Morningside College students, faculty and staff will do a marathon reading of best-selling novel “The Maze Runner” from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, in the Roadman Formal Lounge. This coincides with the film adaptation of the book premiering in theaters that evening.

Morningside College students, faculty and staff will do a marathon reading of best-selling novel “The Maze Runner” from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, in the Roadman Formal Lounge, Roadman Hall, 3600 Peters Ave. This coincides with the film adaptation of the book premiering in theaters that evening.

“The Maze Runner” is the first in a trilogy of young adult post-apocalyptic science fiction novels. For every reader, a donor will give $2 to literacy projects at the Mary J. Treglia Community House and Girls Inc. Treats will be provided. Readers will receive a ticket for a drawing to win a movie poster, the film soundtrack or other items.

This event is part of the Friday is Writing Day (FIWD) series at Morningside College. FIWD meets throughout the fall semester, usually from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Fridays. The program, which has been in existence for over 25 years, is designed to feature writers and their works, from journals to published pieces.

Writers of all types from the campus and community read their work, followed by informal discussions of the writing. All of the sessions are free and open to the public. Participants are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch or purchase lunch in the college cafeteria.

Additional upcoming events for FIWD include:

Sept. 26: New technology transforms reading and writing. The library staff will lead a discussion on the implications of new technology. Noon, Hickman Dining Room, Olsen Student Center, 3609 Peters Ave.

Oct. 3: Translation and interpretation. Students and faculty will talk about the fun and challenges of written translation and interpreting speech. Noon, Writing Center, Hickman-Johnson-Furrow Learning Center, 1601 Morningside Ave.

Thursday, Oct. 9: Conversation with Deanna Thompson. The professor and author of “Hoping for More: Having Cancer, Talking Faith, and Accepting Grace,” will discuss religion and meaning-making during hard times in life. Noon, Maud Adams Room, Olsen Student Center.

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Interview with alumnus Bill Russell and songs. Russell is author of the book and lyrics for the musicals “Side Show,” which will be on Broadway in October, and “Pageant,” currently playing off Broadway. There will be two events, the first focusing on his writing of musicals, Noon, Yockey Room, Olsen Student Center, and the second focusing on his theatre experience, 8 p.m., Yockey Room.

Oct. 31: New campus writers. Newer faculty members will share their writing projects. Noon, Hickman Dining Room, Olsen Student Center.

Nov. 7: Political blogging. Students comment in their blogs on the recent election season. Noon, Hickman Dining Room, Olsen Student Center.

Nov. 14: Developmental psychology. Students will read from reflection papers connecting course concepts to films, raising a virtual child, their own schooling and interviews with older adults. Noon, Hickman Dining Room, Olsen Student Center.

Nov. 21: The almost lost art of letter writing. A look at letter writing past and present and why letter writing is still important in the digital age. Bring memorable letters. Noon, Hickman Dining Room, Olsen Student Center.

Dec. 5: Capstone seminar. Students from a seminar on “Diverse Women Writers: Recovery of Women’s Texts” will read from their research projects. Noon, Hickman Dining Room, Olsen Student Center.