As the first semester of this year rolls by, there is a lot to do. Whether it’s CAB or Student Government, there is something for everyone. But one club in particular has changed and is now gaining popularity: Writers Club.
Point Park Writers Club is an all-inclusive club that promotes creativity and strong writing skills.
“It is a space for writers of all genres to meet with like-minded peers,” Vince Smykal, president of Writers Club and senior creative writing major, said.
Writers Club has existed for a while, but made one major change recently that boosted the popularity of the club seen today.
“Much of the revival can be attributed to my predecessor Cloe Loosz,” Smykal said.
Loosz, a creative writing major that graduated last year, rebranded the club to not just include creative writing majors, but any major who has a love for writing.
The club also gets future writers in touch with professionals in the field and other community spaces. But what does a typical meeting look like?
“We typically have two to three meetings a month,” Smykal said. “We meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.”
The meetings could look three different ways, all depending on the plan of that week.
The first kind of meeting is a prompt meeting, where club members meet in Lawrence Hall 704 and write out a prompt to write and hang out.
The second type is a “special event meeting,” which ranges from field trips to crafts. The last type of meeting is an open mic, where writers share their work or works of others to the audience.
Smykal says he has many hopes and plans for this club during his last year here.
“I hope to keep coming up with fun, special events to draw in members who can’t make every meeting,” Smykal said.
Since the Writers Club has grown, a lot of new incoming first-year students have joined.
Melenie Petroski, a cinema arts major, recently joined the club in her first year here. She had many positive things to say about the club and its members and team.
“It is a safe space to share my work and a chance to hear the work of other aspiring writers,” Petroski said.
She also says that the members, including the team of officers in charge, all make the space a genuine and enjoyable experience. The officers share prompts, advice and create friendships.
Petroski said the Vice President, AJ de la Cruz, even taught her how to crochet.
The Writers Club also has plenty of fall-themed events planned for the future.
On Oct. 22, there will be a s’mores making event. And on Nov. 19, there will be a costume contest based on the performative male TikTok trend that has gained popularity. That event will also have tote bag painting.
