Writing News

Find more info and interviews with MTSU creative writers and guests on the In Process webzine.

Creative Writing Events (MTSU & local)

• In Process presents Mesmer, a staged reading of a new thriller audiodrama written by Mac Rogers and directed by Jayla Scott. Thursday, September 3, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents fiction writer Yurina Yoshikawa. Thursday, September 10, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• Bloom Stage presents Golden Hour, a multi-genre showcase of stories, music, art & more. Thursday, September 10 at the Walnut House in downtown Murfreesboro. Doors open at 6:30 pm; the show starts at 7.
• Poetry in the Boro presents a mingle for creative writers, Sunday, September 13, from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Dapper Owl coffee pub. Connect with other writers in a relaxed setting—and even sit down and write for a bit, if you’re so inspired. Come and go anytime. Our guest host this month is poet David Beers. He’ll be available to chat throughout the event and give a short talk of writerly inspiration at 3:45.
• In Process presents comedian/playwright Kristina Wong. Thursday, September 17, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents poet Bryanna Licciardi. Thursday, September 24, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents a special event in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring poets William Archila and Lory Bedikian, hosted by Dr. Fred Arroyo. Thursday, October 1, at 4:30 pm at the Tom Jackson Building. (Note that this is not our usual venue.) Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents an Open Mic & Café hosted by Dr. Fred Arroyo. Thursday, October 8, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents film/multi-genre writer Tom C. Hunley, hosted by Dr. Gaylord Brewer. Thursday, October 15, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents food writer Erin Byers Murray. Thursday, October 29, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents fantasy/multi-genre writer Paulette Guerin, hosted by Dr. Jennifer Kates. Thursday, November 5, at 4:30 pm at the Tom Jackson Building. (Note that this is not our usual venue.) Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents an Open Mic & Café hosted by Dr. Fred Arroyo. Thursday, November 12, at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.
• In Process presents a multi-genre celebration featuring four MTSU faculty: Fred Arroyo, Claudia Barnett, Jennifer Wachtel Kates, and Aaron Herschel Shapiro. Thursday, November 19 at 4:30 pm at the Sam Ingram Building MT Center. Free and open to the public thanks to the Virginia Peck Trust Fund, Distinguished Lectures, and the English Department.

Calls for Student Writing

Collage: A Journal of Creative Expression, Middle Tennessee State University’s bi-annual student-produced magazine, is a creative platform dedicated to showcasing the artistic talents of MTSU students and alumni. Whether you’re an artist, writer, photographer, or videographer, Collage is the place to have your voice and vision showcased. Deadline: September 12. Visit their website for guidelines. Also: They are now accepting applications for staff positions for the Fall 2026 issue. Explore the position descriptions and apply through our staff page.

Outrageous Fortune, the country’s first nationwide online literary magazine for and by undergraduates, is currently accepting submissions of all genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama, film, art, photography, and poetry, and digital files such as video-recorded spoken word and short films. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit their website for guidelines.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has posted a useful guide to undergraduate journals in art and literature.

To have an event or call for student writing added to this calendar, contact Dr. Claudia Barnett.