Writers, poets and students gathered together to escape reality and step into a world of fantasy.

On March 18, “The Read” hosted an open Mic poetry reading. Normally taking place on the third floor of the library they decided to switch it up by moving it to the Academic Building in room 102.

Professor Wade Bradford, the organizer of “The Read” began the meeting by reading fictional poetry while students listened carefully and allowed their minds to drift away. Followed by Bradford was Taylor Williamson, a 19 year old psychology major at Moorpark College. Williamson read a piece from Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll.

“The Jabberwocky is a great poem for today’s fantasy theme, it has made up words and is about his own little creature he created,” said Williamson.

The guest reader was Laurisa Reyes, a children’s book writer and author of The Rock of “Ivanore”. Reyes described the challenges she’s faced of becoming a writer and tips on how to succeed. As a writer, there are many genres categorized for each book. Reyes writing falls under high fantasy, which relates to magic and dragons. She explains to students not to focus on a certain genre, but rather write and let it fall under one. Reyes wanted to be a writer since she was seven years old. Her dream drifted away from her when she graduated from Cal State Northridge because she got really busy with her marriage and five kids. She found herself writing for magazines and newspapers, everything but her dream of becoming a novelist. As Reyes got older she began getting bored with her career.

“I asked myself, I’ve always wanted to write books, why haven’t I done it yet?”, said Reyes. “I realized I hadn’t done it because I didn’t think I could”.

Her first novel was inspired by bedtime stories she made up and read to her son. Years later her dream began to come true as she published her first novel “The Rock of Ivanore”.

In the past they’ve had nonfiction authors and poets as guest readers. Having a high fantasy guest writer was a first for the read but won’t be the last.

“The Read today was different in a good way” said Professor Bradford.

As Reyes concluded her motivational speech, she left the students with some valuable advice.

“If any of you have a desire to write, don’t put it off like I did, write!”,said Reyes.

The next event is schedule for April 16 5:30 p.m. at the 3rd floor of the library. The guest reader will be F.Albert Salinas.