Students performed their lyrics during Poetry Slam

The Writing Club hosted a "Poetry Slam" on Friday, October 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge.

Eight students attended the Poetry Slam, four of whom performed. Despite the fact that there was a small turnout, President of the Writing Club Ashley Saari said, "It was a really comfortable setting." The folding chairs that had been set up were not used and everyone was able to see from the couches and chairs in the Alumni Lounge. Three non-participants judged the performers, and they rated each poet's performance by 0-10 in an Olympic style. "If they performed more than once, their scores were averaged together. Highest score won," said Saari.

First place winner Abbie Tumbleson won a $25 gift certificate to the Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough.

"Professor Nancy McGartland suggested it, and it seemed like a good way to start of our literary events," said Saari. The Writing Club already has more Poetry Slams in the works, including one after Winter Break that will have a "Resolutions" theme. They also plan to alternate the Poetry Slams with Open Mic Nights every other month.

"Poetry slams are good for the campus because they energize students who may have been writing, but may never have considered themselves 'writers,'" said Anne Shaw, Writing Club Advisor. "Slams encourage people to write more-and more powerfully-by tapping into their own experiences."

The writing club is also planning The Beat Generation Read Out which will be taking place on Wednesday, November 12 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the library courtyard. "Members of the club and faculty will read from Beat Works, and we will have material there for people to read from if they want to," said Saari.

Another endeavor for the Writing Club is selecting and editing submissions for the Fiddlestix Literary Magazine, which is returning to campus after ten years.

"I hope that our future events draw in more people, and that we eventually become a recognized club," said Saari.