Author: blogadmin

ENG304: Creative Nonfiction

Taking three writing workshop courses is a requirement for us Writing and Applied Arts Majors. One of our options is a Creative Nonfiction workshop, but if you’re anything like me, Nonfiction in general is not particularly a genre you get excited about. At least, that is how I felt prior to taking this Creative Nonfiction course.

When enrolling in it, I wasn’t all that thrilled. Intermediate Creative Writing was already filled, so Creative Nonfiction was the backup plan I didn’t think I’d have to rely on. I didn’t know much about the genre, so I assumed all books in the genre were the same. I figured the material we would read would be boring stories about some random person’s life, and then I’d have to write boring stories about my own life. I preferred fantasy–I was more fascinated by an author’s ability to create entirely new worlds with new power systems and adventures you could never experience in real life. 

In other words, I had severely underestimated Creative Nonfiction.  

As we closed one of the last few of our readings for this (2023 Fall) semester, I realized Creative Nonfiction might have just dethroned Fantasy Fiction as my favorite genre to read. The book was Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller, and it’s about a taxonomist named David Starr Jordan who was determined to bring order to the chaos of life. Miller was inspired by Jordan’s grit–his ability to pick himself back up despite the numerous times the universe knocked him down. So she goes on a journey to discover who Jordan was and the hardships he overcame over the years. Miller wanted to know what continuously encouraged Jordan to get back up on his feet, what fueled him, as she was never one to brush herself off as easily. 

The summary hinted that it was related to science, so I approached it with the same hesitation I had when first enrolling in the class. It should come as no surprise; I’m a Writing major after all, so I balked at the thought of reading anything science-related just as I used to at Nonfiction. 

I had, again, underestimated Creative Nonfiction, and I was reminded what makes it such an enthralling genre. 

The most interesting aspect of Creative Nonfiction to me that appeared in Why Fish Don’t Exist is the method an author employs in order to tell a story–sometimes a story that is not their own. In the book, Miller walks us through the life of David Starr Jordan and connects it to her own in such a brilliant, braided way that I found myself amazed by how well she wrapped it all together. Not once did the tension evaporate due to the switch in stories, and the fact that there was tension at all as I read had me shocked.

And at that moment I was confused as to why I had forgotten what this class had been teaching me. I was thrown off by the mere term “science” that I had attached to the book, and I had failed to remember what I was enjoying so much about Creative Nonfiction.

Miller made her story and the life of a dead taxonomist so interesting when I was expecting it to be the exact opposite. Her humor brightened the pages on numerous occasions and she formed a narrative out of research that had seemed so nonlinear. She intertwined various topics so cleverly within the overall narrative, topics that only started as a single thread poking through the intricate fabric that is Jordan’s life until Miller wove them into a grander story.

In Creative Nonfiction, the story already exists. The author’s job is to find it and figure out how to tell it and see how it can be further expanded. The original story is the root and the author illustrates the branches.

It is a challenge to write at times. In this workshop class, I’m still struggling to figure out how to write about someone or something else rather than just my own experiences. But as I continue reading other works and exploring what already exists, I’m discovering new ways to tell a story.  

So, if you’re looking for a writing workshop class to take in order to fulfill your required credits, I recommend Creative Nonfiction–even if you are unsure. In fact, if you are even the slightest bit hesitant, then I most urgently recommend you enroll.

What’s the Difference Between Majoring in English or Writing and Applied Arts?

Here at UW-GB, there are many different programs and opportunities presented to people who love all things reading and writing. There is no shortage of programs, opportunities, and events to attend in relation to reading and writing. I remember one thing that confused me though, when first applying to UW-GB, was the difference between majoring in English, and Majoring in the BFA program for Writing and Applied Arts. These two majors overlap in some areas but are also vastly different. When deciding upon and declaring a major, I struggled to decide which would be a better fit for myself, so I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of similarities and differences between the English program at UW-GB, and the BFA program for Writing and Applied Arts.

