A series of literature readings will begin this week with a poetry reading, Wednesday.

Poet Cristin O’Keefe-Aptowicz will be reading some of her works as a part of the Lions in Winter series, a reading series featuring emerging writers at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Lecture Hall of the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Lania Knight, an associate professor of creative writing, said O’Keefe-Aptowicz will be the first reader in the series.

O’Keefe-Aptowicz is the author of five poetry books, including “Dear Future Boyfriend,” “Everything is Everything” and “Hot Teen Slut” which talks about life experiences. O’Keefe-Aptowicz is also the author of two nonfiction books.

Knight said O’Keefe-Aptowicz is a very interesting reader.

“Cristin is very energetic and exciting,” Knight said. “I think she will be very appealing to students.”

O’Keefe-Aptowicz will also be attending some classes to work with students in smaller groups on their own writings.

“It’s very exciting for students to be in the same room and get to ask questions, do some exercises with people who are publishing now,” Knight said.

Knight said the series focuses on writers early in their careers.

“The series helps expose students at Eastern to contemporary writers,” Knight said. “These are people who are writing and publishing now, and it helps inspire students in their own writings and helps them understand what it takes to be a writer today.”

Knight said this introduces students to a different kind of writing style.

“A lot of the literature that you read is from people who are dead or died a long time ago,” Knight said. “We want students to understand that writing is alive. The series helps to introduce students to modern writers, and helps to interest them in different types of literature.”

Knight said she loved to listen to authors read their works when she was a student.

The series is also a way to include Eastern students in the world of art and writing.

“Sometimes students at Eastern feel isolated because we are in the middle of nowhere,” Knight said. “This is a way of connecting Eastern to the larger world of writing and showing students that we are still a part of this bigger world.”

The reading will be followed by a reception to celebrate the start of the series.

Knight said faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students, as well as another author from Indiana will be reading their pieces at the reception.

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.