Eau Claire is a pretty amazing place to live if you are a writer, or if you simply enjoy listening to the spoken word.  Below are just a few opportunities for performing or listening to poetry, short stories, essays, and more:

Writers Read is a monthly library presentation, generally held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., organized by Eau Claire’s Poet Laureate, Bruce Taylor.  Each reading features original poetry and prose written by writers living and working in the Chippewa Valley.  Past guests include B.J. Hollars, John Hildebrand, Jon and Allyson Loomis, and more.  The January 12 event will be an open mic; Area residents are invited to bring their original prose or poetry to read aloud for 5 to 10 minutes.  Registration begins at 6:45 p.m.

The Plus (formerly Pizza Plus) hosts an open mic night each Tuesday evening starting at 9 p.m.  Local songwriters take to the microphone and show their talent.   The Plus is located downtown Eau Claire at 208 S. Barstow Street.

Area residents are invited to bring their original prose or poetry to read aloud for 5 to 10 minutes.  Registration begins at 6:45 p.m.

Volume One hosts “Let’s be honest – A Grown-Up Storytelling Series” in their Local Store gallery.  According to their website, “some of the area’s best writers and yarn-spinners take to the mic for a night of personal stories told live. For each installment, multiple storytellers muse on a common theme, followed by an open mic for the audience.”  Check the Volume One website for upcoming events.

Not quite ready to take the plunge and perform in public?  Try joining one of the local writers groups to share your work in a more intimate setting.  The library’s Writers Group meets the first Thursday of the month from 2-4 p.m. in the Chippewa Room, located in the lower level of the library.