Nashville Emerging Writers’ Workshop a Rousing Success
by Zoe Bauer '16
Last Saturday, USN welcomed students from across Middle Tennessee for a day of writing, sharing, and learning about the craft.
Last Saturday, USN welcomed students from across Middle Tennessee for a day of writing, sharing, and learning about the craft.
On February 28, 88 high-school students from 34 schools in Tennessee put pen to paper at the USN-hosted Nashville Emerging Writers’ Workshop. Some tried their hands at playwriting, others pondered plot development in Young Adult literature, still others wrote song lyrics, and the list continues; this year, there were also workshops in poetry, short fiction, radio journalism, spoken word, children’s literature, food journalism, and screenwriting. Faculty came from across Middle Tennessee, including three from USN: Freya Sachs, Robbie McKay, and Catherine Coke, as well as other USN teachers who provided support to make sure the day went smoothly. The day-long program, co-sponsored by USN, Hume-Fogg, and The Porch, brought students together to discover new styles of writing and hone their expertise with more familiar ones.
T.J. Jarrett, a Nashville poet, gave the keynote speech and advised the student writers to keep honesty in their writing and not shy from revising their work. As well, she shared personal experience and described her writing process, including isolating herself to focus on writing and her willingness to make mistakes.
Next, it was time for the afternoon workshops. I took poetry, where I focused on creating detailed metaphors that provide more insight into the “feeling” of a poem, and I practiced writing about an abstract idea, like truth, without ever directly mentioning that idea. It was a rewarding challenge!
"I was in the poetry and flash fiction workshops, and flash fictions was something that I've never come across before. It was really fun to read and write some works. We learned about the structure of flash fiction and I learned a lot about the tenses that they use," said Jessica Schreiber '16.
Then, at the end of the day, students participated in an informal reading where they shared some of their own works and heard what others had created. One group even performed a song that they had written that afternoon. At 3:30, everyone left USN with inspiration, more ways of thinking about their craft, and new friends from all across Middle Tennessee.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.