Creative Writing

Inspired by the words of our elders and those in our literary lineages, we create worlds from words in pursuing excellence in the fields of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, journalism, and dramatic writing (both stage and screen). Although students choose one or two primary areas of focus, we support exploration of the overlaps and cross-pollination between genres.

All members of our Creative Writing faculty are writers themselves. Our interests include environmental literature, hybrid forms, text and image, ecopoetry, creative writing informed by history and research, linguistics, language preservation, creative nonfiction and memoir, speculative fiction, graphic novels, and more.

This program is designed to offer students a strong foundation in craft, creativity, and criticism, as well as a solid understanding of Native and World literature.

Throughout the program, students have many opportunities to read publicly and develop their own voice. Students work with a faculty member to design, edit, and publish an annual anthology of creative writing and art. With our small class sizes, we offer individualized attention and feedback. Creative Writing students also have the opportunity to work with a broad array of visiting writers from the local Lannan Literary Foundation. The Creative Writing program offers many opportunities for scholarships, recognition, and fellowships to national writing conferences.