The University News

Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: Culture

Media Credit: Patrick Binder John Reuker shared his favorite prose.

An intimate crowd of fiction lovers gathered Wednesday night, Feb. 13, at UMKC's Writing Center to read and discuss poetry, fiction and different works of prose.

The event was Open Mic Night and was designed to help bring students into the Writing Center to help acclimate English students into the college environment.

After sketch artist Shiling Wu presented her pieces of work to alumni, the center bustled with students and administration eager to share their favorite works of writing.

A group of 15, including students, writing center employees and Dr. Michael Pritchett, graduate advisor for the English Department, gathered in cozy circle around the main room of the center, as each read his/her favorite passages.

While some might suspect all participants to be English majors, Thomas Ferrel, director of the Writing Center said, "We get all kinds of students with different majors who come to these events."

Some chose to read personal works of their own, as well as reading from more well-known authors such as Ray Bradbury and Roald Dahl. Others read from UMKC's own publication of prose and poetry, Number One. No genre of fiction was excluded. Passages varied from the slightly morbid to modern pop-culture literature.

Writers had a chance to share their own works in progress. Dr. Pritchett shared a piece of his own personal writing, a short work of fiction he called 'rough,' and still in need of heavy revision.

Dr. Pritchett is a regular to Open Mic Night at the Writing Center.

"I support the Writing Center and UMKC writers. Events like this are good for writers who need to get feedback on current works in progress to help mold a final work of fiction," Pritchett said.

For those interested in publishing their pose and poetry in Number One, contact Ki Russell, poetry editor for Number One and Creative Writing Director for the Writing Center, at kirussell@umkc.edu. Deadlines for Number One have been extended to Feb. 29. For more Writing Center information about events and business hours call (816) 235-1146.

csedler@unews.com

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