Poetry & Fiction Readings & Events
WAC works with other areas of the college to sponsor readings and discussions by published authors. WAC also sponsors two open poetry readings each year, one at the Bedford Campus in the Fall semester and the other at the Lowell / City Campus in the Spring semester. These readings are open to students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni. Past readings have involved and been well attended by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
See the WAC Calendar for upcoming creative writing readings and events.
Archive Of Past Readings & Events:
Fall 2010
M.O.M.S. Open Mic and SLAM
TAKE a BREAK! - Come to the Middlesex Open Mic and Slam Poetry Competition. ALL are
welcome to compete or participate. Top 5 winners will be announced - the event runs
until 5PM. Admission is FREE. This Student Activities Club is collecting food donations
that will brought to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. Please donate a non-perishable
item. For info, call 978-322-8490.
Wednesday, December 15th at 3 PM in the Lowell Lower Cafe
Slam Your Vote: Open Poetry & Fiction Reading
Calling all creative writers! Let your creative voice be heard! And Win a $50 Prize!
With another election season here again, we want to elect MCC’s Best Slammin’ Writer
for 2010! This poetry & fiction reading and contest is open to the entire MCC community.
If you’re interested in reading, please contact Tom Laughlin by email at laughlint@middlesex.mass.edu or phone at ext. 3839.
(Flier to print) (Current list of readers)
Sponsored by the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee & Student Activities.
Bedford Campus: Wednesday, November 3rd, 12:30, Campus Center - 1st Floor Lounge
Another event that may be of interest to creative writers is the following:
A Twilight Stroll in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
“Always do what you are afraid to do,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. So come, pass beyond
the squeaking iron gates, listen and stroll with us on a late October evening through
this historic, wooded cemetery where visitors from around the world come to “Authors
Ridge” and walk among the graves of Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne,
Louisa May Alcott, Bronson Alcott, and many other famous writers, philosophers, artists,
activists, and abolitionists of the 19th century. Visit “Mourning Victory,” or the
Melvin Memorial, commissioned by James Melvin in memory of his three brothers who
died during the Civil War, a sculpture created by Daniel Chester French who also designed
the Lincoln Statue in Washington's D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial. One of the events supporting
the MCC Common Book, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race & Inheritance by Barack
Obama, this twilight walk and talk will offer historical context to more fully appreciate
our own American “dreams,” “inheritance,” and the legacy of “race & inheritance” influencing
all people in this country. And if we listen, perhaps we’ll hear some other spirited
voices from the shadows . . . (For more information on Sleepy Hollow Cemetery,
see www.concordma.gov/pages/concordma_cemetery/sleepy ) A shuttle bus will be available
from the Bedford campus through the ?Student Activities Offices.
Friday October 29th, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 129 Bedford Street, Concord, MA
“Coffee Time" with David Daniel, who will discuss his new book, Coffin Dust
David Daniel has published nearly 100 short stories and 300 articles, book and music
reviews. Currently David Daniel teaches at Lowell Middlesex Academy Charter School
and is an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, where he
has served as the Jack Kerouac Visiting Writer in Residence. All are invited! Refreshments
will be served. (click for flier)
For more information, please call or e-mail Jo Mucci (781-280-3724 or muccij@middlesesex.mass.edu)
Lowell campus: Thursday, October 28th, 12:30, Writing Center, Room LC-406B
Spring 2010
A Celebration of Words in honor of National Poetry Month and Diversity Days
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin (laughlint@middlesex.mass.edu or ext.3839) or Maryanne Mungovan (mungovanm@middlesex.mass.edu or ext.3267).
(Call for Readers flier ) (Current list of readers)
Sponsored by WAC, the Multicultural Center, Academic Support, & Student Activities.
Lowell Campus: Monday, March 29th at 12:30 pm, City Building, Lower Cafe
Fall 2009
Weekly Creative Writing Hours
Students, faculty, and staff interested in creative writing can meet to share their
work and get some feedback from other writers.
