By Ashley Bradley/ne news editor
NE Campus student writers will get their time to shine when they read their recognized works at an Oct. 22 reception.
Under the Clock Tower, the NE Campus’ literary journal, will release its 2009 issue at the reception with 16 works from students including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and art.
Scheduled event readers are Karen Cross reading her poem “My Domain,” Ruth Anne Boothe reading her poem “The Surprise,” Jason Parrott reading his fiction and non-fiction pieces “Socks” and “Rage,” Shelly Williams reading her fiction story “Here, Put These On,” and Andy Pickett who will read his poem “The Life of Sparrows.”
Parrott said he was both nervous and excited about the reading.
“I’ve done some acting in the past, so I think I have the chops to read my pieces in front of people,” he said.
Honored to be published in Under the Clock Tower, Parrott said he had turned in previously written works, picking only the strongest pieces.
“It was a huge confidence booster,” he said. “Writing has always been a huge passion.”
Parrott has plans to finish up his nursing prerequisites on NE Campus next spring then apply for the nursing program on South Campus.
Jenny Horsley also has a piece in the journal. Her poem “Breathe” was turned in solely to get extra credit for her creative writing class. She never thought it would be considered for publication.
“I’ve always loved writing, and I am a huge reader,” she said.
She plans to attend the reception but will not read her work.
Cory Graham is undecided about reading his work at the reception. Graham has also had two poems published in the University of North Texas’ literary journal North Texas Review.
In Under the Clock Tower, Graham has a poem titled “My Wife Feels Old Like a Haunted Dresser.” Though his wife only appears in the title, Graham said she inspired the poem. He said they both like antique furniture because of its life history.
“We get a weird feeling from old antiques,” he said, “thinking about everyone that had died and loved around them. It’s like they have their own life force.”
The reception is open to everyone. It starts at 7 p.m. in College Hall (NCAB 1111).
Refreshments will be served, and Under the Clock Tower will be available for $5.
