BY JEF B ATEMAN, M.A., GCDF
Sr. Student Success Specialist
UNM-Los Alamos
Our little writing club meets every Thursday at 2 p.m. in room B-20, which is downstairs from the library. We have a different writing challenge every week, but we also find time to share selections from th longer projects we are working on.
The club does not have a formal membership process, and writers of all abilities are welcome.
These are the projects of some of the most consistent participants:
Jim O’Donnell: Jim is a literary stylist with an ear for dialogue. His current project is a short novel about Juan and his nephew Manuelito on their journey to cross the U.S. border to return to their family. Jim explains, “Although they have their government-issued documents and green cards, they have been turned away at the border. Now they must try and cross the unforgiving desert, wrought with perils, to a place where they will attempt a crossing.”
Tracy Bailey: “I’ve written about 40 pages of a fantasy novel. It started as a simple romance in a world of pointy-eared people and beast races — and then it bloomed when I wasn’t looking. Now it’s a mix of slice- of-life and travel, with patches of loss, grief, healing and an eldritch entity that actually cares. I’m in no hurry, so mostly I’m tending the garden to see what grows where.”
Jess Spinelli: “Hi! I’m working on a written medley of experiential tales. I want to be the friend you can quite literally turn to for a laugh, moral support and hopefully a touch of inspiration. While the feedback I receive at UNM-LA’s writing club is valuable to me, I equally enjoy being an audience for talented writers in attendance. It’s a great deal of fun, all-around. Please come! Sit with a supportive group of diverse personalities who bring depth of perspective and provide suggestions without malice.”
Jef Bateman: “I have been writing short poems for a children’s book, a comic strip parodying life in Los Alamos and a memoir. My son got me started with the memoir by buying me a subscription to Storyworth. We have been using some of the Storyworth writing prompts that my son wrote as weekly writing
challenges.”
Even if you don’t have writing to share, we encourage you drop by and see what we’re working on. The club is open to students, staff, faculty, and members of the community. We look forward to seeing you.
Scene from the April 23 UNM-LA Writing Club meeting. Photo Courtesy UNM-LA
Scene from the April 23 UNM-LA Writing Club meeting. Photo Courtesy UNM-LA