Welcome to the Creative Writing Department at Douglas Anderson,

a literary haven born in 1990 to meet the growing demand for diverse avenues of self-expression. Rooted in the belief that writing is an integral facet of the artistic spirit, our mission is to propel the art of writing forward, offering a dedicated and nurturing space for passionate wordsmiths.

Our program

Our curriculum is a vibrant tapestry, encompassing a spectrum of courses: from fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction to journalism, screenwriting, digital arts, publication, copy editing, speech, and oral interpretation. In our classrooms, students delve into theory, conduct readings of both contemporary and classical literature, engage in one-on-one conferences, benefit from mentoring, and participate in small group workshops focusing on revision, self-evaluation, and personal growth.

Unique Creative Opportunities

Publications

The department sponsors Élan, an international student literary magazine published twice a year online with a print book compilation at the end of the school year.
The Artisan, Douglas Anderson’s student newspaper, offers staff positions to creative writers in their junior and senior years.

Performances

Coffee House, a student-produced evening of original performance work, is open to all arts areas and combines writing with theatre, dance, visual art, and music.
The Élan magazine staff hosts a series of events in celebration of National Poetry Month each April.
Public Readings are held throughout the year, each featuring a different grade level.

Writers' Festival

The biennial Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival features writers from all over the country during a weekend of varied writing activities. Writers of national and international acclaim are invited to present. The festival provides hands-on, craft-oriented workshops with professional writers and scholars, furnishing an invaluable and affordable opportunity for emerging young writers in our community. Featured presenters have included Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Billy Collins, and Tracy K. Smith.

Awards & Accolades

Our students get incredible opportunities normally only afforded to graduate students in writing. The department has grown to produce many talented young writers who have gone on to win awards, to teach, and to publish. DA students have received recognition in or won the following:

Princeton University's Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize
National VOYA Award in poetry
YoungArts National Arts Recognition and Talent Search
Scholastic Art and Literary Awards
Southern Voices
Boditch Award in Poetry, Essay and Fiction
Columbia College of Chicago's Young Authors Writing Competition
Hollins University's Nancy Thorpe Poetry Contest