Student Organization Spotlight: PPU Writers Club

"The PPU Writers Club is a space for writers of all genres to meet with like-minded peers. We make it a rule to accept everyone, not just creative writing majors. We also connect writers with community spaces and professionals."

Vincent Smykal '26, president

The PPU Writers Club has been in existence for four years, but it has recently experienced a surge in membership and was recognized as the Best Student Organization at the most recent Outstanding Student Awards. President Vincent Smykal '26, a creative writing major, explains what makes the club a great place for aspiring writers.

Why is the PPU Writers Club an important organization to have on campus?

The PPU Writers Club is a space for writers of all genres to meet with like-minded peers. We make it a rule to accept everyone, not just creative writing majors. We also connect writers with community spaces and professionals.

What does a meeting look like, and what kind of activities do you plan?

We typically will have two to three meetings a month. We meet on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., and our meeting types fall into three categories. The first is our prompt meetings, where we meet up in Lawrence Hall 704, write to a prompt, and hang out. The second is our special event meetings, which include things like field trips or arts and crafts projects. The third is our open mics, where we share our work or others' with an audience.

What has been a highlight so far?

A major highlight for me was our field trip to City of Asylum's Storyburgh event. Many of our freshmen were unaware of City of Asylum or Storyburgh, and connecting them with both of these local resources for young writers was very rewarding.

How have you personally benefited from participating in the Writers Club?

I have personally made close friendships through the Writers Club. Through prompt meetings and open mics with my peers, I have become more socially outgoing. There is an emotional vulnerability to sharing written work with peers that demands people to grow and come out of their shells.

Why should students join the Writers Club?

Point Park writers of all forms seeking community should join the Writers Club. We support one another, we express ourselves, we eat s'mores! It's a good time.