Sign up on arrival for a ten-minute spot to share your original poetry, prose, or story—you can even bring a selection from your favorite poet/author! So, come on over—share your words, meet local poets, and make some new friends!

Sherika Duncan, a loving, devoted mother of two beautiful children and a caring aunt to two nephews, was born in Valdosta, Georgia and raised in Madison, Florida. She holds an MBA degree with a specialization in project management from the Forbes School of Business at Ashford University and is currently pursuing her certification in Public Management in Leadership at FSU.

Crafted through the eyes of multi-faceted characters coping with alcoholism, drugs, death, peer pressure for sex, and a culmination of an unfortunate series of events, her recently published book, The Setup, depicts the true essence of playing the cards that life has dealt in the face of adversity. Filled with prose, poetry, and pictures, it is a riveting must-read for adolescents and adults alike, who believe in the power of triumph! Join us for our February Open Mic to listen to Sherika read from her book and pick up an autographed copy!

Our lovely host, Linda Marie, holds an MFA in painting with a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of South Florida, and a BFA from the University of Hawaii. She is a symbolist painter, writer, poet, and playwright. Before moving to Tallahassee, she was the host of Austin Poetry Society’s monthly poetry venue for 6 years. She is enjoying meeting and introducing many local poets, storytellers, as well as writers here in Tally!