Writing as Resistance

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Nastassja Anderson

Co-Presenters: Sarah Singh, Jason Norton, Hunter Marshall, Michael Kirschner

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: English

Faculty Research Mentor: Mia Zamora

Abstract:

Title: Writing as Resistance: A Collaborative Zine on Voice, Power, and Pedagogy

Authors: Nastassja Anderson et al., Department of English, Kean University

“Writing as Resistance” is a collaborative zine created by M.A English Writing Studies students enrolled in Writing Theory and Practice course during the Fall 2025 semester. Developed under the guidance of Dr. Zamora, the project emerged from sustained engagement with contemporary conversations surrounding writing and its teaching, including linguistic justice, accessibility, feedback and grading practices, voice, and writing as a source of healing.

This zine functions as both a creative artifact and a critical reflection on how writing operates within institutional spaces. Through original writing, prompts, visual artwork, and multimodal elements, the contributors challenge dominant narratives that frame writing as restrictive or gatekept. Instead, the project foregrounds writing as a powerful tool for self-expression, resistance, and reclamation. Each contribution reflects a shared belief that writing should be accessible to all and not limited by rigid standards that often silence marginalized voices.

At Kean Research Days, this presentation will highlight the collaborative process behind the zine, the theoretical frameworks that informed its creation, and the pedagogical implications of viewing writing as an act of resistance. The presentation aims to invite educators, students, and creatives to reconsider how writing is taught, assessed, and valued, and to recognize its potential as a liberatory practice. Ultimately, Writing as Resistance seeks to inspire others to use writing as a means of expression, empowerment, and transformation within and beyond academic spaces.