By Molly Lynch & Ava Grippo – News Editors 

Mr. Healy’s Advanced Creative Writing class is in the process of creating their book of short stories, “Rule of Law.”

The book is a collaborative effort in which a short story from every student will be featured. Students are assigned to write three short stories throughout the year and are given a guideline to help them stay on track with deadlines. 

Senior Creative Writing student Keira Askintowicz described how the class has allowed students to prepare for creating the book.

“Our class has prepared in various ways by engaging in group discussions, peer review, and multiple workshops that enhance our literacy skills as well as our creativity,” Askintowicz said. “We collaborate as a class and provide feedback to each other to improve aspects of our writing.”

Writing short stories with tight deadlines requires dedication and consistency.

Senior Creative Writing student Ciara Tavarez said she has shifted her perspective about the writing process as the year has progressed.

“The writing process has been tough for me,” Tavarez said. “Finding a plot and figuring out how to make it a short story is difficult, but after writing in the class for a few months, writing definitely gets easier.”

Students are given certain deadlines for each step of the writing process, which helps guide them through their stories on time.

Senior Creative Writing student Yeiden Nieves expressed his fondness for the brainstorming process.

“My favorite part of this process is the brainstorming period because that’s when you’re allowed to just let your creativity and imagination run wild,” Nieves said.

A universal challenge for students in the class is to continue writing through periods of time when they feel unmotivated or idealess. 

Senior Creative Writing student Rose O’Connell said she overcame several challenges throughout the writing process.

“I think the hardest part of writing a story is getting into a good writing state,” O’Connell said. “Overcoming writer’s block is difficult, but when I sit down and remove all distractions, I can truly enjoy progressing my story.”

Healy described the strategies he uses to create a successful writing process.

“I try to use a questioning method, where I just ask lots of questions to make students think about their work,” Healy said. “Every now and then, if a student is really stuck, I’ll give suggestions, but I really want students to practice working through those difficulties.”

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To pre-order a copy of “Rule of Law,” scan the QR code on the flyer outside of Mr. Healy’s Room (Room 230).