Last year for Valentine’s Day I wore black to mourn the loss of the true meaning of love (and also to mourn my happiness since I was single). This year, I will be visiting my boyfriend’s house and eating popcorn while forcing him to spend hours watching Hallmark movies with me. However, even though I am in a relationship I have a special part in my heart where I harbor my detestation of the popular love holiday. So here are some things about Valentine’s Day that I do NOT love: 1. All that free chocolate makes everyone fat and then the next couple of weeks everyone will be complaining about how fat they are 2. We are forced to consider our own perpetual loneliness if we are not in a relationship 3. True love has become an over-sized, over-priced Walmart teddy bear 4. It is my father’s birthday but everyone who is not immediate family is too busing buying into consumer culture to care 5. Flowers die and make a big mess and use water that could go to kids in Africa 6. Hallmark movies are addicting and are the cause of many sad, lonely people who realize no one who loves them 7. You should love your significant other every day NOT once a year when you remember that your Facebook status says that you are “in a relationship” 8. Love is the essence of transcending the material world, so stop celebrating it with more credit card debt 9. Sexism 10. Saint Valentine was also the Saint of Plague and Disease (Food for thought). So although the day now passed,  just remember Valentine’s is another day of the year and you have every other day of the year to love and be loved (or mourn your loneliness). -Stephanie Thompson, Head of Marketing

This past June I made my way across the Atlantic to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Coliseum. While waiting for my ticket to be purchased to get inside, I made my way to the many vendors set up with various tchotchkes, postcards, and more. A man with a cardboard box hung around his neck approached me and tried to get me to purchase one of his knock- off Rolexes. I told him over and over “No, thank you” but he just couldn’t take that for an answer. Since he hounded me with so many offers, I decided ask him where he was from. He told me that he and many of the other vendors were from Somalia. I then asked him why he was here in Italy, he nonchalantly replied with one word, “Money.” "I need a passport and she needs school: to read.” he said. The man then proceeded to point to a little girl behind him who looked to be about three years old. This was all they had, just a worn out lawn chair, a box of fake Rolexes and what little hope they had left. Thinking about the life I had left for two weeks back at home made me realize how good I had it. My father wasn’t trying to make ends meet by selling watches outside the Coliseum gates. And I knew how to read. I had never been thankful for being able to read. Now with the holidays around the corner, families coming into town, I cannot think of a better tradition to end the holiday season with; being thankful. My friends, my school that has allowed my love for writing to be nurtured, my home, a country where I can speak freely, my mother, my father, everything. Every opportunity that has been put at my feet even if it ended in failure. Everything. And after that trip I began writing in a journal one good thing that happened to me each day- which I still do. Whether it is passing my math test, waking up on time, or learning something new, I know I have something to be thankful for every day. So as I close out this year and ring in the new one I hope that this tradition will continue to open my eyes and allow me to take in so much more of this world. -Madison George, Social Media Editor

The freshness of January is beginning to filter out with the rearing of February’s chilly-weathered days. As we writers sit, bundled in sweaters and scarves and rubbing our hands together for warmth, we know one thing is quickly coming toward us: the dreaded cliché love poems of Valentine’s Day. February is often a time where poignant prose can begin to slip into a gooey, gushy wreck of words. It is understandable for writers to feel the need to put their emotions on paper, but before we begin giving our poems away, we must make sure that they truly evoke what we intend, and we are not just simply writing things we have heard millions of times before. I have found that a key to writing poetry is to not force your words. Poetry shouldn’t be regarded as something extremely strenuous—your words should flow naturally. Often times when I write a poem, I will begin simply by writing without thinking. This often leads to messy line breaks and confusing phrases, but those can always be cleaned up during editing. The most important thing to think about is getting out what you have to say. Each poem must have a clear intent. Otherwise, you will turn readers away because they will have nothing to connect or hold on to. In my own poetry class, my teacher had us find lists of cliché words and then write a poem using every single cliché word in a non-cliché way. We used words such as “dreams,” “wishes,” and “shadows”—all words which are commonly associated with the same feelings in poetry. Dreams and wishes are associated with hope; shadows are associated with looming fear. This is an excellent exercise to try out when fighting against clichés. The exercise makes you turn words on their heads and examine the ways you are using them. The more aware you are of the words you use, the less likely you are to use them in typical ways. Inventiveness is always honored in poetry. The main goal is to keep writing. When you write often and consume as much poetry as possible, your writing will automatically improve. Following these tips will surely prepare you with plenty of pieces to be able to show-off—whether it be to your Valentine, or if you hold off on sharing your work until April, when National Poetry Month will be rolling around. -Raegen Carpenter, Poetry Editor

