Moorpark College’s best kept secret might be a free, weekly non-credit writing workshop that is open to everyone on campus.

Moorpark College English professor Sandra Hunter created ‘Writers Workshop: everyone welcome,’ and has been running it every Thursday this fall. A published, multiple award-winning fiction writer, Hunter brings a wealth of experience to this poetry workshop.

“My intention with [this workshop] is to get students to write outside class, in a more relaxed, informal environment, and to get them jazzed about writing,” said Hunter.

Every week, Hunter inspires her Workshop students to write poetry with a variety of creative approaches. One exercise could be a writing prompt about elements in nature, to which students add sentences of their own. Another exercise could be reading published poetry for ideas.

The class read “Eating Poetry” and “The Coming of Light” by Mark Strand, after which Hunter directed students to write opposite versions of these poems and to share their results. Hunter explained that they receive supportive feedback through these exercises.

The Writing Workshop also has fun, creative word games that engage students to collaborate with each other and inspire them each to write their own poetry.

“I’m taking this workshop because it’s fun, and to get published,” said Dana Trick, 20, history major. “I’ve been writing since middle school, so I have a lot of writing. This [workshop] helps me craft work, and out of my comfort zone in writing.”

Student writer and on-line publisher of fan fiction, 20-year-old Adriann Santer decided to try her hand at poetry this semester.

“I enjoyed writing the last three years. But I think I’m ready to get serious about writing now. The more options I have career wise,” said Santer, studio arts and art history double major. “I never thought I was good at poetry, but I started this [workshop] and then, ‘hey, check this out!’”

Hunter also attracts colleagues from her own department to this workshop.

“It gets me writing, and it makes me accountable to someone every week,” said English instructor Joelle Hannah.

The workshop is creating a place for anyone with a passion for writing to come together, meet new people and share in the wealth of creativity.

“I feel more a part of Moorpark College, and the writing community,” said English instructor Nanor Abkarian, who is new to the campus.

In addition to being free, this workshop is open to all writers at any level, from the novice to the experienced; plus, there’s no commitment, according to Hunter.

The Writers’ Workshop may not be offered next semester, as Hunter will be on leave. The next one is being held from 4-5 p.m, Thurs. Nov. 16 in HSS 222. Get ready to listen, read, wax the poetic, and make new friends. For more information, you can contact Sandra Hunter at [email protected].