Writers House puts writing on the map at Case Western Reserve University. Our historic building (Bellflower Hall, 11427 Bellflower Avenue) is both a gathering place for writers and a catalyst for our thriving culture of writing. Writers House embraces all forms of writing, reading, and creative expression; it supports a diverse and inclusive community of writers on campus and in our regional community.
Why do we eschew the apostrophe in our name? Writers House at CWRU belongs to our diverse community - the house is not the possession of an individual or group of writers (or readers). Our name celebrates the work of sophisticated writers who understand grammatical rules and conventions, but who also use language to achieve their own rhetorical goals and aesthetic preferences. For us, the apostrophe is unnecessary.
Programming
Writers House hosts workshops, readings, lectures, and symposia, often in collaboration with Cleveland-area literary arts organizations. The Edward S. and Melinda Sadar Lecture is a public showcase of research and scholarship about writing, publishing, and intellectual property. The Arts and Sciences Dissertation Seminar supports humanities and social sciences graduate students in their research, writing, and explorations of the questions and methods of humanistic scholarship. The English department recognizes outstanding student writers with a number of academic and creative writing awards each year.
Letterpress Studio
The New Gutenberg Annex, located within Writers House, is a moveable type print lab and book arts workshop. In this hands-on space, students and faculty experience the art and craft of letterpress printing, while they explore the technologies that turn words and ideas into physical objects. The New Gutenberg Annex pays homage to Bits Press, founded in 1974 by CWRU Professor of English Robert Wallace (1966-1999), which specialized in letterpress editions of short poetry (bits), short fiction (pieces), and, eventually a poetry series aimed at a general audience (Light Year). Bits Press published chapbooks and works by Mary Oliver, John Updike, Bruce Bennett, and X.J. Kennedy, among others.
New at Writers House
- “Ben’s Writing Room” was dedicated in April 2016 in honor of Jessica Melton Perry (CLC ’59) – affectionately known as “Ben” – who was a faculty member in Western Reserve University’s School of Library Science from 1961-1970.
- Digital projection and videoconferencing capabilities were added to the Writers House seminar and classroom spaces in 2017 and 2018.
- Printing furniture and a refurbished Craftsman Superior metal press was added to the New Gutenberg Annex in 2018.
- Generous annual and endowment gifts to Writers House and the Writing Resource Center continue to support workshops, building repairs, equipment and furniture purchases, and other programming.