Writing with Passion and Purpose

“There’s a magical place in each of our brains--the seat of creativity, maybe--and it sparks and fires a thousand different ways in response to even the most pedestrian things of this world. Being involved in the creative process, seeing its astonishing results, is truly one of my greatest joys in life.”  -Jennifer Abeles

Bay Path University’s writing coach, Jennifer Abeles, wants students to do more than just write. She strives to help students enjoy the art of writing. Jennifer told us a little bit about herself and how she is involving students into the world of creative writing by forming a group on campus where students can meet and discuss prompts or work on their own works in progress. This group includes students from our undergraduate, graduate, and non-traditional populations. We had a Q and A with Jennifer to get the scoop on this new group:

• Tell us about yourself. What is your role at BPU and how long have you been here?

I’ve worked as the writing coach here at BPU since October 2015. As writing coach, I help all BPU students--grad or trad, distance or on-campus--develop as writers. My aim is to help students discover and build on their writing strengths and conscientiously address areas we’ve identified as needing improvement. 

• What inspired you to start your creative writing group on campus?

I wanted to start this group to give students a chance to discover or re-discover what they ‘enjoy’ about writing. Sometimes an abundance of assignments and due dates can sap the pleasure from the writing process, even for people who consider themselves writers. I wanted to provide a place where student writers can support each other in being creative and have fun. This group could also be useful for students new to writing who want to learn some basics and give it a whirl.

• What is your goal for this group?

My goal is pretty simple, really. I just want to give self-elected creative writers the space, safety, instruction, and tools they need to further develop their skills as young J.K. Rowlings-in-training. I would like for each hour we spend together to feel fun, inspiring, and fulfilling for each participant.

• What do you love most about your job/creative writing--for yourself and students?

As a teacher of creative writing (I’ve taught at Queens College and the University of Hartford), I love seeing the individual ways students approach writing prompts. A seashell can inspire a pirate adventure story, a fantastical romance of mermaids, or a poetic rhapsody about the beauty and power of nature. There’s a magical place in each of our brains--the seat of creativity, maybe--and it sparks and fires a thousand different ways in response to even the most pedestrian things of this world. Being involved in the creative process, seeing its astonishing results, is truly one of my greatest joys in life. 

If you’re interested in joining the creative writing group on the Longmeadow campus, contact Jennifer Abeles at jabeles@baypath.edu You can join Jennifer and other creative writing warriors every Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. in Catok.