The Cyclone Chronicle Holds First Open Mic Night

Students and faculty shared their work through the art of writing during The Cyclone Chronicle’s first-ever free writing session and Open Mic Night in the Quiet Area of Taylor Memorial Library on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5:00 p.m. 

Writing is one of the most important and vastly underutilized skills. Being able to write– whether it be short stories, creative nonfiction, research papers, poetry, journalism, or novel writing– is such a powerful skill as you transform thought into words. Writing envisions, transports, inspires, educates, and fosters collaboration. Authors sharing with work in an encouraging and comfortable setting also helps writers grow and hone their craft.

“I’ve been attending Open Mic nights for years,” said Alexis d’Ambly, senior writing major and editor-in-chief of The Cyclone Chronicle. “Every event is different, from the setting to the guests. However, each Open Mic tends to have the same mission: to give writers a space to share their work. And, as a writing major, I really wanted to bring this to our campus. I wanted to bring a positive, uplifting, encouraging energy to our aspiring writers and give them a chance to present their amazing pieces.” 

“I’ve always found that working with other writers, regardless of experience levels, can be the most inspiring for everyone involved,” said d’Ambly. “Solitary writing can only do so much. When authors are exposed to other writers and can hear their work read aloud in the voice in which they intended, they can help each other become better writers. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this event, and cannot wait for the next one!”

Students and faculty started the night by free writing their own works silently either on paper or their laptops from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There was no topic or prompt. Guests were free to write their opinions, journal, write poetry, create stories and characters, or continue working on their own pieces. They were also encouraged to use the time to mentally prepare for the Open Mic. 

As the night continued, phase two began, and writers came to the podium to read in front of the audience.

d’Ambly started the Open Mic by sharing a poem “Do You Have Any Advice For Those of Us Just Starting Out?” by Ron Koertge, which directs writers to the best and worst places to write and an unexpected way of finding inspiration. 

As the Open Mic continued, many readers shared their works, including Cyclone Chronicle staff– d’Ambly; Carlee Nigro, junior writing major and criminal justice minor; Samantha Swayze, sophomore writing major; Carmella Vitel, senior communication major; Dj Hannon, junior creative writing major; and Nick Storms, junior communication major. University faculty, Janet Zatta and Linda Presto, adjunct professors of writing, also read their pieces. Students Button Graham, Elizabeth Rivera, and Max Ruzyki also read their stories and poems. 

“Every semester we try to add something new to The Cyclone Chronicle and this semester, Alexis d'Ambly, our editor-in-chief, dreamed about adding an Open Mic Night with a writing workshop component,” said Zatta, who read ‘Christmas List 2025: Christmas Stockings.’ “After making a room request, some planning and a flyer approval, we were good to go, yet not knowing what to expect.”

“This was my very first Open Mic Night and was truly inspiring,” continued Zatta. “Over 16 creatives gathered to share thoughtful, haunting, and humorous stories. I know most of these students as student-journalists, but not as student authors and poets. I was amazed.”

“I hope all those in attendance will consider submitting their writings to our Creative Corner or the newly revived literary magazine, Prism, to give me and others the opportunity to linger over their well-crafted prose,” said Zatta. 

“A special thanks to the Taylor Memorial Library for their continued support and my writing colleagues, Dr. Kerry Barnett and Prof. Linda Presto, for attending.”

Some students appreciated the conducive space for aspiring writers.

“This was a very nice event,” said Nigro, who read “The Road” and “Daddy’s Girl.” “We got to hear from a lot of different authors, and it was nice to see there are so many authors here at Centenary. The writing major is small, so it was amazing to see these great writers have a safe space.” 

“The Open Mic Night reconnected me with my inner writer, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be a writer,” said Rivera, who read “I Adore the Color Pink.” 

Some students marveled at the bravery and confidence of the student-readers.

“I really enjoyed the Open Mic night. It was my first time ever reading in front of an audience outside of a classroom setting,” said Vitel, who read “Of Women with No Names” and “My Faithful Companion.” “It was very nerve-wracking, but I think it was a very fun experience. It definitely did some good for my confidence levels.” 

“The Open Mic was definitely a success," said Storms, who read his pieces, “The Squirrel and the Storm” and “Frustration.” “A lot of the authors shared their stories confidently and worked really hard to share. I’m really proud that a lot of our students were brave enough to share their pieces. At the end of the day, you write what comes from the heart. You don’t have to feel forced to write anything. You write what feels strong and uplifting that will light up people’s hearts. It was also a great way to practice public speaking skills.” 

Many attendees are proud to be a part of an event that showcases the authoring skills of the campus community.

“I’m so glad so many people shared really well-written and interesting stories,” said Alexander Clauson, freshman education major, who plans to read at an upcoming Open Mic Night next semester. “They all have a certain flair about how they were written. I am proud of the wonderful authors here.” 

“I thought the Open Mic was amazing,” said Presto, who read an excerpt from her latest novel-in-progress. “You all did a wonderful job. You had great stories. You did good work at presenting those stories. We all got to share, and that’s what it’s all about.” 

“I had a lot of fun tonight,” said Swayze, who read “Subtle” and “Whirlpool.” “It was great hearing people read their work. Everyone did amazing, and I hope we have more in the future.” 

All attendees were encouraged to submit their pieces to the Newspaper’s Creative Corner, which will be published on the website in the next refresh, and Prism, the literary magazine, which will be available in print at the end of the Spring 2026 semester. Submissions for Prism will be accepted until December 5. QR code can be found in the Upcoming Events tab. To submit the Creative Corner, send your poem or story alexis.dambly@centenaryuniversity.edu with your name, year, and major. 

Stay on the lookout for flyers and emails for the next Open Mic Night and publication of the revamped campus literary magazine next semester.