Creating Community: Creative Writing Club is Back!

Hail Orecchio

Journalism I Student

Submitted by Hail Orecchio

During the semester, it is important for students to have a place to unwind from the stress of school. For certain individuals, this place happens to be the Creative Writing Club. 

The creative writing club at Sussex County Community College in Newton is used as a creative outlet for students to go and be themselves with like-minded people. It is run by adjunct professor Andrew Renaldo, who took over the club because of his love of writing and also to create a safe space for students who needed it.

 “I felt like I was letting them down by not having the club,” he says. 

When joining a club like this, many students are fearful that their work will be judged, as most are with their personal writing. Renaldo assures students that this is not the case. Some people want feedback on their work, others don’t. Both of these options are completely acceptable in the club. 

“They’re like, ‘I’m just gonna read this and then go back into my own little shell,’ and that’s fine,” he shares. 

Writing can be a vulnerable thing, but both Renaldo and the club members make it their mission to make sure everybody is heard and has a good time. 

This club not only provides a safe space for students, but also lets individuals express their creativity through different outlets. When attending the Creative Writing Club, members can share anything they write, or they can just sit and listen. The club mainly follows weekly themes where everyone writes something, and whether one cares to share their writing or not, there is no pressure from their peers. From fanfiction to horror week to PowerPoint day, the options of what to create are endless. 

Renaldo has brought back a space of peace and creativity at SCCC. Club Vice President Tatjana Deslandes also offers important insight on why this club means so much to the community. 

“We don’t all have the same hobbies, likes, or ideas, but we’re able to come together over something we all find joy in and share it with each other!” Deslandes shares. 

Stock Photo

The meetings happen in room D307 on Wednesdays from 3 p.m to 4 p.m. and are open to all students on campus. There is a flow of people who show up regularly and rarely, so don’t feel pressured if it doesn’t work with the schedule all the time! There is a seat open for everyone in this group, whether there is something to write about or not. 

“We have people that come and they just want a place to just be,” Renaldo says. “So come and hang out, just be yourself with us.” Those who do write are working towards publishing a collection of works by the spring semester, whether that be an actual publication or something just for themselves. This can give the club a sense of purpose with something to work towards. 

So whether it’s writing stories or just wanting a place to exist for an hour on Wednesday afternoons, the Creative Writing Club will accept members with open arms, so come hang out!