Alexis Bentz

Alexis is a junior majoring in English with a creative writing concentration and minoring in Spanish. On campus, she is president of Creative Writing Cafe, an associate editor for Spires Intercollegiate Arts and Literary Magazine, and a volunteer with Out of the Blue, helping elementary schoolers develop their reading comprehension. In her free time, she enjoys writing short stories, binging Gilmore Girls (again) on Netflix, and gently correcting her friends’ grammar.

---

What brought you to The Writing Center?
I love writing independently, but I’ve found that my best papers are those I’ve sought feedback on and revised accordingly. So, when I attended a talk promoting The Writing Center during my sophomore orientation, I was immediately intrigued and excited by the thought of joining the team and collaborating with others on their writing.

What do you like most about working with writers at The Writing Center?
One of the most electrifying, exciting aspects of working with writers is sharing in their “lightbulb moments.” I love having stimulating conversations about a paper and then watching a writer’s face light up as something clicks.

What do you find most challenging about writing?
Getting started! Coming up with a paper topic is hard enough…then I have to determine how to translate my thoughts onto the page. I often stare at the blinking cursor on my blank Word document and think, “It has finally happened: I’ve forgotten how to write.” I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and just start typing; the rest will come eventually.

What advice do you have for writers?
Don’t be afraid to get messy! Unless you are superhuman, you won’t be able to craft an eloquent, well-argued paper in one sitting. While drafting an essay, focus on getting your thoughts – no matter how half-baked and awkwardly-phrased – onto the page. Then, take a break and polish your paper with fresh eyes later on.