The Inklings Committee consists of a number of portfolios, namely Creative Writing, Drama, Social and Marketing, as well as the inclusion of a secretary and chairperson. About her role as chairperson of the society, Paulet says that “It is the responsibility of each of the chairs to devise and arrange events relating to their portfolio. As chairperson … I [say yes or no] to ideas and suggestions, oversee the running of events, and help out where I can.”
The Inklings hosts several events, such as creative writing workshops every Tuesday and Thursday at 14:30 in HSB 16-2. The society also aims to run a creative writing competition before the semester’s end. “We usually have a themed start of year function to welcome new members … We also have film-screenings and host informal literary discussions. We like to end the year off with a function. The aim of these events is to create a friendly environment for writing, discussing, and interacting with individuals who share similar passions,” says Paulet.
Once a year, The Inklings brings out its own publication called Inclinations. It is a literary magazine which was first published in 1989. Paulet describes Inclinations as containing “poetry and prose, and – as of last year – illustrations, by members of the Inklings society. Content is gathered through creative writing workshops, competitions and through asking nicely. Inclinations serves as a platform for writers to showcase their work. Being published in the magazine is certainly something for writers and artists to aspire to.”
One of the society’s main focuses for the year is “to increase the society’s accessibility,” says Paulet, adding that, “To achieve this, we’ll be holding events which are more low-key and easier to attend because they’ll be on or near campus and mostly free of charge. Collaboration with other societies, such as Soul Inc., is also a definite possibility.” People can be informed about these events via email and the society’s Facebook page.
When asked how the society has grown over the years, Paulet says, “In the years in which I’ve been a part of the society I’ve seen it expand to be more encompassing of students in other faculties. The reach of the society has definitely increased … students must of course be recognised and thanked profusely for being receptive and for giving the society a chance.”
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