Benjamin Truax served the Writer's Guild at the University of Cincinnati as its acting president for two academic years (2012-13, 2013-14) with a tenure marked by expansion and redefinition. Ben's work with Short Vine, UC's undergraduate literary magazine, helped him to become a consummate editor of prose and fiction--some poetry as well--which directly translated to the group's activity, specifically the monthly workshops where copy-editing and writing conventions are stressed for members' revisions. His demeanor was welcoming as a president, but most will remember his dedication to the group, undaunted scholarship (a triple major: Philosophy, Creative Writing: Fiction Track, and Literary Cultural Studies) and companionship within the Writer's Guild. We all wish him well in his future endeavors in life and in literature.
As incoming secretary, I asked our departing senior class about their writing and educational experiences at UC, and within the guild, that have contributed to their growth as writers. In a broad sense too, I also wished to learn more about their maturation and philosophy on writing:
What has the club done for your writing? What has improved/matured during your time at UC and within the club? What is your idea/philosophy about your writing--explain in any terms or association that is natural to your process?
I say that in my years as a creative writing student I have become jaded. In the life of any artist, there is, I think, ample reasons to be so: the keys to the kingdom are guarded by people with interests most likely contrary to my own, my vision will be marked up and critiqued and I will be dogged by people who want me to fit in a tidy box, and most of all the churning vat of alternative forms of entertainment will severely limit my reach, if I ever manage to have one at all. What is a writer to do? Many take to writing purely for other writers as an exercise in masturbatory ego-stroking, others write in form and pander to the middle age women or men who only read one type of thing for the rest of their lives. I’m not going to lie, it is a tough world for an artist, and it’s just going to get tougher.
I wish I had the answer. I wish it was as easy as writing “show don’t tell” in sassy red ink as if those words tell me how to do it, instead of having to figure it out on my own. But here are some things I do know, and I share them now to supplement all we have worked on together over the years; things I maybe just didn’t have the words for in our meetings, or thoughts that are still half formed, or half remembered. One, each and every one of us has a unique view of the world. We have stories to tell. They threaten to burst forth and we only need to find the right words. Inundate yourself with words, fat words, skinny words, big words and all kinds of words because first and foremost, it is your job to make your reader see what you see and feel how you feel. Two, remember that people are different. The range of human emotions and motivations is vast and varied in and of itself, but even that shouldn’t impose a limit. The imagination is not something people are simply born with; it can be strengthened. It only takes a bit of practice. Learn to have empathy and see things from other angles and other perspectives unlike your own. That will give you fodder for any situation. Three, let your work speak for you. Do not compromise yourself or your vision to jive in harmony. Don’t be afraid to be discordant. Don’t forget that if it came from you it is an extension of you. Be flexible and creative and adapt when necessary, but never let them change your essence or the essence of your masterpieces.
My friends it has been a pleasure. We fortify each other knowing that we are in this together. Don’t hesitate to keep in touch.
Ben Truax
(The Proper)
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