Writing and Applied Arts BFA:
The Writing and Applied Arts Program was created for passionate writers who want to turn their creative work into a career one day. This B.F.A program was designed specifically to meet industry demand for creatives in the writing field and is tailored toward merging creative expression with the professional world. This is a craft-focused major and allows students to explore, learn, and gain firsthand experience in the world of publishing, editing, and content creation before graduating and finding their professional job. One really cool thing about this major is that internships are embedded into the requirements for the major, thus giving writers a leg up and allowing them to gain valuable experience while still in school. There are four emphases to this major and these are:
● Community Storytelling
○ As the name suggests, this emphasis focuses on community outreach. In this emphasis, you will work to bring your writing to broader communities by organizing regional events, writing for social justice, and advocating to tell stories that are often untold. If you enjoy social justice and writing, this might be a great fit for you!
● Editing and Publishing
○ Editorial production and publication is the main educational goal of this emphasis. Students will learn the ins and outs of working on a content creation team, and this will prepare them for gaining jobs as copyeditors, publishers, publicists, content developers, and marketing professionals.
● Game Writing
○ This is for people who want to delve into the world of game-making. They will learn skills in relation to game craft, and world-building, and learn how to develop stories that will hopefully one day be turned into games.
● Professional and Technical Writing
○ This emphasis has students learn how to work with clients and produce technical manuals, data visualizations, and user interfaces, as well as how to create engaging multimedia designs.

For the creative writer, this major has something for everyone and is really tailored to fit with each individual writer’s creative and professional journey.

Many of the required courses for this major include things like:
● Literary Studies
● Creative Writing
● Grammar
● Technical Writing
● Copyediting and Workflow

There are also classes that involve learning how to edit and publish works of writing, book cover design classes, novel writing classes, literature study classes, and much more. All 4 of the different emphases allow writers to tailor their degree towards their personality, and there really is something for everyone within this program

Click here to explore the Writing and Applied Arts course catalog:
https://catalog.uwgb.edu/undergraduate/programs/writing/#majortext

English Major:
Those who love to read and analyze literature would be a perfect fit for the English program. A degree in English is super versatile and can work with many modern-day jobs, such as technical writing, education, journalism, digital marketing, creative writing, editing, and so much more. Students enrolled in the English program will learn how to read and interpret texts critically, create their own original works that demonstrate their skills as a writer, and learn how to understand the complex social and historical contexts that have shaped much of the classical literature we read today. One great thing about UW-GB’s English program is that it doesn’t just focus on classic literature, and instead does its part in branching out by providing classes centered around the voices of people of color, women, indigenous people, and those in the LBGTQIA+ community. English is about exploring and exchanging new ideas with people. This program will expose you to new voices and widen your perspective on the world. It will challenge your viewpoints, and help you become more well-rounded as a person.

The English program at UW-GB has three different emphases for students to choose from. These are:
● Creative Writing
● English Education
● Literature

These three different emphases allow a wide range of students to find where they fit in this program. There is a bit of overlap with the Writing and Applied Arts program with creative writing and literature studies, but by majoring in English, students will be getting a much more in-depth education in relation to these topics. Writing and Applied Arts prepares students to work specifically in the field they are aiming towards, whereas an English degree is more of an overarching degree. There is more to explore within this degree, and it is probably a bit more versatile out in the professional world, but it does require you to dive in deeper to many of these topics.

Click here to explore the English course catalog:
https://catalog.uwgb.edu/undergraduate/programs/english/#text

Make sure to set up a meeting and consult with your advisor if you have more questions about this, but hopefully, this post was able to provide a little bit more help to those who are still deciding between these two majors.

Interview with a Designer: Emily Heling

As BFA Writing and English majors, we are often more concerned with the manuscript when it comes to book production. You might’ve been drawn into the publishing industry because of all the stages of editing and proofreading. There is, however, an essential step in book production that we often overlook due to our obsession with words.

Design.

If you’re aiming for the publishing industry, there’s a high chance you’ll have to work alongside designers on a project. Knowing a bit about the Adobe programs and what goes into the design, along with having experience working with words, can make you a double threat to your fellow applicants. 

Luckily for us, UW-Green Bay has its very own student-run publishing group: the Teaching Press. With Dr. Meacham as the director, students can get hands-on experience in design, client-relations, and editing. Recently, the Press has released The VIking House Saga: A Journey into Experiential Archeology at UW-Green Bay, Lower Fox River PCB Cleanup Timeline, and a third book titled A Portrait of Grief and Courage set to be launched this December.

Emily Heling is the designer behind The VIking House Saga and Portrait of Grief and Courage, and she is pursuing a major in both Design Arts and Spanish Translation with a minor in Marketing. In this interview conducted by Creatives Intern Rachel Mendez, Emily shares her experience working with the Teaching Press.

Students who majored in English or Writing (such as Sam Vondrum and Rachel Mendez) worked in the Teaching Press as designers. Designing experience with the Press offers an additional publishing skill for English or Writing majors interested in publishing, so If you’re looking for ways to beef up your resume for the publishing industry, designing for the Teaching Press is the way to go! 

