College of Arts and Sciences


Victoria AndersonSpring 2002 Case-Writer: Victoria Anderson

A comprehensive look at what the fields of English and journalism have to offer will be highlighted at Western Illinois University's annual Creative Writing Festival Thursday, April 18.

Designed for high school teachers and their students who are interested in writing poetry or fiction, or majoring in English or journalism in college, the festival offers students the opportunity to attend sessions on creative writing activities; peer sharing workshops; nonfiction writing, journalism and film activities; and workshops and visits to typical college-level courses.

The festival, which features professor and poet Victoria Anderson and the Garrison Awards for student poetry and fiction, runs from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anderson, who is an assistant professor of writing at Loyola University in Chicago, holds her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Texas and a doctorate from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals, and she has received two Illinois Arts Council grants for poetry. Visiting teachers can meet with Anderson and participate in a peer sharing workshop.

English teachers employed in Illinois public schools may be eligible to receive five continuing professional development units for participation.

The culmination of the Creative Writing Festival is the Garrison Creative Writing Awards ceremony at which winners are awarded plaques and cash prizes. Each school may nominate up to five students in each writing category.

Registration fees are $7 per student, limit 15 students per school. This fee includes lunch. Teachers attend free of charge. All registrations must be received together from each school by the Thursday, April 4 deadline. For more information or to register contact WIU Non-Credit Programs, 309/298-1911.

The festival is sponsored by WIU's College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Extended and Continuing Education and the department of English and journalism.

Return to Case Writer's page