Coffee House 2023: Emma Gougeon!

How did Emma discover her love for writing?

• When she read an incredibly well-written novel

• By writing articles for the yearbook

• Because of a famous author that inspired her

• In Mr. Spear's class, analyzing literature

What college did Emma attend?

• Kalamazoo College

• Kettering University

• Eastern Michigan University

• Grand Valley State University

What is the program Emma recommends if you are interested in a career in publishing?

• Telluride Association Summer Seminars

• Iowa Young Writers' Studio

• The Columbia Publishing Course

• Princeton's Summer Journalism Program

What are the two cities you would likely have to move to for a career in publishing?

• Chicago

• London

• L.A.

• New York

What was Emma's original plan when she entered college?

• To pursue a career in writing

• To get an undergrad degree in English and go on to law school

• To get a minor in journalism and major in computer science

• To get an undergrad degree in Biology and go to medical school

What was Emma told about pursuing a degree in English/Journalism

• That it was the best option

• That it would not be that hard

• That it's not a very successful field to pursue

• That it would not take much time

Why did Emma leave publishing?

• She wanted to come back home

• Publishing was a very New York centric career

• Publishing was a boring job

• Publishing felt like more sacrifices than it did reward

What are the two takeaways Emma wants listeners to gain?

• Going into writing is the best career option

• Pursing the path of creative writing will require sacrifices, and you will have to work hard

• A career in writing is definitely possible

• You should only commit to creative writing