Never too late to create: How Lorie Donnelly rediscovered her artistic self through Interlochen Online courses
After studying voice at Arts Camp in the 70s, Donnelly turned her focus to launching her teaching career and raising her children. Now, she’s exploring creative writing as a “second career”—a journey that has brought her joy, renewed her creativity, and stoked her ambitions to publish a book.
Lorie Donnelly (IAC 76-77, IO 23-present)
When you talk with Lorie Donnelly, it’s easy to appreciate her bright, expressive spirit. Donnelly’s path has included many twists and turns: after two summers studying voice at Interlochen Arts Camp, Donnelly (IAC 76-77, IO 23–present) focused on building a career in education, teaching preschool through second grade. She minored in voice in college and carried her love of the arts with her as she raised a family and nurtured young learners. She never forgot her childhood experiences beneath the stately pines.
”There were students from all over the world, and they were studying at the highest level I had ever seen,” she says. “ I remember walking down the path through campus and hearing music floating from practice rooms and cabins.”
Her story with Interlochen was far from over. In 2023, Donnelly was working as a substitute teacher when she heard about a creative writing class with Interlochen Online taught by Megan Baxter.
“ I just thought, ‘Why not take it?’ And then I was hooked. So I started signing up for classes, and I took all the classes with Megan that I could. I absolutely loved it.”
Donnelly earned her certificate in creative writing and found the motivation she needed to create new work. In Writing Your First Novel, she found that regular deadlines pushed her to produce at her best ability.
“We had four weeks of class and we had to write ten pages each week,” she says. “It really keeps you creative and on track with what you’re doing. I loved all the feedback that the teachers provided on my work.”
Donnelly has taken a total of six courses with Interlochen Online so far. She is currently working on a children’s novel, but she’s also discovered a deep love for poetry. In time, she plans to pursue publication.
“ I just couldn't believe how much I love poetry, so I've gone in that direction now and I continue to take classes in it. I would really like to write a poetry book,” she says.
She’s also taken courses with Interlochen College of Creative Arts, and will return for the Writers Retreat this June.
“When I came back to Interlochen last spring, I felt like I was home again, just being in that atmosphere of creativity,” she says. “The instructors are so professional and they want you to succeed. The homework they give you is helpful to your field of study.”
It was an Interlochen instructor who first shared with Donnelly the work of Mary Oliver, who has since become Donnelly’s favorite poet. But it’s not just her creative habits that have changed. Studying poetry has given Donnelly a new outlook on all of life.
“ I live on a lake in a northwest suburb of Chicago, and I attune myself to everything going on around me outside, using all of my senses: What do I see? What do I feel, what do I hear?” she says. “Taking these poetry classes has enhanced my awareness of the natural world. Every day, I go see what's going on with all the wildlife, and I take notes.”
It’s a way of being that will no doubt keep Donnelly creative and inspired for years to come.
Learn more about Interlochen College of Creative Arts’ on-campus Writers Retreat, or explore Interlochen Online’s virtual creative writing classes.
