Lakeland College

Writing

The writing program offers imaginative and creative students a unique opportunity to develop their talents and prepare themselves for challenging careers in a variety of fields.

Students majoring or minoring in writing are given a solid background in literary study, exposure to the theory and practice of writing at a professional level, and a workshop environment that provides immediate feedback from peers and professors in order to assist students individually in their growth as writers.

Typical areas of student interest include poetry, fiction, screenwriting, journalism, and public relations. Professors in the writing program are themselves professional writers actively engaged in their craft. Some writing students choose to join the staff of The Mirror, Lakeland's student newspaper, and The Spectrum, the electronic year disc. Some also gain practical experience as interns for local newspapers, radio stations, and non-profit organizations and corporations. The international literary magazine Seems is published at Lakeland College, and outstanding writing students are often invited to serve as assistant editors for an issue.

Graduates of Lakeland's writing program are presently employed in advertising, book store management, business, college teaching, communications, counseling, computers, editing, education administration, international business, journalism, law, retail management, mental health, public relations, radio, sales, and travel. The program has also served as outstanding preparation for graduate school.

Students who major in writing will be able to

• understand the key terms, histories, forms, and structures of several significant genres of writing;
• present their work clearly and professionally when writing within different genres;
• use language and literary devices in creative and unique ways;
• work both independently and within a community of writers; and
• appreciate and engage the rigors necessary for successful careers within the writing profession.

Writing Faculty

Click the links below to learn more about Lakeland's writing faculty.

Karl Elder

Karl Elder's classrooms are a dynamic and inspiring place for learning. A member of Lakeland's faculty since 1979, Karl's award-winning approach has been affectionately described by former...
Read more about Karl Elder

Jeff Elzinga

Mr. Jeff Elzinga, General Studies Division Chair and Professor of Writing, began at Lakeland in 1980. He also directs Lakeland's Malawi Teacher Education Program. A fiction writer, Elzinga is...
Read more about Jeff Elzinga

Nathan Lowe

Mr. Nate Lowe, Assistant Professor of Writing, holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Idaho. He joined the faculty in 2007. Lowe is currently working on a collection of essays...
Read more about Nathan Lowe