The Underground is currently seeking student contributors to submit short articles and write-ups on a recurring basis. Topics would include on-campus events (English Dept-sponsored and not), off-campus events (literary or English-related in nature), and noteworthy topics. Pieces wouldn’t exceed 1,200 words (and that’s on the longer end). I welcome your ideas/pitches, so long as they are clearly thematically related to the Underground mission.

Here’s how it works: I’ll keep a list of contributors and each Tuesday afternoon those contributors would receive an email with a list of topics/pitches that would be up for grabs. If you see one that interests you, you’d respond by noon Wednesday (the following day) with a one or two-line summary of your piece. Once I give you the all-clear to proceed with the piece, turnaround time is 1-3 days (will vary depending on topic). You send it in, I check it over, and it runs on the site.

Much of what we hope you’ll cover is the events. Many times students see events advertised that they’d like to attend but can’t make. By providing recaps, we create a conversation about the goings-on and also allow others to gain from the event.

What’s in it for you? Primarily, experience! This is a great way to build writing habits beyond those enforced by the structure of your courses and academic life. Pieces are short and informal, so the time input is low, and you’ll also learn a bit of what freelancing entails. Not to mention honing your idea-generation skills! You’ll also be able to add it to your resume and see your work on the blog.

Here’s a sample topic email, taken from last quarter:

1. Visiting Writers Series: Fredrick Barton, 9/22: Did anyone attend? Would love a recap on it, especially with notes/thoughts on Katrina anniversary.
2.   Autumn Quarter Book Club—A Song of Ice and Fire: 9/30. Looking for a recap on this (how discussion played out, external connects, etc), as well, also hopefully with a nod to this being the third installment of the club.
3.    It’s Banned Books Week. DePaul’s Richardson Library hosts an hourlong dramatic reading featuring selections from some of the most challenged books in the United States this past year. It takes place on Friday, October 2^nd, at 2pm.
4.    I’d also love an essay or reflection on Banned Books in general. What does censorship mean for us as students of literature? Should we ban books?
5.    Upcoming: Visiting Writers’ Series, 10/6: Cyn Vargas and John McNally.
6.     *open pitch! Tell me what you want to write!*

 

***If being a contributor interests you, please email the editor, Anastasia Sasewich, and I will add your name and email address to the list.***

Please also note any special areas of interest so that I can keep you in mind for special assignments.

Thanks again for your interest! I look forward to working with you!

Anastasia Sasewich, Underground editor