Shifting into this awkward phase where I’m beginning to think about adult things like constantly being aware of money, yet I still laugh about the scribbling in the bathroom stalls is torture. I mean, that sounds really angsty, but it really is. I’m really disappointed nobody told me that all those high school movies are completely inaccurate, like me looking twenty seven at sixteen and definitely having my license by now (I don’t even have my permit). It’s reassuring as all my peers are going through the same thing too, the constant emails from all these colleges and the mail from universities I’ll never be able to even imagine paying for. Then there’s the part where I get to laugh with them about dorm life and dating all over campus and no parents! And then sometimes there’s those moments where I can’t help but feel absolutely alone when I’m looking at SAT and ACT registrations and when I’m wishing that my PSAT score was a little higher to offer some form of reconciliation. Mom of course says it’s natural to have these fears and I’ll get through it but constantly drowning (or more so flailing in open waters). Sometimes a boat will come by, offer help, and sometimes I’m an idiot and say no, and watch the boat fly off across the sea into the horizon. Sometimes boats ignore me, and then every now and again a boat stops and I’m not stupid and climb on. It’s strange planning campus tour dates and taking virtual tours of dorms, trying to decide the rest of my life. I know all adults are like: you still have time, but cut the crap, we really don’t. It’s like, college is probably going to be some of the best moments of my life, but if I mess it up, then it’s a huge blight looming over my life and you can’t get re-dos, just, I’ll try to clean up the mess. I’m just hoping I’ll get some awesome scholarships, and maybe a school will really want me to come to their school and debt won’t be a problem. I just want to get a job I love and pays amazing, but doesn’t everyone want that? Well, some people don’t but most people want that, and it’s in the form of that false American Dream or whatever people want to call it. But maybe, this end to my childhood, isn’t the end of me. -Kiara Ivey, Junior Layout & Design Editor

I’ve had the opportunity of being on the Élan staff for two years, and I’ve witnessed a dramatic evolution within that short time. This is probably due to the fact that I’ve had two different editorial roles within the staff. I started as Fiction Editor last year, and became Web Editor this year. The two exist in completely separate spheres, but they come together to produce the same result; the print book that showcases our yearlong dedication and the unique work of young writers everywhere. Working as Fiction Editor was very focused. I was involved in the process for a very specific period of time and had one particular realm to work in. Picking the pieces that would be published in the book felt like an intimate process. The initial reading process brings the whole staff together, later splitting off into the individual genre editors discussing the pieces. My favorite parts of the whole thing were the moments in which the Senior Editor and I talked about the pieces we had made decisions on, as well as the ones we had yet to decide on. It was those moments that made me feel the most like a writer, that reminded me that I was a member of the staff due to my love of writing. I needed those reminders within my first year on the staff. The feeling was always strongest when we were actually producing the book because I could actually see our work coming to life. There would soon be a physical manifestation of all the work and dedication we’d put in, and that was usually the point where I marveled at the sense of community that Élan brought about. This year as Web Editor brought a very different involvement on the staff. The website focuses more on interaction with the readers and allowing the staff members to be seen from a closer perspective. Last year, I didn’t have any idea who was reading our blog posts or following our website, but this year I got a firsthand account of all of that. That, in its own way, offered some new perspective on the magazine as a whole. It was refreshing for me to see that writers were coming together to read what our staff members had to say, that people were actually engaged in what we were doing. Being Web Editor also came with more responsibility, because it is so dependent on public response and keeping our readers updated. There was a tighter schedule to keep to and work dates came a lot more often than just book production. I had much more of a hands-on approach, and that is what really allowed me to see the influence that Élan has on the community of young writers. It brings people together that normally wouldn’t have much of a relationship. That is ultimately what has been the most valuable to me about being on this staff. It gets away from me sometimes, but there are always those very particular moments that say to me, “You are a writer, and you are here to bring writers together.” -Ruvi Gonzalez, Senior Website Editor

