The Bolo Tie Collective is a SAMU student club whose mission is twofold: to bridge the gap between the students of the English and Communication Studies departments of MacEwan University and to foster a community within the broader MacEwan student body, comprised of those passionate about the process of creative writing.  The heart of the club, our creative writing circle, spawned the first anthology in 2016.

We call ourselves a community because we want to be that – a space where students with an interest in creative writing and editing can network, make connections and friends, and learn and practice new skills.

The Executives

Molly Staley – President

Molly is thrilled to return to The Bolo Tie Collective, now serving as Club President. After studying Contemporary Dance at Montreal’s Concordia University, Molly returned to Edmonton to explore her passion for the nonprofit sector through communications, administration, and advocacy. Molly has completed her diploma in Arts and Cultural Management at MacEwan University and is currently completing her degree in Journalism. Molly has also been recognized for her creative storytelling, filmmaking, and theatre work.

Most importantly, Molly has a pug named Garry, the best boy in the world. 

Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Favourite Movie: Muriel’s Wedding

Mya Colwell – VP (Communications)

Mya is in her fourth year at MacEwan as a Professional Communications major, and she is thrilled to spend her final year neck-deep in creative writing with the Bolo Tie Collective. She loves anything to do with editing, whether that’s critiquing recipes on the back of a cereal box or working with student journalists at the griff. When she’s not editing or writing an article for a fast-approaching deadline, Mya can usually be found baking something gluten-free or forcing someone to play a board game with her.

Favourite Book: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

Favourite TV Series: Fleabag or Good Omens (Something Funny!)

Derek Lantz – VP (English)

Derek Lantz is an English student somewhere near the end of his degree. Reaching writing by the long way around, Derek decided to take a break from Macewan to become a carpenter before returning to take on the Creative Writing program. He is happy that, in the interim, The Bolo Tie Collective has come about.

Favourite Book: The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Canadian Author Steven Erickson

Favourite TV Series: He is grateful the Sandman series didn’t suck

Ashley Alton – VP Student Engagement

Being a secret creative since she was a child, Ashley decided to change her direction in University from Psychology to English and Creative Writing. She has two pieces published in this upcoming Bolo Tie Anthology and will continue to submit and publish her work. She hopes to add to her writing skills by taking stand-up comedy, sketch-writing and theatre classes in the Winter.

Favourite Book: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola-Estes

Favourite TV Series: Frasier

Solange Bégin — Social Media & Submissions Manager

Entering her last year at MacEwan as a Professional Communications major and Journalism minor, Solange is a dedicated writer and editor with a passion for everything literary. As a long-term career goal, she hopes to become a publisher with House of Anasi Press based in Toronto. In the interim, she is excited to work closely with her team here at Bolo Tie.

Favourite Book: Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry

Favourite Movie: Lord of the Rings: Two Towers

Chelsey Karran – Treasurer

Chelsey is a 3rd year accounting major in the Bachelor of Commerce program at MacEwan.  Looking to expand her interests and become more involved on campus, Chelsey saw the role as Treasurer as an opportunity to expand her interests in creative writing while also gaining experience in accounting. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family and cats, caring for her plants, and training with her Dragon Boating team.

Favourite Book: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Favourite TV Series: WandaVision

Brandon Lang – Communications Manager

After traveling and some introspection, Brandon has returned to MacEwan as a Philosophy major and a Creative Writing minor. Being a book hoarder and gaining an interest in creative writing through TTRPGs, he has decided to join the Bolo Tie Collective to be more involved with the writing community of MacEwan. Brandon likes to write horror, mystery, and some pulpy fiction.

He is also prepared to run a game of Call of Cthulhu RPG anytime, anywhere. 

Favourite Book: King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard

Favourite TV Series: Godzilla: Singular Point