Tea and crackers were served in the afternoon to would-be writers and fans who wanted to chat with their favorite author.
Stuart Dybek, an English professor at Western Michigan University and a non-fiction author, spoke last night in the Rackham Amphitheater as part of the Visiting Writers Series.
"I don't think of reading as a performance," Dybek said. "At the same time, it isn't something I want people to approach with the reverence that lectures are sometimes approached with."
Dybek is the author of several short story and poetry collections, including "Brass Knuckles." His latest book is "The Story of Mist."
The series is sponsored by the University English department along with Borders Book Stores. Every week from September through April, at least one writer is scheduled to come.
"It keeps students in touch with the contemporary writing scene," said Andrea Beauchamp, program associate. "It's valuable for English students because they can experience a variety of styles. We often conference hours for the graduate students where they can sit and talk with the speakers."
The reading and tea are free for all students and community members, except for the Writers Harvest Lecture, where donations are requested.
Students who participate find the program helpful for their own work.
"Great writers come through every year," said Ian Twiss, a graduate student in the writing program. "Writers come in to give you feedback on your work. It's an integral part of the writing program."
English Prof. Charles Baxter, director of Master of Fine Arts program in writing, said he feels the program is beneficial to all students.
"It brings living writers into our presence," Baxter said. "We have not only their written word, but their voice. At its best the series should excite and inspire people. If a writer is really clicking and going well with students, it doesn't matter what field they are in."
Speakers are selected for the program by MFA students, along with several professors. The range of speakers includes professors from the University, poets, fiction and non-fiction writers. Occasionally, speakers from Borders' book tours will read when they come through Ann Arbor.
"Here we really get more support," Beauchamp said. "There isn't the football mentality, like that of other schools where you can't win unless someone else is losing."
Students said they like the program because it exposes them to a variety of writers.
"It brings people in contact with high quality writing," said Melanie Kenny, an RC sophomore. "It gives me a chance to hear work I haven't gotten around to reading yet."
Cory Rosenblatt, Art sophomore, attended the reading for a class but said she would have anyway because it was interesting.
"It's better than TV because you do all the imaging yourself," said Ann Arbor resident Lois Cole.
Many students attended for class requirements but local residents and alums enjoy the speakers.
"There are a variety of speakers who are always well known," said alum Martha Stoner, who has been attending the lectures for more than 20 years.
Not everyone shares the enthusiasm for hearing the authors.
"I have to come for my creative writing class. I don't think it's really any better than just reading," said LSA junior Adrian Ray. "But it is interesting to see who wrote it."
The visiting writers will feature English Prof. Ann Fulton at 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Rackham Amphitheater. A full schedule of the series is available in the Hopwood Room, 1176 Angell Hall.
JULLY PARK/Daily
Author and Western Michigan University Prof. Stuart Dybek discusses the inspiration for one of his fictional characters with Edward Morin at a reading yesterday.