2022-23 Emerging Writers wrap up a productive, fun year May 16, 2023 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment The Collegeville Institute’s 2022-23 Emerging Writers Mentorship Program cohort wrapped up for their program year last week on May 10th. Over the past 8 months, the group’s participants completed three essays that were published on Bearings Online, the Collegeville Institute’s online publication. They received feedback, guidance, and instruction from two writing coaches, Patrice Gopo and Michael N. McGregor, on specific writing techniques, and editing feedback from Bearings Online editor, Susan Sink. Their coaches met with them virtually 3 to 4 times over the course of writing each essay. In addition, the whole group met virtually on two occasions to provide more instruction and facilitate further conversations and connections. Patrice and Michael brought a wealth of writing expertise to the program. Patrice has written multiple award-winning essays and radio commentaries, focusing on issues of race, immigration, and belonging. She is the author of two books, All the Colors We Will See, and All the Places We Call Home. Michael is an award-winning professor and the former director of the MFA in Creative Writing program at Portland State University. His essays, articles and stories have been published widely, and he is the author of Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax. In post-program evaluations, participants talked about their experiences. Several participants talked about the coaches and their leadership. “Michael pushed me in my writing and I learned much more than I imagined I would,” said one participant. “Patrice had great suggestions as I formulated and edited the essays, and I really liked her tips for writing practices,” said another participant. The Emerging Writers Mentorship Program participants and writing coaches pose on the terrace of the Abbey Guesthouse, overlooking Lake Sagatagan on the Saint John’s Abbey and University campus. Another emerging writer described what they learned through the program. “Through my participation in this program, I received very practical suggestions about writing and getting published. It’s easy to say, “Sit down. Do the work. Send your stuff out.” And that’s certainly the crux of writing and publishing. But program mentors Patrice and Michael both had good suggestions on how to do the work, how to submit pieces, and how to create a writing life. These were invaluable to me.” Visit 2022-23 Emerging Writers Cohort – Collegeville Institute to meet our program participants. Click HERE to read the Bearings Online essays produced through the program. Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
