Do you have a poem or story you wrote that you’ve been yearning to share with people eager to hear? Would you enjoy listening to the artistic thoughts and imaginations of others?

At the reading event called “Speak Those Words You Wrote,” hosted by the NMU student organization Creative Writers’ Club (CWC), students are invited to share their work and the public is encouraged to attend. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 in LRC room 311.

Every Thursday evening of a semester the club meets in the library to share their creative writings among group members. CWC lets writers “exchange, read, and critique their creative work in a relaxed, non-classroom environment,” according to the group’s description on Facebook. Writers, poets and storytellers are all invited to gather and use the platform to share their stories and express themselves.

The event and the club welcome participants from every major, said CWC President Susan Arnold, a senior English writing and photography double major.

“It’s important for people to realize that you don’t have to be a writer to join,” Arnold said. “It’s just a bunch of people who enjoy writing gathering to share their endeavors and support each other. I’ve made some really good friendships from being in this club and have gotten a lot of great feedback.”

The event is not only for people who want to share their writing, but also for people who just want to take in the experience as an audience member.

“People should come to this event to experience a wonderful opportunity,” said club member Hanna Pederson, an NMU psychology alumna.

“Whether you’re reading or not, it will be entertaining and a chance to hear what people have to say. It’s also a great opportunity to practice public speaking, get something off your chest or to get feedback,” she said.
Amid today’s social climate in which freedom of speech can be controversial at times and words can trigger negative reactions with some, it is important for people to have a safe place to air their thoughts, she said, and CWC offers that to the student community.

“My favorite part about the club and [this event] is the people,” Pederson added. “Each person who reads brings their own personal worldview, and I love to get a taste of what perspective and idea everyone has to offer.”
CWC meets from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday in LRC room 311 and is always open to new members.