By Christina Miller
Staff Writer
A few years from now the name Rob Galloway might be on the New York Times bestseller list or in the credits for a new Hollywood hit.
As a freshman this year from Hannibal, Mo., Galloway is majoring in creative writing for the professional market. He loves to write and perform music.
Creative writing isn’t just a major that Galloway chose at Pepperdine, it’s a way of life he can’t avoid.
“I’ve always had a story in my head. I visit some amazing worlds up here,” he said pointing to his head. “I would love to share it with other people. That’s one of my big driving forces.”
In high school Galloway performed in a show choir where the group sang and danced in competitive variety shows. His sophomore year they were multi-state champions, making them the top of their division.
Galloway was the lead in several high school musicals including the scarecrow in the “Wizard of Oz” and Mr. Smith in “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
He was inducted into the Live Poets Society, a prestigious scholarship program, and the Writers Hall of Fame of America, enlarging his resume to come to Pepperdine this year.
Galloway credits his creativity largely to his parents’ support and influence. His mom trained as a classical singer and his dad plays the saxophone, guitar and sings.
He plays a variety of instruments including the blues harmonica, which he played at Convo, Homecoming and the opening of the Sandbar.
Galloway said screenwriting has a special intrigue because it allows the creator to convey exactly what idea they see in their mind, while writing for printed prose leaves more room for interpretation by the reader.”
George Lucas, Galloway’s favorite director of the week, has greatly inspired him to pursue screenwriting.
“His visions are so vivid,” Galloway said. “He allows people to see what’s going on in his mind; his amazing fantasies. And he invents a way there. There is no stopping him: he has a story and he’s going to tell it.”
Music also plays an important part in Galloway’s writing. Many times he uses scores to create a story, or a story he writes will inspire him to create music for it. James Horner, John Williams and Alan Silvestri have all been inspirational to him.
His faith also inspires him to write.
“I can’t even express the importance, God has blessed me so much. I only hope I can give back half of what he has chosen to give to me.”
Galloway incorporates God into pieces of his writing through the actions of his characters. He said he shows God not in an overpowering way but through deeds.
Before he could write, his parents would let him tell stories and then they would write them down for him. They still support what he is doing and believe that he has a chance at achieving his dreams.
“If my parents think I can make it then I might be able to,” he said.
His teachers always encouraged him and were the ones that persuaded him to submit pieces of his writing for awards and publication.
“I always did really well and never expected to,” Galloway said about writing in high school.
He started writing his stories for his own gratification, but when people started reading and enjoying them he realized he had something there.
By the end of his four years at Pepperdine, Galloway said he hopes to have completed his degree in creative writing as well as having a presence in the movie, music and writing industry.
Personal
Name: Rob Galloway
Class: Freshman
Major: Creative writing
Hometown: Hannibal, Mo.
Favorite ice cream: Cookies ‘n’ Cream
Favorite hot drink: Hot chocolate
Favorite cold drink: Stevenson’s apple cider in Kansas City
Most influential person His grandfather Bob
Favorite hobby Flying kites
Favorite Southern quote “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.” — Mark Twain
Car: 2000 Red Volkswagen Beetle with “Jitter” on the license plates
Interesting fact: Galloway is a licensed pilot
Favorite beach: Westward Beach
Favorite modern actor: Bruce Willis
Favorite classic actor: Jimmy Stewart
Creative writing resume: Member of the Live Poets Society and the Writer’s Hall of Fame America
Theater experience: Scarecrow in the “Wizard of Oz” and Mr. Smith in “Meet Me in St. Louis”
Favorite Bible verse: “Jabez cried out to God of Israel ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” — 1 Chronicles 4:10.
April 03, 2003
