Photo by: Megan White

In the late evening of Jan. 30, students, faculty and family gathered at Elizabethtown College in the Bowers Writers House for the first annual Duets – Creative Reading and Conversation.

This event, sponsored by the Creative Writing program, formed an engaging and welcoming atmosphere while giving both a veteran and a student writer the opportunity to share their own imaginative pieces.

The writers shared their passions, lessons and advice in a personal matter throughout the readings of their works.

Afterwards, they engaged in open conversation between each other and the audience members.

In these moments, questions came about and the authors had further opportunities to share their opinions, struggles and the harsh truths they have grown ardently towards.

Writing Fellow and Director of the Writing Wing Richard Fellinger and junior Emmett Ferree took the stage as the main acts of the night.

Each writer shared sections from their creative expressions.

Fellinger read a bit of his book “My Fake News Story,” and Ferree shared a variety of poems from his anthology “Beeswax and Other Sticky Things.”

Fellinger began the session with sharing the opening of his creative nonfiction.

His story reflected on the largest mistake of his fifteen-year career as a journalist.

He shared how he accidentally told “fake news” throughout certain counties in Pennsylvania relating to a powerhouse company.

Through the diction of his work, the audience could tell the significance that this misstep has had on his conscious.

Fellinger described how he was never punished by the company he worked for; however, he still feels liable for the misconception.

After he shared, he had an open conversation about the disappointing emotions that he continues to experience.

Though the oversight may no longer have an impact on others today, it’s as if it just happened in his eyes.

As the evening continued, Ferree began to provide the audience with a variety of his poems that display the harsh truths of social issues such as relationship violence, transgender rights and mental illness.

In his poems, he discussed his personal experiences and how these poems reflect difficult times in his own life and the lives of others.

He grasped the viewers’ attention as he discussed these jarring situations, even inspiring others with his experiences.

Junior Erin Vago felt encouraged after hearing Ferree’s story.

“Seeing anyone express their creativity, especially their creativity that is so special to them … made me think about life and how we need to work harder to listen to other people,” Vago said.

After both authors had shared, the audience was left in awe at the intellectual conversations and grim realities Fellinger and Ferree had bravely discussed.

The first Duets was a success in the eyes of the writers and members of the College.

The students that attended recognized the writers’ passions about what they do and the tribulations they must undergo to create a variety of pieces.

Fellinger gave advice to aspiring writers, reflecting on his own experience.

“It’s a tough field, competition is fierce … if they believe it’s for them, and I hope they do, I want them to get a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in it,” Fellinger said.

Ferree continued with the idea of inspiring students.

“Yeah, we’re students suffering through the whole college thing, but it’s still possible to do what you’re interested in … I never imagined … if you said at twenty, I’d have a book published, I’d say that you’re probably crazy,” Ferree said.

At the conclusion of the event, the viewers left with the understanding of the stories and lessons of Fellinger and Ferree – two authors who share harsh realities on an array of topics.

The success of this event has inspired another appearance of Duets in the near future: on March 19, another pair of writers will be given the opportunity to discuss their pieces and have a conversation with audience members.

“This was a great, casual setting to christen people’s work … exposure to work is always so special, no matter what kind of work it is … I would definitely encourage people to come,” Vago said when questioned if others should experience Duets.

This event is available to anyone interested in attending, including students, faculty or community members.

The organizers of Duets hope to make this gathering a frequent occurrence over the years to come.