Faculty Spotlight | Caleb Johnson
Finding Your Writing Voice and Creative Process
As an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, Caleb Johnson is passionate about helping students discover their unique voices as writers. In his writing workshops, students not only learn essential techniques but also explore and refine their individual writing processes.
Rather than adhering to a single format, Johnson allows students to select a "workshop style" from a shared list. He views this approach as more than just a teaching method, it’s a way for students to experiment, adapt, and find what works best for them as writers. “This was an experiment,” Johnson explains. “Usually, I run every workshop using a 'style' that I've developed over the years as both a student and a teacher. Of course, it’s always nice to give students more autonomy. But I think switching up 'workshop style' week-to-week also keeps everyone on their toes and excited to do the work throughout the semester.” This flexibility fosters creativity and self-discovery, helping students recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing.
One of Johnson’s most memorable marks on his students may be his signature email greeting: “Dear y’all.” This simple yet personal phrase has become a favorite among students, even inspiring them to gift him a t-shirt with the saying. The greeting is more than just a friendly salutation; it’s also a nod to Dear Y’all, an album by Eddie Hinton, reflecting Johnson’s love for old country and soul music as well as his support for musicians in his community.
Johnson’s impact extends far beyond writing techniques. His students deeply appreciate his dedication, encouragement, and ability to create a space where they feel inspired and challenged. As one student expressed, “Thank you so much for guiding me through becoming a stronger creative writer and teaching me so much this past semester. I can tell you really love what you do, and it shows through your teaching.” Another student noted, “In your courses, I finally feel like I’m pursuing the career I want. Writing is even more fun than I already believed.”
Through his innovative teaching style, enthusiasm for storytelling, and genuine support for his students, Caleb Johnson continues to influence our South Alabama writing community.
Beyond the classroom, Johnson and his father appeared as featured guests on the SEC Network documentary show TrueSouth, which explores the diverse cultures of the South through food, work, and art.
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