Caden Pichon second runner up of the contest received his prize for  his poem “Highway Song”  with a few of his inspirations being depression and the thought of suicide.
Breshon Foster/The Lion's Roar

The “Manchac Review” hosted its Manchac Live! open mic night for the second time this semester. The event allows students and faculty the opportunity to present their original works in front of audiences.

The open mic night was hosted from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 in the university Writing Center.

“The ‘Manchac Review’ is the creative publication for the English department,” said Executive Editor of the “Manchac Review” Kim Calhoun. “It’s one of two of our publications, we have one for creative works and academic works.”

Before the show started, there were audience members waiting to experience the night of talent. 

“I have been to an event like this before,” said junior English major Keisha Davis. “I’m excited to see the talent, and I’m expecting to meet other creative writers like myself. I’m also here to enjoy the entertainment.”

There were 15 acts in total ranging from poets to musicians, but only one would take the grand prize, leaving two runners up. Caden Pichon won first place. The first runner up was Phinehas Taylor and the second runner up was Trenton Coyle.

The “Manchac Review” got its idea of open mic night from former students 34 years ago.

“It was always a thought floating around,” said Calhoun. “They used to have ‘Manchac Live!’ 34 years ago, but it kind of fell off. This event is to help bring more attention not only to the English department, but we strive to make it a campus wide affect.”

Coyle, a graduating history major was the second runner up. He presented a piece titled “Highway Song.”

“There were a few inspirations for it, one being depression also the thought of suicide,” said Coyle. “What if I were to die? Would I have anyone to miss me when I’m gone?”

Coyle believes that writing helps him express strong emotions providing psychological relief.

“I find writing to be very cathartic,” said Coyle. “I want to be very honest with my readers and make them aware of things. Also, I strive to make them think about things that we want to push off and not talk about.”

Coyle also believes that writing gives him the ability to say things that are not normally accepted in society.

“Writing helped me to cope with things, and gives me the opportunity to talk about things society as a whole doesn’t talk about enough,” said Coyle. “It’s also starts good conversation.”

Calhoun believes that performing and presenting your pieces to the crowd is what makes you a real creative writer.

“When you perform a work, it almost validates it,” said Calhoun. “You need to perform and submit work and push yourself to become better.”

Coyle would agree with Calhoun on the strength of publishing your work being a validation of your piece.

“Despite my shyness, I still feel like publishing my work and getting feedback from it is important,” said Coyle.

The “Manchac Review” deadline to submit work for publication in the Spring 2017 issue is Dec. 10.

“We encourage you all to prepare for our next open mic which will be held February 2017 close to Valentine’s Day,” said Calhoun. “Remember, if you’d like to guarantee your spot, it’s good to sign up early.”

 

The Writing Center student staff helpers served as judges  for the “Manchac Live!”,  scoring contestants on creativity and presentation.
Breshon Foster/The Lion's Roar