I never fully understood the meaning of community until I came to Douglas Anderson to study creative writing. Previously, I’d attended an arts middle school for theater, where I found life-long friends and transformed from a shy writer churning out pages and pages of fiction in her free time to a boisterous, enthusiastic performer carrying polished monologues under her belt. I auditioned for both theater and creative writing for Douglas Anderson—the first only to see if I’d get in, and the second with the actual desperate hope of getting in. After being accepted for both, I was forced to make an important decision I’d already subconsciously made years before. Because writing holds much more significance to my personal growth and future, I chose writing. In middle school, my theater community was my first real impression of how it feels to belong somewhere. Here, it’s different. Writing had always been just a side hobby—an art I practiced after everything else that not many people knew was as important to me as it was. But being around writers every day, given the same assignments and struggling through similar issues as I am, who are just as passionate about writing as I am, not only deepened my own passion for writing, but gave me a deeper sense of belonging that I’d never experienced before. I find my Junior Poetry class to be the most unifying. Learning tools such as sound in texture and meter in poetry and the collective excitement my class shares for these tools we’re introduced to that we can now utilize in our poetry, like keys for various locks that remained anonymous freshman and sophomore year, reminds me why I chose to further my study of this art. The community of the Creative Writing Department solidifies my passion for writing and serves as a foundation for exponential growth in my craft that I will carry under my belt for the rest of my life. -Alexis Williams, Junior Editor-in-Chief

They told me that you can never run out of ideas. That writer’s block was a myth. That you can find inspiration if you just try enough. I wish that they had all told me the truth. My biggest concern last year when I was going to be the marketing editor was how was I supposed to come up with creative ideas whenever I wanted to. And now—two commercials, a stockpile of merchandise, and one print book later—I still sometimes worry. Sometimes my fellow members of Élan come and ask me for marketing strategies. They do not know that inspiration rarely comes when I want it to, and sometimes it doesn’t even come when I need it to. I always want the ideas—for writing, for marketing—to come immediately; I want them enter into my mind before I lost the hunger for them. I want to digest them before I forget how the creative spark tastes in my mouth. When I was younger I didn’t have strict boundaries of homework, school, and deadlines. As a senior, I’ve lost some of that urge to be spontaneous, to be willing to sacrifice so much for the sake of something so simple, like finding out what happened to Harry, or if Percy made it to the labyrinth. I used spend hours beneath the covers with a book propped between my elbows, so that I could hold the flashlight and not have to worry about the pages turning on their own accord. I’ve found that sometimes inspiration comes to us when we least expect it; it guides us along the raging rapids of our thoughts so that we can plan the next Homecoming commercial or create a new t-shirt design or even just help a fellow Élan staff member with their marketing goals. -Stephanie Thompson, Head of Marketing