[This interview has been edited for length and clarity]

RACHEL: What was your design experience prior to the Teaching Press, if any? Did you have experience with any Adobe programs?

I did have a little experience with Adobe programs in high school, but I never did graphic design. The first semester that I joined the Teaching Press, I was also in a Graphic Design Studio 1 class, so I was learning Photoshop and Illustrator skills, but I had absolutely no idea what Indesign was–and that is [the main Adobe program] I use [for designing books].

had no [prior design experience] other than classwork. 

RACHEL: What was your first impression of the Teaching Press? Did you know much about it before joining?

I actually had no idea that it was ever a part of UWGB. I had no idea what it was. I originally applied for Sheepshead Review but I was declined, probably for the lack of experience I had. But [the email from Sheepshead] encouraged me to sign up for the Teaching Press internship. I honestly didn’t see it for a while until I re-read the email, and I thought maybe I’d do it. I didn’t know what it’d entail, but I thought it’d be good for professional experience. 

RACHEL: After you were assigned the role of Designer, what were your initial thoughts? Were you excited or nervous? Maybe a mix of both?

I was assigned the role of designer, which I was pretty much the only one interested in my class right off the bat. I had no idea what that meant or entailed, and I had no idea what that project [workload] would be on me. But I was really excited. It was kind of surreal thinking that “Oh, I’m going to design this book and my name’s going to be published in it, and I’m working with professional people and professional authors.”

I was a little taken aback by the fact that I actually did get the position, but I wasn’t really nervous because I was just ready to learn new things.

RACHEL: What would you say has been the most challenging part about being a designer? How have you overcome that challenge, or is it still something you face?

There’s a little bit of challenging work with the authors. You are designing to their style and liking. You have creative freedom, but it’s within certain parameters. Obviously you have to work with criticism from the authors. You have to work with the authors not liking certain things, [or you might] pitch ideas and get shot down right away because that’s just how it works. With the authors for Viking House, both had very different ideas of how they wanted the design to be. But it eventually came together, and we meshed the two ideas. They wanted a lot more in the book than I put in, just because I wanted [a simpler design]. [But I tried out my simpler design first] and I think that they ended up liking it afterwards. I think every author is going to be selective about their creation. 

It’s just something you have to work through. Other authors like Sandy [author of Portrait of Grief and Courage], she kind of just gave me the freedom to design the book. She said, “I have no idea how I want this to look, so you give me ideas and I’ll have [feedback].” So with Sandy, I started with very basic colors [and we went from there]. 

RACHEL: When you receive a project or learn about one, as a designer, do you already have a concept in your mind of how you want it to look before presenting your ideas to the clients?

When I receive a project I have to read the book first. I have to see what the book’s about. I have to see the tone of it. The Viking House Saga was very uplifting and instructional, whereas Portrait of Grief and Courage is very solemn and memoir-focused and history-based. 

When I get a project, I don’t instantly have an idea of how I want it to be. I have to do some research. Especially with Portrait of Grief and Courage, since it’s about Hmong refugees, I researched Hmong symbols and Hmong culture and what different colors represent in that culture, [and then I went from there]. With The Viking House, I originally gave them many ideas, very [illustrative] and architectural ideas. And I had to talk to them first before I even had the idea of how to even present these things because I needed to know where their style was at, especially since those clients were very particular on how they wanted their own book.

RACHEL: What is your favorite part about being a designer? 

My favorite part would probably be the preliminary [stages]. Even though I go through a lot of stages of [creative back and forth with the authors] and [periods] of taking things out and adding things in, I think that’s the most interesting part. The experimental part of it where you’re playing around with different colors, different [illustrations], different layouts, different texts–everything is just going to be different. And then there’s a very relieving moment where you get the approval of everything you’ve just done, and it’s set in stone.

RACHEL: Are there any specific skills that your experience with the Press helped you refine or gain?

Like I said, I came in knowing pretty much nothing. I know the ins-and-outs of Adobe InDesign now. I know where to go and how to navigate that Adobe program. Same with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator [when it comes to] editing photos, because a lot of photos in Portrait of Grief and Courage needed a boost since they were so dark. And then with Illustrator, creating [illustrations] for The Viking House Saga. I got more fluent in those programs. 

Obviously there’s more learning to do and I don’t know everything, but I ‘ve gotten a lot more practice with these programs and I feel a lot more confident with them. That, and professional experience. I feel it’s really rewarding to work with professional clients and people. 

RACHEL: Recently the Press released The Viking House Saga with authors Prof. Sherman and Dr. Christianson. Can you describe what it was like to see your design as a physical book for the first time?

