English majors do a lot of writing, whether it be a for a literary studies class or a fiction writing class. The English Major’s Association (EMA) gives these students a creative outlet in the form of Mixed Genre Readings in which they may share the work they’ve done.
“For creative writing majors, we put on readings where students are able to actually share their work in public, so creative nonfiction, fiction (and) poetry,” said Stephanie Couey, EMA president.
The students can read pieces they have put together for class or other works as long as they are submitted to Couey and approved beforehand. Almost anything has the ability to be approved.
“We pretty much don’t believe in censorship unless someone is actually writing something that’s just overtly offensive,” Couey said. “If someone were writing something antisemitic, I would not allow it. But, I mean, at the same time we’re all writing adults, and we’re not trying to stunt anyone’s creativity whatsoever. My only criteria is really that a work is coming from a place of honesty. If I feel connected to the writer while I’m reading their submission, they’re in even if there are some F-words in there.”
It doesn’t matter what year the student is at Boise State. Any experience level is allowed to join in on the event and students don’t have to be reading to go enjoy listening to pieces provided by other students.
“(It) kind of shows everyone what you’ve got if you’re comfortable and if you’re not comfortable it’s your time to build being comfortable, because as a writer you have to be comfortable with your own words,”
Couey said.
Whether a student is comfortable reading their work or not, Couey said the readings often prove to be
interesting.
For more information on the readings or other EMA events email Couey at stephaniecouey@u.boisestate.edu or visit the English Department Facebook page.
The fall mixed-genre EMA reading will take place at Solid Bar & Grill in downtown Boise on 8th Street. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m.