It flabbergasts me to realize this school year only has five more Mondays left. I can still recall my first day in Élan and the year was swollen with plethora of Mondays. Nerves and anxiety rattled my bones. It was the first day of my junior year and expectations were nothing short of homework filled nights and a restless sleep schedule. To make matters worse, I entered a class filled with mostly upperclassmen I had never spoken to. I teetered on the belief that the school year was going to be nothing to look forward to. Flash forward a semester, Élan is preparing for the annual spring online launch. This half of the year, juniors are in foreground of leadership making decisions for the book. I see this as the time period where I really became comfortable with the staff. Staying after school for days on end allowed us to drop our filters and act as if no one else was the room. We all bonded over terrible jokes and our shared love for the production on the computer screens. This was where I stopped looking at myself as part of a staff, and instead as part of a literary family. All year I have been especially nervous about the seniors leaving this magazine in our hands. Uncertainty of whether we all would be ready to take on the responsibility clouded my mind with paranoia. But witnessing the senior editors ask questions and reveal doubt made me realize otherwise. It’s okay if I don’t possess every parcel of knowledge needed to run a literary magazine. That isn’t possible for a single person to accomplish. We’re a team for a reason. Everyone withholds unique skill that when all brought together, creates the necessary ingredients to run Élan. This year alone, our class has totally flipped this magazine around and made more progress with branding our name than ever before. I can only imagine what all will occur next year. --Mariah Abshire, Poetry Editor (& Assistant Editor-in-Chief)

Right now, I am in poetry mode. In school (and at home), I am still writing poetry about weather and what people have lost, and to be honest, it can be really hard to translate that into "fiction mode." It's harder than it seems to switch from line breaks and meaningful pauses to paragraphs and key words. But the key to doing anything is practice. My advice would be to write prose poetry if you are having trouble connecting back to fiction. A prose poem is a poem in all aspects, except it looks exactly like a prose piece. This can be very helpful, as the form of the poem can help stir your mind about "past fictional experiences." Sometimes just seeing a poem in the form of fiction can help to move that block in your head that's screaming "Poetry, give me Poetry!" This is a really effective way to change your view on prose. You can still use some poetic technique in fiction. Imagery? That is what keeps fiction going, and don't even get me started on characterization. Another method to get into fiction mode: read fiction. It sounds simple and it is! Anyone who wants to be better in their craft should read what the professionals write. It just makes sense to read a piece by one of the masters if you want to be a master one day too. So go out and read some fiction. Search a topic that interests you and find a piece that is about that topic. Or find your favorite fiction writer and read their work. What you want to do is immerse yourself in what you are writing. If you always have trouble with plot in your fiction writing, read an author who has great plot technique. By immersing yourself in the classics, you will find your writing getting better over time. So to review, write some prose poetry to help your brain get into the fiction mindset, and read fiction! Once you immerse yourself in the world of fiction, you may just find it hard to leave! - Sarah Buckman, Editor-in-chief

