It seems like a question with an easy enough answer, right? A writer is someone who writes. But for anyone who has actually ever seriously tried to make writing a large scale endeavor, they know that this question is triggered by even more intricate questions: When do I legitimize my writing? Is it when someone … Continue reading Am I a Writer?
I think all writers want to achieve the nirvana of seeing their work in print. Most aspiring writers don’t have a problem sharing their work, even if it means getting harsh feedback. There is, however, a large number of student writers who are afraid to submit. Submitting might not be the only thing that sets … Continue reading Three Reasons Why You Should Submit Your Work
A few months ago, when I was suffering through winter finals, I had this little image of how my summer would go. I pictured me, my laptop, birds chirping, and much needed writing time for those larger projects that had somehow fallen through the cracks. With jobs, an internship, summer classes, and social life, the … Continue reading The Beauty of the Writing Prompt
Sharnita Sanders - La mejor tinta is my all-time favorite Spanish poem (when it comes to English I have a whole different set of favorites). It was written by Armando Valladares when he was a prisoner in La Habana during Castro’s rule. He literally says in the first line: “me lo han quitado todo/la pluma/los … Continue reading OAR Editors Pick Their Favorite Poems
Alyssa Knowling is an undergraduate writer at Webster University. She is a poet and visual artist out of St. Louis, and agreed to talk with us about her poem, "Today, It's Warhol," available in the Winter 2016 issue of the OAR. -Bethany Olson What was behind your choice to invoke Andy Warhol in your poem? … Continue reading Interview with Alyssa Knowling
The Winter 2016 issue of The Oakland Arts Review is here! We would like to thank everyone involved, including all of the creative undergraduate students from across the globe who submitted their work, and the very hardworking undergraduates who were part of bringing the journal together. The OAR would not have been possible without … Continue reading The Oakland Arts Review is here!
Brianna Vanderveen is one of OU’s many talented undergraduate writers and poets. She recently placed third in OU’s poetry slam. Brianna has agreed to share her experiences with slam poetry, her motivations, and what inspires her. - Sharnita Sanders Sharnita Sanders: When it comes to poetry, what is your creative process? Brianna Vanderveen: My … Continue reading Interview with Brianna Vanderveen
Eva Hill is an undergraduate writer and poet at Oakland University who recently participated in the OU poetry slam. She has been writing and performing poetry since she was in high school, and agreed to talk about her inspirations, motivations, and her experience performing slam poetry. Sharnita Sanders: What first drew you to poetry? … Continue reading Interview with Eva Hill
Recently I was able to see spoken word duo Speak Like a Girl perform as part of an open mic on campus. For the uninitiated, spoken word, also referred to as slam poetry, is poetry intended to be performed aloud. For me, the appeal of spoken word is the array of diverse voices. Most of … Continue reading Speak Like a Girl (Megan Falley & Olivia Gatwood)
As a writer, one of the most difficult things to deal with is writer's block. There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to write something, finding the time, and having nothing come to mind. I typically experience writer's block when trying to start a new project. No matter how many ideas I may have, there … Continue reading Creative Writing Prompts
