Alva; open to the public

September 19, 2019

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s English program will play host to a Writing Marathon workshop in downtown Alva on Friday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Graceful Arts Center.

“This event is called a ‘writing marathon’ but requires no running,” Dr. Kathryn Lane, associate professor of English and chair of the English, Foreign Language and Humanities Department, said. “The goal of a writing marathon is to allow the writer to experience a location by furthering their sense of place and comradery. It takes the concept of writer from solitary to communal. Frankly, it’s fun.”

The event is free and open to the public. Pen, paper and lunch are not provided; participants will need to come prepared with something to write on and to write with. Lane does not recommend writing on a smartphone or cellular device.

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Graceful Arts Center with the entire group writing one round together. From 10:30-10:40 a.m. participants will break into groups of no more than four and head out into downtown Alva to see writer-friendly locations. Each group will pick its first destination and decide how long they want to write, then share their work among the group. From there, participants will either write another round or move to a new location for more inspiration.

This continues until 1 p.m. when everyone reconvenes at the Graceful Arts Center for a “read-a-round” where writers can share up to two minutes of their work. There is no requirement for participants to share their work.

“Writers can join the marathon at any time,” Lane said. “Check in with me at the Graceful Arts Center and then we’ll find you a writing group. You can leave as your schedule dictates. I would encourage you to participate, even for a little while. A writing marathon is a writing experience that you have to try to fully appreciate. I look forward to seeing you there and seeing how you interpret Alva as inspiration!”

To participate in the writing marathon or for more information contact Lane at (580) 327-8470 or kelane@nwosu.edu.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480