It was definitely surreal to see my design in a physical book because I had been staring at it for three months on a computer. I definitely wish we had time for a test print–not that I found different things that I didn’t like–but just to see [what it would look like] and alter from there. It’s definitely different on a computer than it is when it’s printed. But it was a really cool experience. I was geeking–it was a geek out moment. I just put all this work into this and now it’s in a physical book with my name in it. I didn’t even know how to feel. I only see [the book] on a computer, [so it’s] weird to see it on paper.

RACHEL: Lastly, would you recommend the position of the designer to others who might be interested? If so, what advice would you give them so they can be successful like you have been?

I would most definitely recommend the position to other people, especially designers. [I might warn someone new to design about what they’re getting into], because it was a bit overwhelming for me right away to be put in that position without knowing anything, and especially having it be a professional project. [It’s being printed], so it has to look good. So I definitely suggest it for a [second or third] year who’s in the position and wants to start having professional experience designing. And I would also suggest [people in the marketing field join the Teaching Press] because there’s a lot of publicity that goes with this. I’m the Publicity Director for the few books we have on the market [right now], so that’s been really cool to lead a team and publicize these books. And if you’re into making books and producing them, there’s a whole section for you on that as well. It’s just really cool, and if you’re an English major, it’s definitely a great experience because you get to copyedit these books, you get to go through them and work with the authors on their wording, and be a part of that book. Just as design is a part of the book, so is messing with the words. You could have a sentence in the book that you wrote yourself–like, that’s kind of cool! So I’d suggest it for all people who are interested in anything book-related. And for the designers, you don’t honestly have to be book-related; you just have to have a passion for design. You get to work with real clients, and I think that’s really cool. 

Any advice I would have is definitely to be a little fluent in the Adobe programs, especially designers. But keep a positive mind and an open mind, because you do have to work with clients that can be more selective at times. So you have to be very open and flexible.

How to Get More Involved as an English Major at UW-GB

A lot of being an English major is working through solo assignments and writing projects, and if any of you are anything like me, you know that sometimes this can feel a bit isolating. One great way to combat this is by actively looking for ways to get involved within the English community here at UW-GB. In my first year, I know that I was a bit lost on where to get started, and how to feel more involved within groups in my major, especially considering I attend the Sheboygan Campus, and don’t have access to a lot of the perks that the main campus does. Because of this, I wanted to compile a list of different ways for students to become more involved as an English Major.

Sigma Tau Delta
UW-Green Bay’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, which is also part of the International English Honor Society is a great way to get a start at building connections within UW-GB’s English department. This group hosts book clubs and discussions on literary topics, and they do a lot to engage with the community as well, like hosting book drives or open mic events for students. There is a one-time fee of $45 to join this community, but in doing so you gain access to all sorts of different scholarship programs, and potential internships, and many members say that this group has helped them find a job in their field after graduation. If you’re looking for a way to build up connections for your future career and looking to make friends with more English-minded individuals, this group is worth checking out.
Visit UW-GB’s English Get Involved Page to contact them and learn more information.

https://www.uwgb.edu/english/about/get-involved/

Sheepshead Review
Sheepshead Review is an Arts and Literature Journal published in the fall and spring by the students of UW-Green Bay. They receive international submissions but love to receive submissions from students as well. The journal publishes work from all levels of experience, whether you’ve got multiple published works or none, and it’s also free to submit. If you’re an aspiring writer and looking to build up your portfolio, submitting work to them is a great way to involve yourself with the writing community at UW-Green Bay. Also, the journal is typically free to pick up at all the UW-Green Bay Libraries, and I highly recommend exploring the writing our peers are putting out into the world. Last semester’s publication had some amazing works within it, and it’s vital to support one another when part of a creative community.

https://sheepsheadreview.com

Northern Lights Literary and Arts Journal

Northern Lights is another journal published by our English department, but the cool thing about this journal is that it’s only open to submissions from UWGB students, faculty/staff, and alumni. The journal is published once a year in the late spring. If you’re looking to get more involved with them, sign up for ENG 224: Practicum in Literary Publishing: Northern Lights to join the editorial staff. This class is point-to-anywhere on Zoom and in person on the Marinette campus, so becoming a student editor is a great way to meet people from all four UWGB locations, as well as a great way to gain experience if you’re looking to work within publishing one day. 

https://www.uwgb.edu/northern-lights-journal/

Build Your Resume and Find an Internship:
The UW-GB Creatives internship is the first I’ve held through the university, and so far, it’s been an amazing opportunity. It’s helped to make me more aware of all the different events the UW-Green Bay hosts for English majors, expanded my writing community, and helped me learn how to better market myself and my writing skills, which is a major part of building a creative career.
There are many ways to find an internship through the university. I was offered mine after taking a class with Professor Rysavy, and I believe this can happen while taking other English courses as well. There are also typically many listed on the English department’s webpage, and if you download Handshake and build up your profile there, there is a good chance you will be offered some as well.
Becoming involved and building up your resume and portfolio while in school are great ways to help better your chances of finding a job after graduation. Joining internships also allows you to gain more perspective, gain friends, and build up relationships with industry
professionals as well.

