The Write Place employs "social" marketing

The Write Place will be hosting a Free Salsa and Pizza Social at the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Local dance instructor Balmore Gomez will lead those in attendance in salsa lessons while all enjoy complimentary pizza and snacks.

A salsa lesson might seem an unusual offering for an organization called The Write Place. However, as Professor Aaron Keeler, Writing Consultant and Tutoring Leader, explains, it is part of a strategy to encourage participation by students, staff, faculty and even alumni. As well, it is a way for people to be introduced to The Write Place and its programs and services.

In past years, events were directed more towards English as Second Language students, Prof. Keeler says. They were more structured and served as “conversation groups.”

“These events (like the Free Salsa and Pizza Social) now are more about being social,” Prof. Keeler explains. “It often helps introduce International students to the King’s community. It allows International and local students to meet each other and begin having conversations.”

Prof. Keeler says Dr. Vidya Natarajan, Writing Program Coordinator at King’s, has worked to make The Write Place “a hub for a lot of different writing activities.”

The Write Place offers assistance with essays, resumes, and other academic and career-based writing.

They will also host panels and workshops where students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend to share their creative writing and offer feedback to others. Examples of upcoming events include a resume workshop and a guest lecture from CBC London reporter Kate Dubinski.

“Our reach has grown exponentially,” adds Prof. Keeler.

The Write Place publishes an annual creative writing journal called Imprints and hosts Reading Between the Wines, which serves as the journal’s launch party.

As part of the Department of English, French, and Writing, The Write Place offers tutors, writing consultants and writing specialists to empower writers working on academic and creative projects, helping to build confidence with improved reading, writing and communication skills.  They also serve as resources on writing pedagogy for professors from all disciplines.

For more information on the Free Salsa and Pizza Social event, visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/about-kings/visitor-info/calendar-of-events/salsa-and-pizza-social/

For more information on The Write Place, visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/current-students/academic-resources/the-write-place/