Writers House puts writing on the map at Case Western Reserve University. Our historic building (Bellflower Hall, 11427 Bellflower Avenue) is both a gathering place for writers and a catalyst for our thriving culture of writing. Writers House embraces all forms of writing, reading, and creative expression; it supports a diverse and inclusive community of writers on campus and in our regional community.
Creating Community
Writers House hosts workshops, readings, lectures, and symposia, often in collaboration with Cleveland-area literary arts organizations. Events such as the November Nonfiction and February Fiction conferences bring writers from across the region together to share and develop their craft. An annual Anisfield-Wolf Seminar, sponsored equally by the Cleveland Humanities Collaborative, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, Writers House, and Cuyahoga Community College, is an opportunity for faculty participants to discuss race, pedagogy, and educational outreach. The Edward S. and Melinda Sadar Lecture is a public showcase of research and scholarship about writing, publishing, and intellectual property. The Arts and Sciences Dissertation Seminar supports humanities and social sciences graduate students in their research, writing, and explorations of the questions and methods of humanistic scholarship. The Arnaud Gelb Journalism Awards and Internship Grants recognize outstanding student journalists and support undergraduates as they gain valuable experience in media organizations across the country.
New Gutenberg Annex
The New Gutenberg Annex, located within Writers House, is a moveable type print lab and book arts workshop. In this hands-on space, students and faculty experience the art and craft of letterpress printing, while they explore the technologies that turn words and ideas into physical objects. The New Gutenberg Annex pays homage to Bits Press, founded in 1974 by CWRU Professor of English Robert Wallace (1966-1999), which specialized in letterpress editions of short poetry (bits), short fiction (pieces), and, eventually a poetry series aimed at a general audience (Light Year). Bits Press published chapbooks and works by Mary Oliver, John Updike, Bruce Bennett, and X.J. Kennedy, among others.
Writing Program
The Writing Program supports all CWRU students as they develop sophisticated communicative strategies and articulate their messages clearly, passionately, and persuasively. In addition to providing pedagogical leadership for the undergraduate writing curriculum at CWRU, the Writing Program coordinates the Celebration of Student Writing & Research, an opportunity for first- and second-year undergraduates to present their writing and research to the CWRU community. We also recognize excellent student writers and outstanding faculty through our annual Writing and Teaching Awards.
Writing Resource Center
The Writing Resource Center (WRC) provides support for writers across the university. We offer in-house programming, such as general campus workshops and student/faculty writing groups, and we conduct classroom visits and writing-oriented programs across campus. At the WRC, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff receive individualized instruction and resources that support their academic, personal, and professional writing.
What’s New at Writers House?
• “Ben’s Writing Room,” dedicated in April 2016, honors Jessica Melton Perry (CLC ’59) – affectionately known as “Ben” – who was a faculty member in Western Reserve University’s School of Library Science from 1961-1970.
• Digital projection and videoconferencing capabilities were added to the Writers House seminar and classroom spaces in 2017 and 2018.
• Printing furniture and a refurbished Craftsman Superior metal press was added to the New Gutenberg Annex in 2018.
• Generous annual and endowment gifts to Writers House and the Writing Resource Center continue to support workshops, building repairs, equipment and furniture purchases, and other programming.
• For more information, please visit our website (https://english.case.edu/writers-house/), email us (writershouse@case.edu), or call (216-368-2355).