Creative Writing Club

1 day ago
3 min read

By Srihita Madiraju Feb. 11, 2026

With academic-quality writing being just a few clicks away for students due to the rise in artificial intelligence usage and expressing oneself in words being reduced to internet slang through technology, there has been a noticeable decline in writing skills and literacy. A study conducted in the International Journal of Information and Education Technology portrays how independent writing abilities and creativity of students is deteriorating as a result of frequent reliance on AI writing tools. Today, writing as a hobby is increasingly less common – especially creative writing.

Creative writing allows writers to explore their thoughts and let their voice be heard in an authentic way. While other forms of writing such as academic and analytical writing focus more heavily on fact and information, creative writing involves storytelling, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking in both the writer and readers. Spanning multiple disciplines including fiction, poetry and scriptwriting, creative writing encourages imagination and self expression, but it is increasingly being overlooked as an art form as technology offers plenty of alternatives to writing.

“There is something so uniquely human about putting thought to word, about articulating a feeling or experience and making it tangible, something that you can share with others. Writing is an incredibly connective, vulnerable and personal craft that AI will never get the privilege of experiencing. AI will never understand how it feels to clear brain fog after journaling, how it feels to glimpse someone else's mind through their prose, how liberating it is to know that words bring worlds together. The act of storytelling alone is more than enough to challenge non-human writing, and The Creative Writing Club accomplishes that with each meeting,” Senior Eleanor Kang said.

For the students in The Creative Writing Club, however, writing is a skill regularly sharpened as they craft stories as their creative outlet. Founded in 2016 by former student Alexander Lee, the club flourishes every year with both new and returning students eager to share their writing. Every Friday, club members gather in classroom H-8 under the guidance of Mrs. Touchton and participate in discussions and peer revisions. Each year, after brainstorming and establishing a certain theme at the start of the year, subsequent meetings consist of developing works of fiction, poetry, art or music centered around the theme. Each year the club pours their collective hard work and effort into a winter magazine and a summer magazine. Every member has the opportunity to have their work featured in the publications.

“As the current president and a member of the club for three years, I have seen firsthand how regularly sharing work and receiving constructive feedback has made members more comfortable with trying new styles and developing their voice. Each member is passionate about writing, and I enjoy hearing about each member’s distinct ideas and working with them to develop those ideas,” Junior Charlie Ha said.

Through its routine revisions and peer discussions, the club has made a significant impact on students’ confidence in their writing and self-expression, providing a safe, supportive environment for members. This year specifically, the club is exploring specific types of writing such as short form poetry as a way to experiment with different ways of creative expression.

“I joined the club in my junior year because I liked writing for several years beforehand, and one of my favorite things about the club is how I can easily receive feedback on my stories. I have become less hesitant or nervous about having other people read my writing. Everyone is kind and honest with their feedback, which helped me edit my stories properly. Now, it has become easier for me to ask for help with my writing and accept constructive criticism,” Senior Nicole Chin said.

In times where STEM classes tend to take priority in many students’ lives, writing also offers an outlet for students to channel their imagination and creativity somewhere while improving their writing skills.

“One reason I really like creative writing is because I'm generally STEM-focused, and creative writing is different but also something I'm very passionate about. I love to write outside of class, and creative writing not only gives me a place to explore writing and publish my work,” Freshman Julia Hug said.

The Creative Writing Club offers a space where students can speak honestly about their experiences, ideas and concerns while experimenting with voice and style. No matter the genre of their writing, members are encouraged to think critically and use writing to understand themselves and the world around them.

About the Contributors

Srihita Madiraju

Staff Writer

Srihita Madiraju is a senior at Leland High School and a staff writer for The Charger Account. When she isn't busy lifeguarding she loves going to the beach with her friends, going on long walks, and reading.