I do my best writing organically, sitting down with a vague idea and getting to work – so the idea of intense outlining and planning is a daunting one. Faint memories of three-act structures and archaic plot graphs come to mind, but I was on the hunt for something more compelling. Fortunately for me and other writers in need, the NaNoWriMo website offers a wealth of strategies to lean back on.
Author: Oakland Arts Review
The Oakland Arts Review is an international journal of undergraduate writing and art.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt
I’m finally discovering how to quiet the voice that tells me I can’t. Or that I shouldn’t. Or that trying will inevitably result in failure. Reducing the voice from a roar to a murmur has allowed me to pursue things I never dreamt possible.
Tips from an Intern
The important thing to remember when publishing is to expect rejection but keep fighting for it. Ideally, you get into writing for a reason, a passion, a desire — don’t lose sight of that.
Mental Health Inclusion in Literature
As someone who deals with anxiety, depression, and OCD, I have used writing as an outlet for many years. I personally love to read about others who can share my feelings and shortcomings. It creates solidarity through the knowledge that there’s someone out there who gets you, who knows in some way what you’re going through or dealing with.
The Game of Balancing Change, Pain, and Creative Writing
By: Katherine See As a kid, I was a die-hard reader with an infinite imagination. One could’ve found me with a book in the stands at my brothers’ hockey games, in the car, even in bed late at night with a stolen flashlight. My love for poetry began in high school. The way I could … Continue reading The Game of Balancing Change, Pain, and Creative Writing
Antisemitism in Popular Fantasy Novels
By: Alana Drasnin Ever since I was a small child, I’ve always been especially enamored with fantasy fiction. I love nothing more than to dive into a new world, one so different from our own. Within these wondrous worlds, I had never really noticed the hidden symbolism, pointing to anti-semitism, until I became older. Only … Continue reading Antisemitism in Popular Fantasy Novels
The Joys (and Horrors) of the Modern Staff Writer
By Riley Becks Introduction To the average person—and by the average person I mean someone who has not yet had the pleasure of working in the writing world—the term “staff writer” seems easy enough to define: a person who curates written content for a business. And this definition, at its core, is accurate—but it’s not … Continue reading The Joys (and Horrors) of the Modern Staff Writer
Using Narrative Storytelling on Your Next Job Resume
By Antonio Verrelli “We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories.” — Jonathan Gottschall, The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human I love this quote. It doesn’t need any scientific data to prove it’s true because, for the … Continue reading Using Narrative Storytelling on Your Next Job Resume
The Problem with Scholarship Essays: Everyone Loves an Underdog
By Malaena Caldwell Recount a time in your life where you overcame adversity. Or, Describe a time in your life that has shaped who you are as a person. These are questions taken directly from multiple departmental-merit scholarships I’ve applied for during my time as an undergraduate student, and as I prepare my applications for … Continue reading The Problem with Scholarship Essays: Everyone Loves an Underdog
My Little Room
by Jeff Thomas It’s been a strange year. I don’t plan. It’s just not one of those things that I seem to know how to do. My life has advanced to this point mostly because I roll out of bed in the morning and choose to do things that I like doing. Some causality exists … Continue reading My Little Room
Oakland Arts Review 