LGBTQ Lit Book Club
There is an LGBTQIA+ Book Club on the Green Bay Campus, and they have the option to attend virtual meetings via Teams. Joining the group allows people to explore books with LGBTQ themes, characters, and authors. In our polarizing political climate, and with all the targeted discrimination seen towards members of the LGBTQ community, joining is a great way to promote awareness of these issues, and read more about LGBTQ characters, themes, and authors. The group is completely open to anyone who wants to join, whether you are part of the community, an ally, or anyone in between.
Visit UW-GB’s English Get Involved Page to contact them and learn more information.

https://www.uwgb.edu/english/about/get-involved/

I hope some of the information here is helpful and allows people to gain more knowledge about getting involved, whether they attend on campus or not. Community is a critically important part of everyone’s college experience, and we all need to take advantage of as many of the opportunities available to us on campus during our short time here at UW-GB.

Top Classes That Go Towards a Writing and Applied Arts B.F.A

 

With the semester coming to a close I wanted to put out more information about the B.F.A (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program for anyone who may be interested. I’ll be sharing my favorite classes that I’ve taken that count towards the degree and why I loved them so much. If any of these classes sound right up your alley consider looking into the Writing and Applied Arts!

My number one choice is “Woman in Pop Culture” (WOST 203.) I can’t say enough good things about this class as it was the most fun I’ve taken. This course studies the ways that women and gender have been portrayed and are currently portrayed through the media, television, movies, popular music, and other cultural artifacts. Having a class that also goes into how women are currently being represented made it easy to not only make a connection to the class but was very engaging as the pieces studied are new and current in our society.

American Ethnic Literature (ENGLISH 290) is another one of my top contenders as it goes in-depth on the experience of ethnic groups in America, such as African, Asian, Hispanic, and Jewish Americans, and American Indians. The Asian American experience was the topic that was most heavily focused on when I took the course which is part of the reason, I loved it so much. I learned many things about our country’s past that were never taught in high school. This course is repeatable for credit if topics differ so if you end up loving the class you can always take it again!

My final pick for my favorites list is Practicum in Literary Publishing (ENGLISH 224). This course is hands-on experience in producing a literary publication, from choosing submissions to editing the finished product. Taking this class, you will not only draft weekly articles for the campus newsletter “The Driftwood” but will create an edition of the “Northern Lights Literary & Arts Journal” as a class. If you like writing your own ideas or like the thought of breaking into the editing or publishing field, this class is for you.

 

Why You Should Consider an Internship This Summer

Dear English and Writing and Applied Arts majors,

Summer is approaching fast and so is the promise of longer days, a break from academics, and for many, a chance to cash in more hours at work. With all of this in mind, this is a reminder to not rule internships out this season. Though it can take some extra negotiation – Will I work an unpaid or paid internship? Will I work my summer job and add on extra work? – in my experience, internships have been a worthwhile bridge between the academic and professional world. Here’s why:

1. It allows you to get a taste for the field.

Wherever you are interning, whether for a publication or an advertising agency, in government or in education, your investment in the company or organization has an end date. What I mean by this is that your role as an intern allows you to get a feel for the type of work you are curious about without fully committing. It’s like trying on a pair of boots. Last summer, I interned with a nonprofit in tech development. I found out I loved the nonprofit feel, but I absolutely did not love the tech world. When my internship ended, I happily closed that chapter. No harm done. Now, I have a better understanding of what I enjoy and what I don’t.

2. You’ll gain opportunities for networking.

In most cases, you’ll be part of a team. Whether small or big, these are the people you will be working with and who often have quite a bit of experience. They can be great sources for questions you might have and not only about work. I’ve had opportunities in internships to ask my manager or coworkers about their career trajectory. It can feel a little intimidating to ask, but I’ve found that usually people are generous and willing to share advice. If your internship goes well, these are people you may want to tap into as a resource in the future. They might know about other positions or recommend you to people they have connections with. Either way, your professional work circle just expanded.

