Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and more came to life during the Delta Journal’s first reading series of the school year at Highland Coffee.

While some were too shy to step up to the mic, the night of Oct. 30 was full of a variety of work. From entertaining pieces that kept the crowd laughing to readings that left the audience in introspective silence, there were loads of work prepared. This series allows undergraduate students to showcase their writing by reading their work in front of a crowd.

Co-editors Emma Murphy and Kiley Rourke believes the five minute performance gives students an opportunity to share their voices and work in an environment outside of the classroom. It is also a great way to connect with other writers and professors with similar interests. 

“Lots of people read that aren’t English majors, but they just don’t want to admit it,” Rourke said. “Outside of class, you would never know if some mathematics major really likes to write. This gives them the opportunity to share it.” 

Both editors shared some of their own writing to inspire people to take the stage. Murphy read her piece, “Being Loved Before Remembered”, to start off the night, since it’s a strong opening. The LSU senior followed her first piece with “LSU Parking”, a piece to provide comedic relief after a heavy hitting story. Murphy was planning on singing an original music piece, but said the audience will have to wait for that one until next time.

Rourke read her piece “The Effects of a Troubling Childhood,” which she deemed a psychological thriller, that she is hoping to expand on one day. She also shared her poem “Dad’s Favorite” to get herself out of her comfort zone by showing the world her poetry, something she does not do often. Both were used to see the audience’s reactions to help her with her writing process. 

“I chose to read it, because while writing is a very solitary and private thing to me, I want to change that outlook and become comfortable with sharing my work,” Rourke said. 

The Delta Journal is the oldest literary journal on LSU’s campus, with it’s home residing at 214a Allen Hall. The publication releases a new edition every spring, and approved submissions allow students to become published authors. As editors, Murphy and Rourke are responsible for the Delta Journal and its submissions. Editors hold the final say; however, the class has a voice when choosing from the 300 to 800 submissions they receive. 

The process of judging a piece of writing during this class period includes rigorous editing and examination. No one knows who the author is during the selection process to eliminate bias and to make those who want to submit feel a bit more at ease. Every semester, different students are assigned as an editor for a specific section. While students do not need to be an English major to submit, they do need to be one in order to take the Delta Journal class as it is at the 4000 level.

“I think it’s cool to see your work in a book,” Murphy said. “It’s cool to be able to add ‘published writer’ to your resume. 

The next reading series will be hosted on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Highland Coffee. Rourke is hoping that people are more willing to share at this series. Even though it is scary, she said it is empowering to read to a crowd. Murphy is hoping to hear more poetry and music throughout the night. For more information, check out their Instagram @deltajournal. 

“Don’t be shy to submit,” Rourke said.

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