Writing Circle harnesses literary talent on campus

Indiana graduate student John Davidson spontaneously grabbed a thesaurus, looked up the word “rough” and coordinated a poem from its synonyms.

“Irregular … bumpy … rugged,” he said.

Davidson did not read a piece he had written down on paper like many writers had done as part of the Writing Circle on Tuesday. The audience encouraged Davidson to perform this interesting way of creative writing and were suprised by his successful attempt.

Davidson has been to many open mics and has presented his writing to crowds before.

“It was fun,” he said.

Andrea Riehl coordinated this event for students who wish to present their pieces of creative writing in front of an attentive audience.

“I was pleased with how it went,” the Shelby Township senior said.

Riehl read one of her poems, “Helpess Companion,” in front of the small crowd. It was published in “In Other Words,” an anthology with various poems written by “closet poets” from the United States, Riehl said.

“The Writing Center supports writers of all ages, gender and race,” she said.

Freeland senior Pam Reames opened up this first-time event, reading in the dim light, her poem titled “Fallen Star.” Reames has worked for the Writing Center for about two years, and has been writing creatively for the past four to five years.

In addition to reading “Fallen Star,” Reames also read her poem “Rebirth of a Home.”

“I liked it,” Reames said. “The ambiance was right.”

Fife Lake senior Ben Kinney read his story “Love and Hell,” which was published in the fall 2008 Central Review.

“I was really impressed by Ben’s story,” Riehl said. “I liked all of it.”

Sandusky senior Grace Williams also read her poem titled “Vegas.”

“I went on a vacation there, so I think that’s why I decided to write about it,” she said.

“Vegas” was only one of 50 poems that Williams has written for a creative writing class she took her junior year of high school.

It is always good to realize how creative people are on campus, Riehl said.

Riehl hopes to keep this event consistent by sponsoring it every semester. The Writing Circle is still in formation, she said.

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