There are lots of open mics in town, but I’m partial to the monthly literary arts open mic at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Every third Friday at 7 p.m. writers of all genres are invited to read their poems, essays, fiction, nonfiction, haiku, whatever sets your pen afire, out loud to a supportive group of fellow writers and those who love them. You have seven minutes. May’s theme is “the secret life of small things.” — Jennifer Mulson, The Gazette