Word Works
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
– Genesis 1:1-3 KJV
I’ve taped this passage to the side of my computer to remind myself of two things. First, God is wildly and extravagantly creative. Secondly, words hold power and potency. After God gave Adam the breath of life, the next gift given was language. And if we were to continue reading Genesis we’d continue to find over and over examples of how words matter.
Maybe this is why so many of us feel compelled to tinker with words for long hours. We are searching for images, looking for connecting links between ideas, sound, meaning. We hone, whittle, shape to see what will emerge. And often we do this alone. The aloneness is necessary to the act of creation. But it is equally necessary for artists to share their work, exchange ideas, challenge and encourage one another. While the act of writing seems a lonely and solitary one, the irony is that writers thrive in an atmosphere of mutual encouragement. Word Works is designed to provide an atmosphere where ideas can collide, are challenged and are refined. Afternoons and evenings feature readings, panels, documentary showings, and literary excursions/scavenger hunts. Evening presentations are free and open to the public.
Word Works was created to provide that space where collision and convergence occurs. In classrooms, around coffee tables or while listening to poetry slams at open mic, we want to help writers gain knowledge and forge lasting connections with other writers.
Our words matter. At Corban University we are passionate about cultivating creative thought and creative writing. We believe that words make a difference and yours will too. Whether you want to pursue a writing degree, learn from published writers or start writing the next great American novel, come discover how Word Works can help.
Gina Ochsner
coming June 20–23, 2013