Bedford Campus: Thursdays 1:00 - 2:00, Writing Center, Room AR-201 (starting 9/24)
Lowell Campus: Mondays, 1:00-2:00, Federal Bldg Library, Kerouac Room (starting
9/21)
Open Poetry & Fiction Reading
Calling all creative writers! Let your creative voice be heard! And Win a $50 Prize!
With another election season here again, we want to elect MCC’s Best Slammin’ Writer
for 2009! This poetry & fiction reading and contest is open to the entire MCC community.
If you’re interested in reading, please contact Tom Laughlin by email at laughlint@middlesex.mass.edu or phone at ext. 3839. (Flier to print.) (Current list of readers.) Sponsored by
the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee, Student Activities, and the Creative
Writing Hours.
Bedford Campus: Wednesday, November 4th, 12:30, Campus Center - 1st Floor Lounge
Spring 2009
Weekly Creative Writing Hours
Students, faculty, and staff interested in creative writing can meet to share their
work and get some feedback from other writers.
Bedford Campus: Thursdays 1:00 - 2:00, Writing Center, Room AR-201 (starting 2/5;
flier)
Lowell Campus: Mondays 12:30 - 1:30, Federal Building, Library, Kerouac Room (starting
2/9; flier)
A Celebration of Words in honor of National Poetry Month and Diversity Days
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839.
(Call for Readers flier ) (Event flier) ( For a Current List of Readers )
Sponsored by WAC, the Multicultural Center, Academic Support, & Student Activities.
Lowell Campus: Monday, March 30th at 12:30 pm, City Building, Lower Café
Fall 2008
Massachusetts Poetry Festival
October 10-12, 2008 in Lowell, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Poetry Festival is a three-day celebration of the poets, poetry,
and literary heritage of a state whose contribution to American poetry is unsurpassed
in the nation. This first ever, state-wide event will take place right here in Lowell
and will pay tribute to the poets and writers of the past while experiencing the creative
energy of today’s literary artists. The festival includes readings by renowned and
emerging poets, teacher workshops, performance poetry, films & music,programs for
children and young writers, literary heritage tours, a small press fair, poetry in
the streets, and much more. For more information and a link to the Schedule of Events,
go to http://masspoetry.org/
Slam Your Vote: Poetry & Fiction Reading
Come Cast your Vote! Elect MCC’s Best Slammin’ Writer! This poetry & creative writing
reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re interested in doing a reading,
please contact Tom Laughlin ( laughlint@middlesex.mass.edu or ext. 3839).
(Call for readers poster / flier. For a current list of candidates/readers)
Bedford Campus: Monday, November 3rd, 12:30, Campus Center - 1st Fl. Lounge
Spring 2008
One World Series presents Julie Otsuka, author of When the Emperor Was Divine,
MCC’s Common Book for 2007-2008
Inspired by the experience of family members who were detained in Japanese-American
internment camps during World War II, Julie Otsuka’s acclaimed first novel is a lean,
intimate portrayal of one Northern California family. Published in 2002, When the
Emperor Was Divine is set during one of the more controversial episodes in U.S. history.
It explores what it means to be loyal to one’s country and to oneself, as well as
on the necessity – and emotional price – of remaining brave and human, even as the
larger world grows more fearful and savage. When the Emperor Was Divine has won several
prizes, including the American Library Association’s Alex Award and the New York Public
Library’s Book for the Teen Age Award.
Jointly sponsored by WAC, the One World Series, and the Humanities Division.
Lowell Campus: Monday, February 11th, 12:30–1:45 pm, Cowan Center Café
Bedford Campus SIMULCAST: Monday, February 11th, 12:30–1:45 pm, Café East
A Celebration of Words in honor of National Poetry Month and Diversity Days
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839. (Call for
Readers flier) (Event flier) ( For a Current List of Readers )
Sponsored by WAC, the Multicultural Center, Academic Support, & Student Activities.
