Jake Wrenn Wins Friends of the American Writer's Scholarship

Jake "+ American Writer = BFF"  Wrenn

It's not a stretch to say that we're all friends here at the Roosevelt MFA Program. But there are some friendships at Roosevelt which are, shall we say, a little more valuble than others.  I speak, of course, of the coveted Friends of American Writer's scholarship, which is awared to one Roosesvelt MFA student each year. This year's winner is Chicagoland native Jake Wrenn.

The $1000 scholarship, given out by the Chicago based Friends of American Writers is given to a writer who best exemplifies the mission of the organization - "to study American literature, to encourage high standards and to promote literary ideals among American writers." 

In addition, Jake recently had a short piece published at The Point.  Jake's writing will be hobnobbing it up next to pieces by Roosevelt student James Orbesen and professor Kyle Beachy.  I guess you could say we're the appointed contributors to this magazine.  

Be sure to give Jake and James a big "tally-ho" (or just say congrats) when you see them next.

James Orbesen Published in Helix Magazine.

A Double Helix-

Choosing good writers must be in their DNA!

Roosevelt MFA Student, creator of both textual and visual wonders, and all around bang-up guy James Orbesen has a story featured in the new issue of Helix Magazine. James' piece is entitled “Proper Assembly,” and, unfortunately, it is not available (yet!) for viewing on Helix's colorful website.

What's that on the horizon, James?  A future National Book Award?

The magazine is distributed nationally, so go down to your local book store and pick up a copy. In fact, pick up 7, and distribute them to your seven best friends. As the old saying goes, “There's nothing better for the holiday blues than James Orbesen.”

Congrats James!

Orbesen Web Comic Online

WAM! SMACK! Is that the sound of a new web comic? Yes, of course it is! "The Breakouts", a new web comic series written by MFA fiction candidate James Orbesen, is online! Created painstakingly with artist and collaborator, Thomas Bacon, this series dares to ask the question: what happens when the lowly henchmen, the backbone of super crime, says enough is enough? The series brings together a band of these outcasts, who decide to strike on their own - in the search for happiness and success in supervillian..ary.

(Art by Thomas Bacon)

Will they succeed? Check out "The Breakouts" every other week right here! POW! And be sure to like their Facebook page here for updates and sneak peeks! And congrats to James for smashing into the web comic landscape! CRACK!