Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningLiteratureNews

Empowering Writers Through Place at Circle and Square Brewing

Writers collaborating in a cozy brewery environment

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News Summary

A recent event at Circle and Square Brewing in Oxford, titled ‘The Language of Place,’ featured writer Jerriod Avant discussing the connection between place and writing. Avant encouraged attendees to explore their geographical backgrounds to enrich storytelling. The cozy gathering fostered creativity and collaboration among local writers, highlighting the importance of community in the arts. The event was part of a series aimed at inspiring and empowering both seasoned and aspiring writers in the area.

Crafting Connections at Circle and Square Brewing

In the town of Oxford, something special recently unfolded at the Circle and Square Brewing. A cozy gathering of about 30 to 40 people came together on a Tuesday afternoon for an enlightening event titled “The Language of Place,” featuring the insightful Jerriod Avant.

Who’s Jerriod Avant?

Avant, hailing from the charming small community of Longtown, Mississippi, just near Batesville, is no stranger to the world of writing. With a solid foundation from Jackson State University, he further honed his skills by earning MFA degrees from both Spalding University and New York University. His rich background sets the stage for his unique perspective on writing and place.

Empowerment through Connection

During the event, Avant delved into a topic close to his heart – the strong connection between place and the craft of writing. He encouraged budding writers to feel empowered to truly embody the places that resonate with them, emphasizing the need to weave both physical and emotional ties into their writing. This connection, he suggested, enriches the creative process and deepens storytelling.

Diverse Perspectives Unite

One fascinating takeaway from Avant’s discussion was his observation about the variety of themes that emerge when individuals from diverse geographical backgrounds gather. He described how people from small, rural areas possess rich experiences similar to those in bustling urban settings, highlighting that stories are universal yet uniquely personal.

Collaboration and Creativity

The atmosphere at the brewery buzzed with creativity and collaboration as attendees shared their insights and refined their craft together. Avant expressed appreciation for the chance to engage with fellow creative minds, making a meaningful connection with local writers and aspiring storytellers. This event was part of the larger Craft at the Brewery series, thoughtfully curated by the Department of Writing and Rhetoric to foster a community of writers and readers.

Setting the Scene

Introducing Avant was LaToya Faulk, a dedicated first-year writing instructor and a 2022 MFA fiction graduate from the University of Mississippi. Faulk shared her vision of creating a welcoming space for community writers and readers, where everyone—from faculty to students—could gather and exchange ideas. The goal of these sessions is to spotlight local published writers and empower participants with valuable writing techniques.

Engaging the Audience

As the atmosphere grew even more engaging, Avant took the stage to read moving autobiographical vignettes, reminiscing about his upbringing in northwest Mississippi. He centered his narratives on the concept of place, captivating the audience with tales of his roots. Following this, he invited everyone to participate in a hands-on writing practice based on a prompt he created specifically for the event, igniting creativity and enthusiasm in the group.

The Ripple Effect

Attendees like Kirstyn Young, an English major from Dallas, reflected on the significant benefits events like these pose for the Oxford area. The sense of community and connections among students and aspiring writers echoed in the thoughts of Gage Vieno, a journalism major from Boston, who recognized the importance of such gatherings in fostering a vibrant artistic environment.

Conclusion

The “Language of Place” event certainly struck a chord, creating a warm atmosphere for creativity and connection. As Jerriod Avant illuminated the intrinsic link between writing and place, it became evident that Oxford’s literary community is alive and thriving. With events like these, local writers are not only inspired but also empowered to share their voices and stories with the world.