3. You’ll have a chance to build up your portfolio.

For many of us, having “clips” or “work samples” is important. As writers, creators, editors, and so on, showing the work we are capable of will play an important role in future employment. Depending on the nature of the internship, if creation is a central component, you should walk away with solid professional content. A portfolio of your published writing, social media copy, web copy, graphics, design, or video and audio production is always a helpful asset when you’re breaking into a creative field.

4. You’ll take skills from the classroom to the workforce and vice versa.

This is one of the best ways to exercise all those transferable skills you are learning in your degree. Internships are a great way to flex your pen (or keyboard) and put into use all the critical thinking, reading, and synthesizing our courses demand of us. In previous internships, I’ve faced new project management tools and software. It was a learning opportunity, and I left feeling confident I could add this skill to my resume. Work settings are great breeding sites for hard and soft skills. An added bonus, and something I did not expect, was how these practices fed back into my classes. I felt more confident and capable. It turns out that when you stretch new muscles, the entire body benefits.

5. It might lead to a job after graduation.

I’ve known friends who have received direct job offers post-internship. This isn’t a guarantee, but leaving a professional work setting with a good impression is never a bad thing. If a full-time position you’d like to apply for is available in the future, sometimes a former manager or hiring director might remember you. In any case, you’ll at the very least gain a reference from a positive internship experience, and this is nothing short of valuable.

UWGB is a good place to start.

Let’s say this is not the year for an off-campus internship for one reason or another. That’s totally okay, because UWGB offers some great internship opportunities and hands-on experience. Check out: Sheepshead Review and English 224: Practicum in Literary Publishing/Northern Lights for editorial experience and possible credit, UWGB Creatives for digital media experience and credit, and the Teaching Press for publishing practice and credit.

Sites that can help you find internships:

  • If you’re a BFA in Writing and Applied Arts major, Professor Rebecca Meacham, the chair and faculty advisor of the program, can help you figure out your internship options within UWGB—as well as a few placements in the community.
  • Check out Handshake, which is full of internship and summer employment opportunities from local employers seeking UWGB students.
  • Indeed.com has local help-wanted ads, including for summer internships.
  • Idealist.org has internship ads from nonprofit organizations across the country.
  • If you don’t mind creating a profile, Linkedin.com is another good site for hunting down internships and post-graduation positions.
  • Talk with your professors, too. They may know of some places that offer great internships.

Small Bookstores of Wisconsin

If you’re like me and want to shop locally whenever possible, you are always on the lookout for new places to search for books. Wisconsin has some wonderful small business bookstores for both new and used books if you know where to look. I’ve compiled my personal favorite bookstores from the Milwaukee and Sheboygan areas for all of your literary needs.
Downtown Books
Downtown Books is located on North Broadway Street in Milwaukee, within walking distance of the Milwaukee Public Market. This cute bookstore has a vibrant yellow exterior and when you enter you instantly feel at home. This location has been open for 32 years now, so they know their stuff and have a friendly staff eager to help you find exactly what you need or introduce you to something completely new. If you cannot make it to Downtown Books, they have online storefronts on eBay and Amazon. They carry everything from books and magazines to comics and videos.
Little Red Book Inc
Little Red Book Inc is located on West State Street in the Milwaukee area. This bookstore really focuses on the local community. They allow local events and gatherings to bring people together and share their passions for the arts. There are a handful of nearby coffee shops to get that perfect pairing of a hot cup of joe and a good book. Little Red Book Inc offers best sellers, hot titles, and books from the local area. If you’re looking for a gift for a special person who loves to read this is the best place to shop.
Book Heads
Book Heads is located on East Mill Street in Plymouth. While you are in the area take a look at the surrounding buildings and you will see hand-painted murals showcasing the history of downtown Plymouth. This is the perfect location for anyone with young children. They give you a wide selection of early reading for every young age. They have a monthly showcase of books relating to that month’s holiday, paired perfectly with the charming and playful interior. You can also find more mature books to browse while your little ones have fun finding their new favorite bedtime story.
Boswell Book Company
This shop is located on North Downer Avenue in Milwaukee. Their chill atmosphere provides a wonderful venue where they hold book launch events for up-and-coming authors. Boswell Book Company has bargain books for adults and children, giving you an affordable way to add to your collection at home. You can sign up to get emails on all preorder books and events so you don’t miss out. Much like big box stores, Boswell has more than just books. You can find gifts, toys, calendars, puzzles, and more! Each employee has put together a huge list of recommended books, so if you are ready to jump into a new adventure, they’re there to guide you.
WordHaven BookHouse
WordHaven BookHouse is located on North 8th Street in Sheboygan, within walking distance of the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum which is both fun and educational. They sell new and used books and have a workshop safe space for writers to connect and learn from each other. This fun bookstore loves celebrating the art of literature and creativity. While you are there you can grab a book, a new candle, and maybe another sticker to add to the collection. They offer classes and workshops focusing on different writing styles. You can sign up based on your own needs and take your craft to the next level.

