Creative Writing

Creative writing at Ursinus has an exciting history with links to luminaries such as J.D. Salinger and John Updike.

A lively and talented cohort of student writers is dedicated to sharing their work with each other and with the world in a variety of ways and places.

Creative Writing is a minor comprising five courses, capped by ENGL402 Advanced Creative Writing, a portfolio course normally taken in the senior year.

The Lantern

The Lantern is the Ursinus College student literary magazine, one of the oldest in the country. Showcasing the creative writing, photography and artwork of Ursinus students, The Lantern debuts each April after a seven-month selection and production period carried out by an all-student staff of editors.

Submissions now being accepted for 2023 The Lantern

Submissions Open for the Lantern

Submissions to The Lantern literary magazine are open until midnight on Tuesday, November 1st. Current students are able to submit their Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Drama, and Visual Arts pieces. All submissions are automatically entered into consideration for prizes (the Prose Prize, the Poetry Prize, and the Creager Prize), from which you could earn some cash!

Submission instructions can be found in your Ursinus email from The Lantern. Questions should be emailed to lantern@ursinus.edu or Lantern editor Kate Foley kafoley@ursinus.edu.

Writing and Arts House

Student writers may apply to live together in Writing and Arts House, part of the Ursinus program of Special Interest Housing. Writing and Arts House residents plan readings, field trips, and other events to keep writing a visible and vibrant part of the campus activities. The House is located at Zwingli Hall, 620 Main St. Visit the Residence Life Office >

Creative Writing Award

High school seniors dedicated to creative writing are invited to submit a portfolio to compete for this prestigious honor. In addition to a scholarship of more than thirty thousand dollars, the winner gets to live for her or his first year in the dorm room once occupied by J. D. Salinger! Learn more about the Creative Writing Award.