Public readings are the best way for an unknown writer to not only have their work recognized by the public, but to also see how their work is accepted, said Shawn Rubenfeld, a graduate student in the Master of Fine Arts creative writing program at the University of Idaho.
This is why he created the Collision Reading Series.
“(This is) a reading series that highlights the creative work of UI undergrads alongside the creative work of grad students,” he said.
There are already a few reading series the university puts on, he said, but none of them show the work of both undergraduate and graduate students.
The series gives students the opportunity to do a public reading and have the support of the community and the university. He said it highlights the creative work of individuals.
Rubenfeld said he has been happy so far with the series, which started this semester.
The last installment of the series took place on Nov. 30 at Mikey’s Gyros.
It featured two undergraduate and two graduate writers from UI presenting their work in poetry and nonfiction, he said.
“It was a great way to end a busy year,” Rubenfeld said about the Mikey’s reading.
The series will pick back up next year.
UI also does a Symposium Reading Series, which features graduate students, he said.
He said Moscow is a great community in which to hold public readings, with many good venues downtown.
He hopes that more people come out to the next reading series, and encourages everyone to attend other public readings held on campus and throughout the city.
Allison Griffith can be reached at [email protected]