Why Every School Needs A Creative Writing Club

morgzsydneyxoxo wants you to get your writin' face on!—Sparkitors

I decided to join my school's creative writing club (the aptly-named Shakespeare and Co) this fall. It was pretty much the best decision of my life. Here's why I love it so much:

1. It's totally acceptable to have endless Atticus Finch vs. Mr.Darcy debates. And to draw random pictures of Mr.Darcy in a green felt kilt.

2. You can create an amazing required reading list. AND DELETE ANIMAL FARM.

3. You will discover a group of passionate literary nerds. It's amazing.

4. You get a staff of personal writing ninjas. Right now, my ninjas are helping me crack my nutzo English teacher. I would probably have a C right now without them.

5. You can rant about aforementioned nutzo English teacher. Not that I do this on a regular basis or anything (even though she took off four out of five because I said that "Pip found out that Magwitch was his benefactor" instead of saying that Magwitch told him. SHE IS RIDICULOUS. She actually tries to fail her students.) I have had days where I vented for half an hour. And my friends felt my pain and supported me.

6. You get inspiring and unexpected writing prompts. My friend literally told me to write about babies, and I ended up with a story (still in progress) about a girl who was diagnosed with leukemia as a baby and must have her leg amputated. And then she enters the third grade and has a playground love story. It's adorable, if I do say so myself.

7. You finally find someone who shares your love of Great Expectations (other than your crazy English teacher). My class hated it the book and actually shouted "Pip, Pip, Hooray!" the day we finished it.

8. You all agree that Breaking Dawn was the funniest movie you ever saw, and you have multiple dates set up for a Twilight book-bonfire.

9. One of your fellow writing ninjas might bring a popcorn-maker to the club. And it will make ninja good popcorn.

10. Every once in a while, you may actually do something productive, like write or critique a story!

11. And finally, you make friends that will help you improve your vocabulary (this is a screenshot of a status I posted on Facebook and the resulting conversation:)

Does your school have a creative writing club? Would you consider starting one?

Related post: How to Host a Writing Marathon