writing

writing

Firsthand Information

Firsthand Information

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In research, it is always a good idea to examine the primary sources, and not trust another author to act as an intermediary.  Firsthand, contemporaneous accounts of anything that happens – a historic event, a scientific experiment, the minutia of day-to-day life – are irreplaceable for historians decades or even centuries later.  Their existence allows later researchers to strip away the layers of exaggeration, dimming memory, hagiography, or demonization that can build up on stories told and retold over time.  Primary sources are those created by the participants in the events that are described.  These can be diaries and journals, letters and legal contracts, even blogs and emails. The library offers numerous databases focused on primary source material from a … Continued
National Day on Writing

National Day on Writing

, , , outreach
National Day on Writing is a large-scale event dedicated to recognizing the role of writing in our daily lives.  Established by the National Council of Teachers of English, National Day on Writing celebrates writing in all its forms and for all its purposes.  IU East has been hosting events and activities related to National Day on Writing since 2013.  This year’s activities promise to be rewarding and thought provoking, as the campus shares perspectives on writing and invites a pair of speakers to highlight the importance of writing in difficult times. Kelly Blewett, director of the writing program at IU East, shared her passion for teaching writing, in an interview with IU East instruction librarian KT Lowe. Blewett noted that … Continued
Writing Partners

Writing Partners

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Programs
Writing is one of the most valuable skills honed in college, and will pay dividends in any walk of life.  Good writing allows you to communicate compassionately and effectively, avoid ambiguity, and convey your ideas to others in a persuasive way.  From emails and memos around the office to sympathy letters in times of bereavement, your writing skill can directly help in a time of need. Beyond enhancing other life skills, though, you may wish to make a career out of writing.  This can take many different forms – from academic writing, to literature and poetry, to news reporting or blogging.  Many courses at IU East teach skills writers need.  The library, too, offers many resources to help you build … Continued
Red Wolves Write!

Red Wolves Write!

, , , , , Programs
To celebrate student writing in all its forms across the curriculum, IU East hosted its second annual Student Writing Day, on April 10, 2019. With posters, presentations, infographics and more, students from English, criminal justice, nursing and other fields presented the best of their written work. Coordinated by English Assistant Professor and Writing Program Director Travis Rountree, Student Writing Day also included activities and advice.  The Writing Center was staffed and ready with schedules and knowledgeable students.  The IU East Campus Library staff offered literary games, which included ekphrastic poetry exercises and a narrative drawing game involving prompts and ingenuity.  A total of 12 poems and 21 drawings were produced, with insights on cats, books, bubbles and butterflies. Students from … Continued
Un-conventional Writing

Un-conventional Writing

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Recently, I had the privilege of volunteering at Teen Con, an annual sci-fi, fantasy, and comic convention held by the New Castle – Henry County Public Library.  It featured games, vendors, costumes (I was dressed as the Red Power Ranger), and panel discussions with local professionals about producing and self-publishing art, including writing, graphic works, and animation.  Lots of local authors were featured, who have written predominantly in the sci-fi, urban, and fantasy genres, including Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Stephanie Cain, Hans Cummings, and George Kramer.  They were all delighted to talk about their tradecraft, and Hans Cummings and Stephanie Cain led one of the informative panel discussions. Some of them had self-published their books, using a service such as Lulu, … Continued