By Sarah Landwehr

For 13 UK students, their creative writing class means more than just a grade — because for these English 507 students, going to class earns them status as published authors.

After 20 years out of the classroom, author Ed McClanahan returned to teach creative writing at UK to give his students a unique opportunity.

McClanahan will publish a collection of short stories that his students have written.

The book will be called “Horsefeathers,” and will include an introduction that he will write and a 2,500 to 3,000-word story written by each student, McClanahan said.

Each student will choose the story he or she wants to submit for publishing and next semester McClanahan said he plans to copy edit every story.

The class is currently working to find an artist to produce the cover.

Art history senior, and member of McClanahan’s class, Julia Sumrok is excited for the book.

“My first reaction was ‘wow,’ ” Sumrok said. “That’s obviously really cool.”

Ajay Mehra is a business professor enrolled in the course. Mehra said he took the class not so much for the publishing part but to improve his writing skills.

“…But I know this means a lot to the students in class and to Ed.  It’s turning out to be fun,” he said.

Sumrok said the “Horsefeathers” project encompasses more than just fun.

“To work alongside Ed McClanahan’s name, that’s a lot of pressure,” she said.  “I just hope that I can produce something that people can enjoy.”

McClanahan is the author of the 1983 novel “The Natural Man” and numerous other literary works. English 507 is the last class he will teach.

When the book is completed, Wind Publications will print 75 copies of it, and each student will get five copies. Amazon.com will also have copies for sale, McClanahan said.

“My goal is to get the book done and printed before the spring semester ends,” McClanahan said.  “It’ll give everybody something to take home with them.”