The HCWE strives to foster a community of writers and writing on Miami’s campus, and to celebrate that culture of writing, we host an annual gathering called “The Writer’s Progress.” The event is typically held in May, and it provides opportunities for connection and reflection for all Miami writers.

This year’s Writer’s Progress, held on May 8th in King Library, was particularly special for the staff of the HCWE, as it was the first in-person Writer’s Progress since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. Planned and facilitated by graduate assistant directors Rena Perez and Will Chesher, the event asked writers to embark on their very own writing quest, visiting various stations to learn and reflect on their experiences over the past academic year. Stations, or “waypoints,” featured various interactive components and activities related to attendees’ work with writing over the past year.

Each station offered writers opportunities to learn more about the various programming offered by both the Howe Writing Center and Howe Writing Across the Curriculum, sign up for events and workshops to be offered during the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year, and challenge conceptions about writing as both a practice and a pedagogical tool.

Reflection also played an important role throughout the Writer’s Progress. Some stations encouraged attendees to consider the ways they have improved their writing, whether through instruction or practice. This reflection took many forms, from answering questions and writing responses down on whiteboards, to crafting an artistic representation of a research roadmap or writing a haiku.

Attendees who completed enough quests earned various prizes offered by the HCWE. Those who participated the most earned fun dinosaur figurines customized and named by HCWE staff during the prior week’s event, titled Dinos & Desserts. With names like “Paperback,” “Second-set-of-eyes Rex,” and “Ballpoint Ben,” these dinos serve as reminders that writing and creativity are their own rewards.

The Writer’s Progress will return in Spring 2024 with even more exciting opportunities to learn and reflect on your writing and instructional practices.