Writing

Smell the Roses

By on February 1st, 2017

This post was written by Cheyenne, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club, for her peers with a passion for writing. 

Smell the RosesI can say, more often than not, that I prefer to schedule as much of my day as I possibly can.

There have been instances when I throw organization to the wind and let the day lead me as it pleases, without so much as a pause to think about how little I completed during my waking hours.

Eventually, it began to wear on me how much time I seem to waste, but how little time I have to be productive. I have become accustomed to writing down my itinerary – scheduling my day minute by minute – simply because I can no longer stand the thought of letting a minute go by, unnamed and unused, in my day without purpose.

I discovered quickly, though, how easy it is to make a schedule but fall out of pace with it. I cannot give inspiration a time slot; like the butterflies in spring or the cool breath of winter, inspiration will come and go as it pleases. It may not visit me at all on some days, and therefore, the time I reserved for writing goes unused. Continue reading


A Writer’s Resolutions

By on January 17th, 2017

This post was written by Olivia, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.

Creative Writing ResolutionsI don’t usually make resolutions. I find that they often get forgotten amongst other priorities and the typical hustle and bustle of everyday life. But this year, I have made a few resolutions that I hope to keep – all involving writing and its influence on my life.

Amidst the typical busy schedule of academics, extracurricular activities, clubs, school events and preparing for college, it can be extremely difficult to dedicate time to creativity. I have found that it often gets left on the back burner: an afterthought among more pressing obligations.

As an involved student, this issue affected my writing process for far too long. I often found myself staying up scribbling ideas in a notebook or waking up early to try to fit writing into my schedule in 2016. In light of the New Year, I am excited to dedicate more time to my creative process as I move into the final stages of editing my novel. Continue reading


Ups and Downs of Friendship

By on November 15th, 2016

This is the fifth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.

blog_thankful_friendsIt’s finally November, a time to be grateful for everything that we have. I am grateful for so much in my life: my family, pets, opportunities, and friends.

However, in this particular case, I am so grateful for my friends.

I haven’t always had the best of luck when it comes to lasting friendships. When we are young, we want to believe that every relationship we form will last forever, and clearly, that just isn’t the case. At first it hurts, realizing that someone will not always be there for you. Unfortunately, that is what happens when it comes to life. But I have learned that people come into your life with a purpose; once fulfilled, they have done their part in making you, you.

This isn’t to say that you will not find your forever friends – rest assured you will have a few. Continue reading


No Bull

By on October 26th, 2016

This is the fourth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.

great-american-no-bull-challengeDid you know October is National Anti-Bullying Month?

Let’s be honest. How many of you have suffered at the hands of a bully but chose to do nothing about it?

I’ve been there too.

As a matter of fact, when I was 14, I was bullied unmercifully.

It all started when I began modeling and I had to lose weight. At 5’11 and a weight of 135 pounds, one wouldn’t expect to be told to “lose 10.” But, I had to – and let me start off by saying it was beyond difficult.

I no longer could eat potato chips, ice cream, or other foods I once loved so dearly. Instead, I munched on veggies, protein, and more veggies. I was proud of myself for establishing some self-control and saw the pounds melting off, but my peers thought I was crazy. My once former “friends” (and I use that term loosely) became some of my biggest opponents. Continue reading


FLVS Corkboard: October Highlights

By on October 5th, 2016

flvs-corkboard-newsletter-october-2016It’s October and there’s a bushel of activities we know you’ll FALL in love with!

First, we want to let you know that the deadline for Fall 2016 Virge Literary Magazine submissions has been extended. Submit your original artwork, photography, and/or writing entries by October 7, 2016 to be considered for publication.

The theme for this edition is Muse (to consider something thoughtfully; a person who is a source of artistic inspiration). Find more details and download a publication form here.

If you’re looking for other ways to connect with classmates, we have a few more suggestions! Start by viewing our upcoming events in the student resources section of our website. Our clubs page also includes a calendar of upcoming dates and opportunities for specific groups.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out a few of these opportunities:
Continue reading


The Best Day of My Life

By on October 3rd, 2016

This is the third post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.

teen-shares-anti-bullying-storyToday will go down as one of the best days of my life.

On this very day, my pride and joy officially comes into the world, which just so happens to be a book, my first book:

Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen Abnormal Life

Below you will find a short snippit on a topic that may have touched you in your life.

I can promise that the rest of the book will have content just like this, so please enjoy a selection from chapter one. Continue reading


Get to Know the FLVS Creative Writing Club

By on February 10th, 2016

FLVS Creative Writing ClubHumans are storytellers.

There is a story held close in everyone’s mind, an unforgotten little voice stashed to the back during busy work days and released into all areas of the brain come nightfall when it is time to dream.

Anyone can be a writer – we are all writers – but some people want to expand this talent into a hobby, a career…or perhaps writing stories is like their oxygen. Without gripping novels, somber poems, or thunderous orations, our world would be bland and jejune.

If you have ever pondered an idea, a spark, a dream of a story in your mind that’s begging to break out and be heard, or if you are interested in seeing a hidden talent flourish, then the FLVS Creative Writing Club is for you! Continue reading


National Novel Writing Month

By on November 21st, 2015

National Novel Writing MonthIf there’s one thing I’ve learned as I’ve matured, it’s that everyone has a story to tell.

And, that our stories matter. Whether you’re a student, parent, grandparent, teacher, homemaker, hairstylist, or CEO, your story is important and only you can tell it. Did you know that it’s been estimated that 81 percent of Americans say they dream of being an author? That’s roughly 200 million people! I admit I am one of the 200 million, and it’s been a long road, but I will be publishing my book this year.

Have you ever thought of writing a book but didn’t know how to start? Continue reading


Writing Clicks as a Means to Express Oneself

By on October 22nd, 2015

National Day on Writing - October 20I’m happy when I’m writing or thinking of ideas about what to write. I’ve been that way for as long as I can remember. How lucky I was to find this out about myself while still in school!

You see, after reading a poem I wrote, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Kast, said to me “Suzan, you’re a writer.”

I still remember those words of encouragement, although that is now thirty-something years ago. That praise not only boosted my spirit, it stuck with me my whole life. I began to create, theme, and express myself in many different styles of writing. My friends knew I would always carry paper and pen wherever I went, because you never know when creativity will strike! Continue reading


Writing: A Family Affair

By on October 20th, 2015

This is one of several posts celebrating Connected Educator Month during the month of October. October 20th is National Day on Writing and we are joining The National Council of Teachers of English to celebrate how writing helps us connect. Join the #WhyIWrite and #CE15 discussions on Twitter to share your thoughts!

As we celebrate the National Day on Writing today, what better way to encourage our younger writers than by getting them involved in daily family routines that involve writing!

When my daughter was younger, she helped me write our grocery list every week. She loved using the “special” checklist notepaper I kept on the fridge and writing the words she already knew (milk, juice, apples, cereal). For new words, I encouraged her to “sound it out” and write it the way she heard it.

Now that she’s older, we take it a step further and have her be in charge of the list – checking off each item as we pick them from the shelves at the store. Continue reading