Jobs You Can Get With a Writing and Applied Arts BFA

Not sure whether or not you’re a good candidate for Writing and Applied Arts? This post is for you! This week we’re diving into what a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) consists of and what you can get with that degree.

What is a Writing and Applied Arts BFA?

  • A Bachelor of Fine Arts is an undergraduate degree in the creative arts. Examples of majors include creative writing, art, design, film, graphic design, theater, and more! Specifically Writing and Applied Arts consists of an English degree with an emphasis on writing and content creation.

What kind of classes does a BFA in Writing and Applied Arts Consist of?

  • Unsurprisingly a lot of English classes are required for a writing and applied arts degree. Creative writing, grammar classes, design and culture, world literature, and publishing are just to name a few. If you enjoy any type of literature or English classes, this program could be a great fit for you! Personally, I was happier with my class choices after switching to Writing and Applied Arts so it’s always worth it to talk to an advisor about opportunities with this degree.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Writing and Applied Arts BFA?

  • Copywriter (writes clear, concise copy for ads and marketing materials)
    Freelance writer (writing content for various publications and channels)
  • Web design (plan, create and code internet sites and web pages)
  • Graphic design (creates visual concepts using computer software or by hand)
  • Video game design (create game concepts, including its plots, characters, visual designs, and layout)
  • Journalist (conduct interviews, write stories/ articles used in newspapers, magazines, and online publications)
  • Publisher (prepares and manages the distribution of books and other materials)
  • Marketing team/ social media specialist (coordinate and produce materials (or advertising) representing the business)
  • Paralegal (collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and perform research for attorneys)
  • News Anchor (narrate/ write news stories, broadcast, or other communications)
  • Author/ Company writer (Creating business-related content like print articles, press releases, and newsletters.
  • Podcaster (records episodes on interviews, popular topics, or talk about business content)

This program is not for everyone, and it can be a scary thing to declare a major. Hopefully, this post helped clarify any questions about the major and will help you decide whether or not it’s for you!

Student Spotlight: Serenity Block

Serenity Block (UWGB ‘23) has always loved writing. She knew from as young as elementary school that she wanted to be an author, but when college came around the corner, she looked for opportunities that could provide more than one writing route. The Writing and Applied Arts BFA at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay offered just this.

She shares, “This degree felt like the perfect balance between creative writing and professional experiences in the publishing and editing industry. [It] offered me more options than I would get if I only had an education in creative writing, and I could still do the writing I loved.”

Serenity began her academic journey at the Marinette campus, earning her Associates Degree, before moving mostly online and receiving classes virtually from the main campus. Throughout her time at UWGB, Serenity has been co-editor-in-chief of the Northern Lights Literary and Arts Journal, studied abroad in Wales, and interned with the Pride Center. After graduating this spring, she plans to pursue book editing alongside working on her novel. Serenity very generously answered my questions below.

Serenity Block is a senior in the Writing and Applied Arts BFA at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.

What is one aspect of your major that has surprised you?

I was shocked to learn about all the specific skills you could learn depending on which classes you took. There are classes for grant writing, game writing, novel writing, interactive storytelling, book editing, and more! In classes like ENG 224 (Northern Lights Practicum) and ENG 324 (Sheepshead Review Practicum), I was able to work on my copyediting skills along with learning how to put together literary journals. Next year, there will be opportunities to have a specific emphasis on my degree, like game writing or technical writing.


What has been your favorite part of your experience in the department?

I absolutely loved working with every creative writing professor I’ve taken a course with. There’s something so lovely about building your skills up with them to the point that you look back on your old works from before college knowing that you’ve improved tenfold.

You studied abroad in Wales last summer. What was that like? And what did you take away from the experience?

My trip to Wales last summer was great! Getting to work with a group of UWGB students and professors along with students and lecturers from Cardiff Metropolitan University was a blast. From a writing standpoint, you can do all the research in the world about a place, but nothing will ever replace the experience of being in the place itself and talking to locals. I highly recommend taking that course, or any trip that lets you experience the world. It provides plenty of writing inspiration and opportunities.

What course would you recommend for writing majors? For non-majors who want to take a writing class? What course had the biggest impact on you?