Lowell Campus: Monday, March 31st at 12:30, City Building, Lower Cafe
X.J. Kennedy - Poetry Reading and Presentation
Poet and writer X. J. Kennedy has been widely published and won a variety of awards
and accolades, including the Lamont Award of the Academy of American Poets and the
Aiken-Taylor Award for Lifetime Achievement in Modern American Poetry. He is a former
poetry editor of The Paris Review, and his poems have appeared in The New Yorker,
Poetry, The Hudson Review and have been aired on the Today show, Good Morning America,
and Garrison Keillor's radio programs. Follow this link to read a more detailed bio
and a sample of his poems: http://www.thehypertexts.com/X%20.%20J.%20Kennedy%20Poetry%20Picture%20and%20Bio.htm
Sponsored by the Humanities Division, Student Activities, & WAC. (Event flier)
Bedford Campus: Monday, April 14th 12:30 – 1:45, Campus Center - 1st Floor Lounge
Fall 2007
A Poetry Reading and Celebration of Words
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839. (Call for Readers
flier) ( For a Current List of Readers )
Wednesday, November 8th at 12:00 – 1:00
Bedford Campus, Campus Center, 1st Floor Student Lounge
One World Series Presents
Chuck Hogan, author of Prince of Thieves
Prince of Thieves, MCC's Common Book for 2006/2007, was awarded the Dashiel Hammett Prize (the best
crime-fiction novel of the year) for 2004, has received much praise from critics and
other authors, and was recently optioned for film production by Law & Order producer
Dick Wolf. Stephen King said, “Prince of Thieves is a terrific read. Chuck Hogan
has woven a rich narrative of friendship, young love and mounting suspense. On each
season's fiction list, if you are lucky, there are one or two books that live up to
the advance hype. Prince of Thieves is such a book.” (For more information on the
Common Book.) (For a copy of the event flier.)
Jointly sponsored by WAC and the One World Series.
Lowell Campus: Tuesday, November 14th, 10:30
Federal Building, 1st Floor, Assembly Room
Spring 2006
One World Series Presents
Readings by the award-winning writers and editors of a new book entitled
Why I'm Still Married: Women Write Their Hearts Out On Love, Loss, Sex, and Who Does
the Dishes.
This new collection of essays, co-edited by Karen Propp and MCC Professor Jean, captures
the passion, loss, joy, friendship and humor that marks a life-long commitment. Discussion
and book signings will follow each presentation.
Lowell Campus: Tuesday, February 14th, beginning at 12:00 noon, Federal Building,
Assembly Room
(Writers & Editors Reading: Kathleen Aguero, Marge Piercy, Karen Propp, Jean Trounstine)
Bedford Campus: Wednesday, February 15th, beginning at 11:30 a.m.,
Bedford Campus Center, East Cafe
(Writers & Editors Reading: Elizabeth Graver, Karen Propp, Audrey Shulman, Jean
Trounstine)
Sponsored by MCC's One World Series.
One World Series Presents
Jamaica Kincaid, award-winning author/novelist
Celebrated for her compelling prose and poetry, Jamaica Kincaid has written for The
Village Voice and The New Yorker, and has published 10 books and novels, including
Annie John, Lucy, At the Bottom of the River, Small Place and Autobiography of My
Mother. She has been praised for her �emotional truthfulness� and vivid descriptions
of the coming-of-age of strong-minded girls who, like herself, grew up in poverty
in the tropics. A native of the Caribbean island of Antigua, Kincaid will speak about
growing up female in a colonial society. A book-signing will follow the program.
Free and open to the public.
Lowell Campus: Tuesday, March 28th, beginning at 12:00 noon,
DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom
(the DoubleTree Hotel is adjacent to the Lowell City building)
Celebration of Poetry Month & Shakespeare's Birthday!
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you're
interested in doing a reading,
please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839.
Wednesday, March 29th, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Lower Cafe, City Building, Lowell Campus
One World Series Presents Chuck Hogan, author of Prince of Thieves
Prince of Thieves, MCC's Common Book for 2005/2006, was recently awarded the Dashiel
Hammett Prize (the best crime-fiction novel of the year) for 2004, has received much
praise from critics and other authors, and was recently optioned for film production
by Law & Order producer Dick Wolf. Stephen King said, �Prince of Thieves is a terrific
read. Chuck Hogan has woven a rich narrative of friendship, young love and mounting
suspense. On each season's fiction list, if you are lucky, there are one or two books
that live up to the advance hype. Prince of Thieves is such a book.� (For more information
on the Common Book.)
