The University of Guam Press is encouraging the community to write through several ongoing activities hosted on the publisher’s Instagram and Facebook feeds (@UOGPress).

“Throughout history, people have turned to the arts, especially writing, during times of uncertainty as a way to heal and make sense of what is happening around them,” said Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, managing editor of UOG Press. “As the leading community and academic publisher in the region, UOG Press remains committed to encouraging our community to write and share their writing as part of a growing Micronesian literary canon.”

UOG Press started 2020 with an enhanced commitment to fostering a community of writers through peer-review and craft workshops, public readings, and writing retreats. The unit hosts 18 writers split into 3 peer-review workshop groups that meet twice a month and has seen a growing interest from other writers who want to also start their own writing groups.

“These writers have expressed a desire to read, write, share, reflect, critique, revise and simply create together,” Leon Guerrero said. “While we may not be able to meet in person for a while, we have gone online and are continuing our workshops through Zoom.”

Join a UOG Press writing group by emailing uogpress@triton.uog.edu.

Weekly Writing Prompts

Recognizing the need to also support writers who are not able to commit to workshop groups but are seeking inspiration to write, UOG Press has launched a few weekly online writing and reading features on its social media pages:

Neni Notes

Plant the seed for budding writers by following the UOG Press writing and activity prompts for children. The prompts are inspired by the stories, values, and art in the island’s local books and will guide children in expressing themselves.

Write On

Reflect on this trying time through daily writing prompts on a virtual platform. Then share your creative responses with UOG Press and others by posting it on social media and using #WriteOnwithUOGPress.

Book Giveaways and More

UOG Press also encourages the community to stay tuned to its social media to be on the lookout for contests and opportunities to win free UOG Press books throughout the year.

The publisher also produces a newsletter with news, activities, and giveaway opportunities. Sign up by emailing Marketing Communications Coordinator Akina Chargualaf at achargualaf@triton.uog.edu.