In January the University Writing Center (UWC) added asynchronous (e-tutoring) appointments to complement its face-to-face and online (real-time) appointment options. Little did we know how crucial those alternative options would be in the… Continue reading →

I have always found something special about the first line of a work of literature – especially when it comes to novels. Whenever I begin a new book, I stop after the first… Continue reading →

  Timothy Helwig is a Professor in the Department of English at Western Illinois University. He specializes in nineteenth-century American literature and antebellum print culture, with an emphasis on working-class identity and cross-racial… Continue reading →

The Reading Room Series, spearheaded by undergraduate student Grayson Stoik, is an effort to celebrate writing at Western Illinois University, build community amongst English faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students, and feature the… Continue reading →

“The job is yours if you want it!” This sentence was music to my ears after hours of background checks, tax forms, and applications. “You start tomorrow.” This sentence was the wakeup call.… Continue reading →

The department of English is delighted to celebrate this year’s Scholar of the Year, Erica Parrigin, a full-time student on the QC campus! At this year’s department awards ceremony, held everywhere and nowhere… Continue reading →

As we finish up the year under such unusual circumstances, it still seems strange not to be in Simpkins. Whether it’s everyday activities or special events like English awards night, it’s sad not… Continue reading →

0            At some point, I stopped asking myself when things had started going wrong, along with the follow up as to whether I ever really knew or just forgot on purpose. By the… Continue reading →