Hey, Alumni! We want to introduce you to a new alumni-authored column that will become a staple of The Fifth Floor. We’re calling it “The Commons Room” because we want it to be a place where anyone can go—and it’s an ode to one of the biggest rooms in our beloved Cathedral of Learning, as well as to our department’s renovated 501 space!
We love hearing from alumni because you all are full of great story ideas, exciting news, and informed advice. So why not create a space to demonstrate all of that? We want these columns to represent the writer’s individuality, so we’re giving you the freedom to be creative! Send an e-mail to engalums@pitt.edu with a 50- to 100-word pitch for your piece. If you’re submitting something that is already written (500-1,000 words), we will be more than happy to read the submission in its entirety! If you’re stuck on what to write about, though, and need inspiration, here are some ideas we’ve come up with:
Creative Writing
Write a creative piece – in any genre! Maybe you have something up your sleeve for a poem, or maybe it’s a nonfiction piece. Whatever the genre may be, you can send us a piece that shows your wit and creativity!
Perspective
Have you seen a film, TV series, or live performance; or read an article, essay, or story recently that you just can’t get of your mind? Have you seen something in the news that made you want to put pen to paper? If you want to offer your thoughts on a specific subject, we’d love to hear from you!
Experiences
Tell of an experience—from the mundane to the exotic—that yielded some interesting insights for you. Or share a significant memory from your days as a Pitt student.
Issues
We live in a complex world, and Pitt English alumni are equipped to reflect on the issues we face in nuanced and balanced ways. Step up and weigh in on the issues.
Visual
Sometimes you need more than words to tell your story. If you want to put together a gallery of photos with accompanying text, we would love to share your work! You can also send us a link for a video you've made! If you’re choosing the visual route, be sure to include a blurb for background on your project.
Audio
Have you been writing and playing music in your free time, or even playing out—for, like, paying gigs? Do you make podcasts or want to try? Let us host your audio creations.
We can’t wait to display the inaugural Commons Room column in our Spring/Summer 2019 issue and look forward to reading your pitches and submissions!