Writer's Block is an inclusive, collaborative writing community at Mount St. Joseph University. We celebrate creativity by fostering a safe, welcoming space for students from all walks of life to explore their writing in a friendly environment. We write, we read, we laugh, we play, we try, we fail, we fail better, and above all, we do it together, side by side, week after week—because self-expression and belonging are essential in these uncertain times. We honor diverse, dynamic, humanity-affirming student voices on campus because we care.

So why not join us in our endeavor to save the world one story, essay, and poem at a time?

We see beauty in the darkness. Come help us shine a light on it.

 

Technical info: LIB 100 “Writer’s Block” is a 1-credit class that meets Fridays at noon. We offer two sections, 50 minutes each, taught by Drs. Brian Phillip Whalen and Elizabeth Taryn Mason. Students receive a $500 scholarship each semester they take LIB 100. Students who minor in Creative Writing can count three sections of LIB 100 toward their minor requirements. For more information about scholarships, click below.

 

Creative Communities 

Interested in getting your work published through other writing communities at the Mount? Visit our Creative Communities page to learn more, or contact Dr. Brian Whalen at brian.whalen@msj.edu for more info.

MSJ Renaissance Awards

MSJ Renaissance: $500-$1000 per year. Planned participation in: The Art Guild, Theatre, University Band, Peak Productions, Writer's Block, or University Singers. Students may only receive one award, regardless of participation in multiple groups. Does not require a separate application. Visit the Scholarships page for more details.

"I don't have one particular favorite memory of Writer's Block because every meeting is influential. I love getting to know about my classmates every time I sit down and discuss our writing and love seeing how our own interests and styles affect how and what we write about. My favorite part of being involved with Writer's Block through service learning was highlighting our individual members through our Instagram page. As I mentioned before, getting to know everyone and seeing different perspectives is my favorite part of Writer's Block, so doing a more in-depth dive into everyone was very insightful. I loved showcasing that people from all majors and backgrounds find themselves at home with Writer's Block and hope that everyone who sees our posts feels welcome to join." Emma Weber Liberal Arts: English '26

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