Creative Writing
- Degree Type Bachelor of Arts
- Department English
- Academic Division The College
- Offerings Major Minor
At W&L, creative writing is embedded in the study of literature. Students read widely; practice critical analysis; study the forms, modes and histories of literature in English; and develop their own writing through creative exercises and workshop critique. Small classes, dedicated faculty and a lively program of extracurricular offerings foster a supportive and challenging writing community.
Creative Writing
W&L has cultivated great student and faculty writing for decades through the English Department and the literary magazine. Distinguished alumni include Tom Wolfe, Marshall Boswell, Mark Richard, Christian Wiman, Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon, Rebecca Makkai, Matthew Neill Null and Suzanne LaFleur.
The English Department offers a popular creative writing major and minor. Students do not need to be English majors to minor in creative writing; most major in other subjects.
Scholarships, Internships and Awards
The English Department offers a variety of scholarships as well as awards for both creative and critical writing. Shenandoah has published fiction, poetry and nonfiction from an astounding list of writers including Wallace Stevens, Flannery O’Connor, e. e. cummings, Rita Dove, Ha Jin and many others over its nearly 70-year history.
Students in the Shenandoah Magazine Internship learn the art, craft and business of publishing. A look behind the scenes at a working magazine is a valuable experience for writers and non-writers alike, and promises the hands-on development of skills relevant to a variety of fields after graduation. Students practice and learn literary editing, copyediting, professional communication, budgeting, how to design publicity material, and digital strategies, under the mentorship of a professional editor.
What’s Next for Joyce Yoo ’26
Yoo, a chemistry major, will be attending Rice University to pursue a doctorate in chemistry.
Malachi Zarahn ’28 Becomes First W&L Student Selected for UVA’s Roadmap Scholars Initiative
The two-year program is designed to help students chart their path into the legal profession.
Summer Reading Recs
Four W&L professors share their must-reads to help you round out your reading list.
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Three new Spring Term Abroad courses allow the liberal arts ethos to shine as professors in different disciplines combine forces.
Four Years in Focus
Senior Ryan Doty reflects on his time at Washington and Lee and the experiences he’ll carry with him into his next chapter.
W&L Adds New Creative Writing Major
Washington and Lee’s new creative writing major helps students hone their craft.
W&L’s Lesley Wheeler to Host Writing Workshop
The Jan. 29 workshop is open to the public and designed for writers of any genre.
Meet Reagan Reiferson ’26
Reiferson has found her “homes” on campus in her sorority and the Outing Club.
Author Matthew Gavin Frank to Give Glasgow Endowment Reading at W&L
Frank will read from his new book “Submersed: Wonder, Obsession and Murder in the World of Amateur Submarines” at the Oct. 2 event.
Meet Ryan Doty ’26
Doty’s many creative pursuits range from research in the chemistry lab to taking photos around campus.
Former Shenandoah Contributors to Give Annual Shannon-Clark Lecture at W&L
The Sept. 25 lecture will feature Ukrainian poet Julia Kolchinsky and poet and essayist Jaswinder Bolina.
In Memoriam: Heather Ross Miller, Thomas H. Broadus Jr. Professor of English Emerita
The famed author worked for Washington and Lee University for 11 years.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
Chris Gavaler
Professor of English
- P: 540-458-8279
- E: gavalerc@wlu.edu
Gavaler teaches courses on creative writing, contemporary fiction and comics, which are also his main areas of research.
Genelle Gertz
Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Thomas H. Broadus Professor of English; Interim Program Head for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- P: 540-458-8763
- E: gertzg@wlu.edu
Gertz teaches courses on Career Readiness (Having it All: Life, Literature and Career and Austin Term), the Tudors, and Pride and Paradise.
Deborah A. Miranda
Thomas H. Broadus, Jr. Professor of English Emeritus
- P: 540-458-8755
- E: mirandad@wlu.edu
Miranda primarily taught courses on creative writing (poetry and memoir) and contemporary American literature by authors from the margins of U.S. culture. Her research pertains to Native American and Chicana/o poetry and fiction, women’s literature and LGBTQ literature.
Beth A. Staples
Associate Professor of English and Editor, Shenandoah
- P: 540-458-8761
- E: bstaples@wlu.edu
Staples teaches courses in creative writing, editing and publishing. She is also the editor of W&L’s literary magazine, Shenandoah.
Lesley Wheeler
Henry S. Fox Professor of English
Wheeler teaches courses in poetry, creative writing and speculative fiction. Her research interests include 20th- and 21st-century poetry in English; science and theory about reading; and creative criticism. She is Poetry Editor of Shenandoah.