VIU Students at Beach

Creative Writing and Journalism

Ali Dillion-Cardinal amplifies teen voices in compelling play

Submitted by Rachel Stern on August 7, 2024 - 9:42am


Warning: The play, The Kids Are All Dying, contains conversations about gun violence and a school shooting, loud gunshot sounds, discussion of child death, coarse language, drugs and alcohol.

Ali Dillon-Cardinal wrote a play that explores the often-unheard voices of teenagers dealing with the trauma of a school shooting.

Amy Mattes’ debut novel explores love and identity

Submitted by Rachel Stern on May 21, 2024 - 11:59am

Amy Mattes, a VIU Creative Writing student, drew inspiration from experiences of her youth to write her debut fictional novel, Late September. 

Late September tells the story of Ines, a young, grief-stricken skateboarder who is trying to leave her past behind to become someone else. She learns along the way that you can’t change who you’ve been.