Spring Break
Writing Program sponsors author Thisbe Nissen to speak
Kristine Plourde
Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
In an ongoing effort to bring live, working writers to campus, the Drexel Writing Program sponsored renowned author Thisbe Nissen to speak at the Paul Peck Alumni Center Nov. 9.
Dozens of students and faculty filled the room to leave late arrivals standing in the back.
"Because of co-op, there are a lot of opportunities for students to work in corporate settings," Writing Program Director Harriet Millan said, "but not enough opportunities to meet people in the industry."
Millan added that with visits from modern writers working in the writing and publishing industry, it gives students exposure to "other ways of existing."
Nissen, author of The Good People of New York, spoke about her inspiration and process for writing short stories and novels.
"The writing process can take anywhere between five days and years," Nissen told the Triangle in a one-on-one interview.
During her one-hour presentation, Nissen mentioned that her inspiration comes from many different sources, like traveling and interesting stories she hears from people across the country.
Nissen also read excerpts from her latest novel Osprey Island. She also touched on the writing community of Iowa City, Io., where she currently resides.
"There are so many writers in Iowa City," Nissen said. "You could be at a coffee shop, scribbling down your next novel, and everyone else there is doing the same thing."
"These people love what they do, despite material awards," Millan said. "There are few in literary fiction."
After the book-reading Nissen spoke at the Writing 210: Peer Tutoring Workshop class. The Drexel Writing Program trains students to become writing intensive tutors, who work with writing intensive class students on a one-on-one or group basis.
All students entering Drexel after the fall of 2002 are required to take three writing intensive (WI) courses before graduation. This is the effort of the Writing Program to help undergraduates become better writers for the professional working environment. WITs are assigned to a WI course to offer peer help and support for students, according to the Writing Program Web site.
Information on becoming a WIT is also available.
Dozens of students and faculty filled the room to leave late arrivals standing in the back.
"Because of co-op, there are a lot of opportunities for students to work in corporate settings," Writing Program Director Harriet Millan said, "but not enough opportunities to meet people in the industry."
Millan added that with visits from modern writers working in the writing and publishing industry, it gives students exposure to "other ways of existing."
Nissen, author of The Good People of New York, spoke about her inspiration and process for writing short stories and novels.
"The writing process can take anywhere between five days and years," Nissen told the Triangle in a one-on-one interview.
During her one-hour presentation, Nissen mentioned that her inspiration comes from many different sources, like traveling and interesting stories she hears from people across the country.
Nissen also read excerpts from her latest novel Osprey Island. She also touched on the writing community of Iowa City, Io., where she currently resides.
"There are so many writers in Iowa City," Nissen said. "You could be at a coffee shop, scribbling down your next novel, and everyone else there is doing the same thing."
"These people love what they do, despite material awards," Millan said. "There are few in literary fiction."
After the book-reading Nissen spoke at the Writing 210: Peer Tutoring Workshop class. The Drexel Writing Program trains students to become writing intensive tutors, who work with writing intensive class students on a one-on-one or group basis.
All students entering Drexel after the fall of 2002 are required to take three writing intensive (WI) courses before graduation. This is the effort of the Writing Program to help undergraduates become better writers for the professional working environment. WITs are assigned to a WI course to offer peer help and support for students, according to the Writing Program Web site.
Information on becoming a WIT is also available.
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