'Writers Read Emerging Voices' showcase celebrates local writers

More than 70 people attended the "Writers Read Emerging Voices" creative writing winners' showcase, celebrating short stories, novels, excerpts, creative nonfiction and poetry submitted by COD students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Click here to view photos of this event. Click here to view a video from the event.

"Emerging Voices" contest winners include: Gail Cairns, "ECT," honorable mention, poetry; Anna Childs, "Half a Glass," honorable mention, fiction; Tricia Marcella Cimera, "The Stag," first place, poetry; Tasha Fouts, "For Want of Sleep," honorable mention, poetry; Rachel Hall, "Finding a Voice," first place, creative nonfiction; Ciera Horton, "Naked," first place, fiction; Paula Mikrut, "The Weekend I Didn't Have Ebola," honorable mention, creative nonfiction; Susan Schubert, "Ode to the VW," second place, creative nonfiction; Susan Trestrail, "Flower Mother," second place, poetry; Joanne Zienty, excerpt from "The Things We Save," second place, fiction.

In addition to readings from the contest winners, the event featured guest Chicago-based essayist, novelist and poet Erica Sánchez who read and discussed her work.

For the last 18 years, the Writers Read series has brought dozens of nationally acclaimed writers to College of DuPage.