Whether used for academic purposes, for entertainment or as a way to unwind, creative writing provides a source of connection for students at Oakland University.
On Thursday, April 2, the Creative Writing Club held an Open Mic Night in the Lake Erie room of The Oakland Center.
Attendees constructed a welcoming community of writers and found unity through the opportunity to share written work, such as poems, stories and fanfiction. While sharing was optional, some participants chose to share excerpts of personal writing from a variety of genres, such as romance and fantasy.
The Creative Writing Club created Open Mic Nights to build confidence among aspiring writers at Oakland University. The club offered a space that nurtured trust and openness, allowing students to share personal stories without fear of facing criticism.
If nobody has anything to share, the Creative Writing Club turns Open Mic Nights into a creative workshop night.
Natalie Kortge, the secretary of the Creative Writing Club, appreciates how open mic nights allow participants to gain experience sharing written work.
“For me, the inspiration behind this event is for people to get used to sharing their work with an audience,” Kortge said.
Breanne Peace, president of Oakland University’s Creative Writing Club, appreciates the variety of works shared at these nights.
“There’s a lot of people that share things, such as fan fiction,” Peace said.
While some critics argue that fan fiction isn’t real writing, Peace disagrees.
The event aimed to build confidence among attendees by presenting various creative works.
Peace encourages people to find connection through sharing written work at open mic nights.
“There’s a lot of people that are super shy and kind of hesitant to share everything,” Peace said. “But with mic nights you share something, and we clap or snap depending on what you bring in, and go from there.”
As the event continued, members of the Creative Writing Club’s E-board shared excerpts of stories.
“Everyone on the E-board tries to bring a piece to share,” Peace said. “I always try to make people feel more comfortable to share, there’s really no bar here.”
After sharing personal writing, members of the E-Board encouraged attendees to share any available writing.
The Creative Writing Club emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, especially among attendees who are new to sharing written work with a crowd.
The night included writers with varying levels of experience, from new writers to experienced writers.
“There’s absolutely no experience required, anyone and everyone is welcome to join us,” Kortge said. “You can come just to improve, you can come to share your work, you can come to hear others talk and you can come to find like-minded people.”
As the last echoes of the final story faded, the room filled with did not fall silent. Instead, it was filled with the applause of a supportive room filled with writers.
By hosting open mic nights throughout the year, OU’s Creative Writing Club creates a supportive space where writers can share their work, gain confidence, and connect with others, ensuring that no one ever has to write or create in isolation.