Every year, as hundreds of people flock to Douglas Anderson’s Writers’ Festival, writers and fans alike ask themselves the same question: How can I possibly see it all? The answer, unfortunately, is simple — you can’t. But part of the magic of these festivals is just that, and the pressure of choosing between two great workshops forces festival-goers to make the most out of what they’re allotted. At any given time, there will be four or more workshops covering a range of topics like developing intention, setting, humor, and more. With all the options available, it’s no surprise attendees new to the event’s structure are left at a loss for how to manage their time. What it comes down to really depends on what you’re there for. Often students flip through the pamphlet, find the workshops best tailored to what they struggle with in their own writing and go there. Getting that focused time to craft that skill is often one of the most valued elements of every good convention, and Writers’ Fest is no different. But even the most prestigious, seasoned writers enjoy writing conferences like Writers’ Fest, the AWP, and Dodge Poetry Festival because they allow for exploration and communication between creators. These writers may no longer need to hear tips on forging plot but it’s the collaboration of each writer’s process, the proximity to other creative-thinkers that draws the most out of everyone that attends. I went to my first Writers’ Fest as an over-eager sophomore just beginning to grasp the basics of the craft, so I attended lectures work shopping style, plot, and characterization. Now, I’m a senior with a clearer grasp on those things, but now as I’m figuring out how my voice should sound from the page, I’ll be at the workshops that encourage exploration of theme and identity. Whatever your goal is, following these general rules will help you get the most out of your Writers’ Fest experience: RESEARCH. I skipped this step as a sophomore, and as a result missed out on incredible workshops with Dorianne Laux and Patricia Smith, two of my favorite poets now. Learn from my mistakes. You can find a complete list of the authors on the DA Writers’ Fest website along with bios and samples of their work. Mark where you feel a connection. REFLECT & DECIDE. Think about where you are in your journey as a writer (or reader). What lessons can you benefit the most from learning? Taking into account your immediate goals and desires, compile a list of techniques you find yourself stuck or struggling in. COMPARE. If you’re lucky, the authors you were drawn to will have workshops that tie into what skills you want to develop (a list of author workshops is also on the DA website). If not, try to leverage your desires as a fan with your needs as a writer. Make a decision and stick to it. OTHER TIPS BASED ON MY MISTAKES: **Do not be afraid to attend a lecture alone! I missed the aforementioned Dorianne Laux workshops for a lecture my friend wanted to attend. I still had fun, but I walked away from it knowing I couldn’t apply what the workshop sought to teach. Similarly, if two lectures you and your friend want to attend are scheduled to happen at the same time, don’t hesitate to split ways, attend both, and compare notes later. Bottom line, working together can make or break your Writers’ Fest experience. **Writers need to make a living, too! If you meet a writer you really connect with, don’t hesitate to buy their book. Douglas Anderson will have a small store featuring all the writers’ collected publication for sale. They’ll sign it! **While I can’t speak for all our writers, most of their lectures will not involve sitting around a table helping you hammer out your third draft. Instead, bring a blank journal and pen and try something new. Take good notes! **Don’t freak out if you can’t attend every workshop on your list. Plans change; workshops get moved around, etc. Just remember to breathe and know that you’ll probably get another chance to see/hear/learn from them soon. After all, it’s supposed to be fun! -Tatiana Saleh, Community Editor

Check out our very first monthly Vlog post! Get a look into how our Editors-In-Chief and lovely teacher sponsor feel about Élan and what it means to them.

My family’s house has never been the one that was decorated like a ginger bread house for Christmas. We are simplistic when it comes to the holidays. My mother may put up an artificial tree with enough ornaments to fan out over the branches. Sometimes she puts a velvet ribbon or two on the door. Whenever people come over, they ask why there presents aren’t under the tree, and my mother grumbles about how she waits until Christmas Eve to stuff all of the presents under the tree. Lately, I haven’t been wanting many presents, which has satisfied my parents as they close their wallets before everyone else. My simple request has been that I have enough money to buy what I want from Amazon. On the Christmas of my ninth grade year, I managed to persuade my mother into signing up for an Amazon prime membership. After we ordered our first package, it fascinated me how seeing a tan cardboard box, with black duct tape and the Amazon symbol, can give you so much glee. I became immersed in the American holiday tradition of purchasing with little to no restrictions, simply for the enjoyment of it. For whatever reason, the idea of sitting down at a computer screen, dabbing at the corners of my eyes in between each flash of green that appears after they notify me that they’ve received my order, couldn’t be more satisfying. I crack my knuckles before alternating between keys on the keyboard, searching for new items that I’ll probably forget about when a new box crowds the porch. My eyes glimmer like a child’s when they meet Santa Claus for the first time at a crowded mall with other children attempting to shove their way towards him. I greedily carry the package off to my room and rip apart the box, tossing the remains of it on my bed. I don’t know why I have such a fascination for the many terrains the box traveled just to get to my porch. Every time I order something, I like to see the location it’s coming from. Sometimes it says something as nearby as Atlanta, Georgia, or somewhere as far away as Rhode Island. I like opening the box and imagining that the person who packaged it wondered what type of person I am and why I admire that particular item. I’ve made the decision that my favorite Christmas colors are not green and red, or silver and gold. In fact, they’re tan and black. -Christina Sumpter, Senior Creative Nonfiction Editor