The Quill #7: AWE News #3

Many students in the pursuit of an English degree don’t chose this path with the sole purpose to become better communicators, and Noah Spellich is no different. His journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and creativity. As graduation nears, he reflects on his time in the program, discussing both the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.Early on, writing had always been a passion for Spellich. The decision to major in English came from his desire to improve his writing and gain a better understanding of the English language. It was a choice that would lead to invaluable experiences. Sheepshead Review, the Northern Lights Practicum in Literary Publishing,and his Novel Writing/Revision Workshops have had a lasting impact on Spellich. “The constant exposure to a wide range of creative works, both from my peers and external submitters, has given me a much clearer idea of what high-quality writing looks like,” he stated.

Spellich encourages students to form relationships with the professors and peers, saying “Not only will they be your support when you’re struggling, but they’re also a networking resource that you’ll be able to use after graduation.” He credits the people he has met and the influence they had on him as the most valuable take-away from his time here at UWGB.

He also notes that developing a “writer’s skin” is necessary to any writer. “Regardless of how good of a writer you are, you will always receive negative feedback at some point, and it won’t always be constructive, so it’s up to you as a writer to not let that feedback destroy your confidence.”

Two projects that have been highlights in Spellich’s literary career at UWGB are Type X, a novel he wrote for Novel Revision Workshop, and “Grandpa’s Dragon,” a short story he recently published in Sheepshead Review. Although previously rejected twice, “Grandpa’s Dragon” won the 2025 Rising Phoenix Contest for Fiction this spring, which he credits to his hard work and determination.

Type X is the base for future works to come from Spellich: “My idea for this story has matured from a mere class project, intended solely as practice for my future works, into a full-blown series, something that I plan to develop further in the coming years.”

Spellich is undecided on what his next step is after graduation but knows it will include continued work on his Type X novel with a goal of getting it published. “I’ve dedicated half a decade to my studies at this point, and it still hasn’t fully sunk in that it’s ending. I’m nervous because of the uncertainties, but I’m also confident that I’ll find my way, no matter what.”

As well as “Grandpa’s Dragon” in the Spring 2025 Sheepshead Review, you can see Spellich’s photos “Golden Sun” and “Fire in the Sky” and his poem “The Snowman’s Cry” featured in the 2025 edition of Northern Lights Literary & Arts Journal.