I would highly recommend that any writing majors interested in novel writing in particular take Dr. Meacham’s novel writing and revision workshops (ENG 305 and 306). You get to work with fellow students and Dr. Meacham to create a whole 50k word draft; it’s a lot of work, but it’s a great learning experience. The novel revision workshop helps you makes the many, many big changes required in a second draft.

For non-majors, I think that pretty much any introduction to creative writing course is a great way to improve any writing you might do, not just creative pieces. The more you work with words and grammar, the more naturally it will come to you in any circumstance with writing involved.

The courses that have most impacted me are the novel writing and revision workshops. Academics come pretty naturally to me, and these courses really challenged me in a way that I very rarely experience. They’ve changed my whole perspective on what it’s like to work on a project long-term and how to stick with it even when you’re tired of it.

What is something about the department that most people wouldn’t know?

Something most people don’t know about is that UWGB has its own publishing house called the Teaching Press. You can take a book-editing practicum where you work for the Press on a variety of projects and tasks in a space where students can feel safe in making mistakes.

What advice would you give students interested in the writing and applied arts major? And students who are just starting out in the major?

To anyone interested in the degree, I want them to know that there are so many things you can do with it, especially when the degree can include a specific emphasis starting next year. You don’t really notice the sheer amount of writing that needs to be done in order to get grant money, create a game, or clearly explain how to set up your new TV (or anything else that needs instructions).

To students just starting the major, just have fun with what you’re learning. You don’t have to love every book you read in a lit course or every project you work on in a creative writing class, but having fun with the things you do love makes the “bad” stuff a whole lot easier to get through.

And finally, what’s the best book you’ve read recently?

I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo over break and absolutely adored it! It’s a pretty popular book online, and for me, it lived up to the hype.

Interview with Published Poet: Casey Thayer

I dream about getting published. Recently, my internship handed me the opportunity to step out of my dream and think about the reality of becoming a published author. Now I ask, “Would it be possible for me to get published?”

The answer to this question has become clearer and my optimism has skyrocketed after I was assigned to interview,    Casey Thayer for my Creatives Internship. Thayer is the author of:                        Self-Portrait with Spurs and Sulfur and  Love for the Gun. He enlightened me; he reminded me that there are many paths to publishing. Below, Thayer describes his journey of becoming a published poet.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from UWGB in ’06 with a B.A. in English: Creative Writing. That was before UWGB developed the B.F.A. program in Writing and Applied Arts, a program that sounds exciting. I was on the team that helped to resurrect the Sheepshead Review, and through that class, gained a lot of practical experience.

 

After graduating with an MFA from Northern Michigan University, I went on to teach English at UW-Rock County and the City Colleges of Chicago. I was lucky enough to be chosen for a Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University. That fellowship was a wonderful experience that gave me the time to just write.

When you started submitting your poetry to be published, what was your biggest challenge?

The biggest danger for me, and maybe for all beginning writers, is that I put too much weight on rejections. We might be convinced to believe rejections define the quality of our work. The truth is that your piece being rejected or accepted mostly involves just plain luck.

 

For example, were you lucky enough that your piece was read at nine a.m. or after three p.m., maybe after that reader felt fatigued, after they had waded through mounds of other pieces? Did you get a reader familiar with your genre? Did you get a reader that had a good night’s sleep or one that staggered into the office that morning with a hangover?

 

It’s so important that, when writers receive rejections, we push aside the self-doubt that can stalk us.

How did you deal with rejections?

I embraced an outside measure, which included other writers, to help me judge the quality of my work. I didn’t just rely on acceptances or rejections. This might be important, especially, for poets because they don’t often—in my experience—receive editorial feedback on submissions like fiction writers might.

What is your advice for poets submitting their work for the first time?

First off, have the courage to send out your work. It’s nerve-wracking to share work, especially when you know it might be rejected. But you can’t win if you don’t play. And know that rejection is simply part of the process. It’s rare that I receive acceptances in the first place and rarer still that out of a manuscript of 4-5 poems, I have more than one poem taken by a journal. But acceptances will come if you stick with it, and when they do, the joy of that moment can take a lot of the sting out of rejection.

What motivates you to keep writing?

Getting published drives me forward for a bit, but the joy of seeing my name in print burns away pretty quickly. Publishing can’t be your only motivation. I would argue that it’s more important to find joy in the writing process, in being a part of the world of writing, and in connecting with other writers. It is important to find joy in just creating, in staring at that pure white, blank sheet of paper, in understanding that it does not cost you anything but your time to capture your ideas, your moments, your life.