How to Be a Writer

Left Column
Right Column

How to Be a Writer

by Alison Coleman, Richard H. Brodhead ’68 Prize for Teaching Excellence by Instructional Faculty
Friday, October 9, 2026 - 3:00pm to 3:45pm
Key Event
Livestream Available

What does it mean to be a writer? Is the term reserved for novelists and journalists? Does it apply only to those who have published their work? Or is writing something more democratic, collaborative, available to everyone? In this participatory lecture, we’ll consider why writing skills matter (perhaps now more than ever); what it means to write effectively across academic disciplines, professional pursuits, and life paths; and how students—and all of us—can develop confidence and enjoyment in the act of writing. Come to this session prepared to put pen to paper!