When I first learned about the existence of a writing center, I was both excited and a little anxious. Excited because I wanted to learn more about writing and anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. Would the people there be nice? Would they help me figure out my story? Or would I end up talking to myself?
I needn’t have worried about any of that. The staff at the Denver Public Library’s Pearl Jameson Writing Center were all incredibly kind and helpful, and most importantly, they got me writing. Even if you think you don’t have anything to write about, they’ll find a way to get you started. You can’t beat having a creative sparkle and the spark of an idea to get you going. Besides, it’s always nice to find a place that understands exactly what you’re up against.
The Creative Spark
If I had to describe the staff at the Pearl Jameson Writing Center in one word, it would be ‘creative’. Every single person there had a story to tell and was more than willing to help you figure out how to make it interesting. A lot of people, even those who are fairly experienced, tend to overlook the importance of creativity in writing. While it’s certainly important to have an idea that can be executed correctly, it’s more important to find an idea that you believe in and that will make your audience connect with the story. When I walked in the door, I saw people playing music, watching movies, reading, and just having fun. It was like walking into a creative playroom that has all the necessary tools to help you develop your ideas.
Get Inspired
In today’s world, the term ‘inspiration’ can be used in a number of ways, but most people think about getting an idea for a story or an essay and then trying to fit as much information as possible into it. This can work, but it’s not the only way to go about it. If you go to the Pearl Jameson Writing Center, you will not only be inspired by the people there and the space itself, but you will be able to take a step back and look at the entire process of writing from a different perspective.
Get Help
The people at the Pearl Jameson Writing Center know exactly what they’re doing, and they get really good at helping you figure out your story. Some of the questions they ask are: Why do you want to write about this topic? What is your personal experience with this? Have you ever done any research on this? One of the things I love about the center is that they’re not afraid to ask questions and give you feedback. After you’ve written your first draft, they will point out different aspects they noticed that could be improved and help you make the story better. This is especially helpful if you’re not happy with how your story is turning out or if you have any trouble following the storyline.
What Type Of Writer Are You?
One of the most helpful things about the Pearl Jameson Writing Center is that they don’t judge you based on your GPA or your score on the ACT or SAT. A lot of places will only look at your grade point average or test scores and use them to judge your writing ability, but at the Pearl Jameson Writing Center, you get a chance to be judged based on your own merits. Even if you don’t end up getting any help with your story, you will still be able to apply what you’ve learned there to other areas of writing. For example, if you’re struggling with organization or following the storyline, you can come back at a later date and ask for assistance.
The Difference In The Way They Treat You
One of the things I noticed immediately when I walked in the door was that the staff there didn’t treat me like a student. I felt like I was visiting a friend’s creative space in their house. There was a mix of adults and children there, and everyone was just having fun. It doesn’t hurt that the space is inviting and relaxing either.
When I was younger, I used to feel intimidated going to the library, especially because I didn’t know what to expect. I used to think that because I was a girl, I’d have to sit and wait my turn at a library desk. Or, I’d have to try to find a quiet place in the stacks to do my homework. In reality, though, the staff at the library are there to help you and make sure you have everything you need. You can go at any time and find an area to work in, whether it’s at a table in the back or in a quiet spot in a corner. They’re not going to judge you or look down on you because you’re a girl.
Aside from the way they treat you, I also liked that the staff there seemed to genuinely care about how well I did. When I walked in the door for my appointment, the librarian came out from behind the desk, shook my hand, and said, “Hi, I’m Peggy. How are you?” When she called me by name, it felt a little bit like she was saying hello to an old friend. This was a bit unusual and a little bit intimidating at first, but in a good way.
Things I Didn’t Like
While I loved a lot of things about the Pearl Jameson Writing Center, there were a few drawbacks that I had to deal with as well. One of the main issues I had was the noise. Even if you don’t write, you’ll still be surrounded by noise. There’s always someone talking, children playing, and people coming and going. If you’re used to being in a quiet place, the noise can be distracting. In most cases, I’d recommend choosing a quieter space in a public library if you don’t want to deal with the noise. The other downside is the lack of privacy. When you walk in the door, you’ll notice there are no walls or dividers inside the space. While this probably won’t be a problem for most people, if you’re looking for some privacy, you might want to find another place to work.
Overall, I had a really good experience at the Pearl Jameson Writing Center. Not only did they inspire me to learn more about writing and figure out what I wanted to write about, but they also helped me put my thoughts into words. If you’re looking for a place to write, or if you’re an experienced writer needing a leg up, the Pearl Jameson Writing Center is the place to be. Even if you don’t end up getting any help with your story, you’re sure to learn something about writing or figure out what you want to write about yourself.