I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the dimly lit B Sharp Cafe in downtown Tacoma. Most of the tables were full and someone was making an announcement at the microphone, inviting anyone who wanted to read to sign up for an open mic slot. I don’t remember who the featured readers were that evening, but I know they must have run the gamut from literary fiction and poetry to genre fare. From the start, Creative Colloquy has attracted a wide range of writers and readers of all ages and interests. I was hooked. I got involved right away, diving into open mic readings, submitting my stories for publication, and producing the video for CC’s Kickstarter campaign for its first anthology.¹

Flash forward ten years and that little gathering of the South Sound literary community is still going strong. For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a member of the board, working behind the scenes to help Creative Colloquy reach a wider audience. Over the course of a decade, we’ve outlasted several venues; published nine print anthologies and countless stories, poems, and creative nonfiction pieces on our website; hosted an annual lit crawl; expanded into a free book bike, pop-up events, and art projects; partnered with other nonprofits to expand access to and appreciation for the literary arts in our city; and even spawned an offshoot in Colorado.

At any given reading, I’m amazed by the diversity of stories and experiences on display, from poetry and memoir to funky genre pieces—all coexisting in a single space. One of my favorite things is how accidental themes will emerge, when it seems like all the writers sharing are in conversation with each other around a common topic.

I’ve been constantly amazed at the caliber of writing talent that CC nurtures and at its unceasing ability after all this time to be a place where people continue to connect. CC is truly one of my favorite parts of Tacoma—and none of it would be possible without a dedicated team of volunteers, the writers who come out to share their work at our monthly readings, and our incredible founder, Jackie Fender, who is the engine that drives CC forward.

colloquy
noun | KAH-luh-kwee
Definition: A conversation or dialogue
Origin: From Latin loquī, meaning “to speak.”

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

The first time I read a short story at an open mic was at a Creative Colloquy, ten years ago. My first publication was in the pages of CC’s very first anthology. For a decade, it’s been my creative home and has introduced me to so many people I never would’ve met otherwise. Writing can be a solitary endeavor, but CC lures writers out of hiding for some fresh air, inspiration, and good, old fashioned socializing.

To celebrate Creative Colloquy’s 10th anniversary, we are putting on one heck of birthday party. On Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m., CC will descend the Spanish Ballroom at McMenamins for a night of literary shenanigans. There will be live music by local favorite Kim Archer, a performance by Cheer Tacoma, special guest Tacoma Poet Laureate Christian Paige, and a line-up of featured readers including Cat Melaunie, Miel MacRae, Christian Carvajal, and yours truly. There will also be a raffle for some amazing prizes, with proceeds going to help fund CC’s operations. I cannot wait for this event and I hope to see you there so we can pack the house.

Ten years has passed in the blink of an eye. When I look back on that time, from my first winter in Tacoma to the isolation of the pandemic, I can’t imagine those ten years without Creative Colloquy. So here’s to ten years of CC and many more to come.

— 30 —

Jonny Eberle is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller. He lives in Tacoma, WA with his family, a dog, and three adorable typewriters. His writing has been published in Creative Colloquy, Grit City Magazine, and All Worlds Wayfarer. You can listen to his audio drama, The Adventures of Captain Radio, and his writing podcast, Dispatches with Jonny Eberle, wherever you enjoy podcasts.

If you liked this post, please consider subscribing to Jonny’s monthly email newsletter for news, curated reading recommendations, and more delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading!

Footnote:

1. Out of respect for all involved, I will not post it here. ↩︎