Jointly sponsored by WAC and the One World Series.
Tuesday, April 25th, beginning at 12:00 noon,
Cafe East, Campus Center Building, Bedford Campus
Fall 2006
A Celebration of Words - Poetry and Fiction Reading
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839. Jointly sponsored
by WAC and Student Activities.
Bedford Campus: Wednesday, November 7th, 12:00 – 1:00, Campus Center - 1st Floor Lounge
Spring 2005
Fundraiser for Tsunami Relief: Honoring SouthEast Asian & African Cultures
Poetry Reading & Bake Sale
Hear the rich contributions of poets from SouthEast Asian and African countries that
have recently suffered unprecedented death and destruction from the devastating earthquake
and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. Come join the MCC community to read, listen, honor,
and contribute. (If you're interested in reading, please contact Tom Laughlin at ext.3839.)
Wednesday, February 2nd, at 12:00 noon
Bedford Campus Cafe
&
Thursday, February 3rd, at 12:00 noon
Lower Cafe, City Campus
(Some Poetry Selections - poetry from Tsunami-affected countries)
Poet Jean Flanagan reads and discusses Black Lightning,
her new book, as part of the Coffee Time series.
Wednesday, April 6th, at 12:30
Bedford Campus, Writing Center, Room AR-214
Celebration of Poetry Month & Shakespeare's Birthday!
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you're
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839.
Wednesday, April 20th, 2005 at 12:00
Lower Cafe, City Campus
Fall 2005
Coffee Time with Paul Marion, editor of Atop Underwood: Early Stories and Other Writings
by Jack Kerouac,
will discuss and read from the writings of Jack Kerouac.
Part of the Coffee Time series.
Wednesday, September 14th, 12:00 p.m.
Lowell Campus Writing Center, Room LC-406B
A Poetry Reading and Celebration of Words
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you�re
interested in doing a reading,
please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839. (Call for Readers flier)
Tuesday, November 15th at 12:00 noon,
Bedford Campus Student Lounge
Coffee Time with Hilary Holladay
who will discuss her latest book, Wild Blessings, a study of Lucille Clifton's poetry.
Part of the Coffee Time series.
Bedford Campus Writing Center, AR-214
Fall 2004
A Poetry Reading and Celebration of Words
Wednesday, November 17th, 2004 at 12:00 noon
Student Lounge, Bedford Campus
Voices from the Inside Performance
This public poetry performance project of Voices from Inside's creative writing workshops
for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women will present a poetry performance
followed by a community dialogue to discuss the value of practicing creative arts
in prison for themselves, their families and society.
Sponsored by the Performing Arts Club. (Not a WAC sponsored event)
Lowell Campus: Thursday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm, MCC Theatre in Lowell
A Celebration of Words in honor of National Poetry Month and Diversity Days
This poetry & creative writing reading is open to the entire MCC community. If you’re
interested in doing a reading, please contact Tom Laughlin, ext.3839. (Call for Readers
flier) ( For a Current List of Readers )
Sponsored by WAC, the Multicultural Center, Student Activities, and the Creative Writing
Hours.
Lowell Campus: Wednesday, March 28th at 1:00, City Building, Lower Cafe
One World Series presents Claire Cook
Claire Cook has written the novels Ready to Fall, Multiple Choice and Must Love Dogs,
which was made into a successful movie. She'll talk about the writing process as
well as what it is like to write for Hollywood. Faculty should contact Rebecca Newell
at ext. 3763 with requests for reserved seating. (For event flier.)
Jointly sponsored by WAC and the One World Series.
Bedford Campus: Wednesday, March 28th, at 12:30, Bedford Café East
2003
Celebration of Poetry Month & Shakespeare's Birthday!
Wednesday, April 7th, 2004 at 11:30
Lower Cafe, City Campus
A Poetry Reading and Celebration of Words
Wednesday, November 5th, 2003 at 12:00 noon
Student Lounge, Bedford Campus