SCHOOL DESK

MC writers head to M.A.R.S.

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Manhattan College brought its students back to M.A.R.S. this week — The Major Authors Reading Series, that is. 

The school welcomed writer Emma Straub on Monday for the second author presentation of the semester, during which students were able to hear her read an excerpt from her book, Other People We Married, and question her on all things writing.

“She shows you that it happens and [people] do get published and read,” English professor Dr. Adam Koehler said of the young author. “Wonder and possibility are two things students should take away from Emma.” 

The event began on a somewhat personal level. Koehler’s Creative Writing class (this reporter is a student in it) arrived first. The class was given the chance to ask Ms. Straub questions before the rest of the crowd showed up. 

Students were curious about her writing routines, character choices, revision processes and motivations. 

“My father is a writer. I grew up knowing that it was a possibility. It was always the thing I liked to do the best,” she said of her childhood with father Peter Straub, who writes horror novels. 

Perhaps dad’s genre served as a bit of inspiration for Ms. Straub. She suggested reading newspaper obituaries. With their novel-like forms, obituaries offer a beginning, middle and end that can inspire writers to create a story, as it did for Ms. Straub. 

The life of 1930s actress Jennifer Jones served as a platform for Ms. Straub’s novel, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, about the life of a 30s Hollywood actress. 

“It was so much fun,” Ms. Straub said of the project, for which she participated in a house swap for a pad in Los Angeles. The book will be out Sept. 4. 

The rest of the audience piled in at 4:30 p.m., when the event shifted directions into a reading of “Some People Must Really Fall in Love,” the first short story in Other People We Married

The piece revolves around Amy, a young English professor who tries to justify her crush on her 19-year-old student, Paul. The audience laughed throughout the reading, particularly when Amy had to succumb to a blind-date with a Yoga-loving vegetarian, Martin, who had an unflattering smile and, most importantly, was not Paul.

The reading concluded with more questions for Ms. Straub, focusing on character development and workshopping. 

The evening concluded with a book signing and another valuable piece of advice:

“I think young writers should write as much as possible and wherever possible,” Ms. Straub said. “I think persistence is key. I’ve gotten rejected hundreds of times — the point is not to care and to move on.” 

Manhattan College honored 

The Corporation for National and Community Service, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education, placed Manhattan College on its honor roll for its commitment to both local and global community service. 

Manhattan College students regularly volunteer locally at nursing homes and homeless shelters, as well as organize blood drives and build houses in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.

“Through service, these institutions are creating the next generation of leaders by challenging students to tackle issues and create positive impacts in the community” said Robert Velasco, CEO of CNCS, said in a press release.

KHCC promotes safe sex

The Kingsbridge Heights Community Center’s Teen Program held its fifth annual Safer Sex Fair on Friday, March 30.

The fair included games, an HIV testing van, food, teen workshops, dance performances and a party.

Workshops dealt with dating, drugs, alcohol and how to negotiate safer sex with a partner. Those who attended the free event also were admitted to a teen party afterwards, which included dance competitions and music by DJ EStylez.

Danielle Valente, Manhattan College, M.A.R.S, Emma Straub, Other People We Married, Adam Koehler, Peter Straub.

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