Readers and writers alike have an opportunity to experience and hear from some of the best this week. Beginning tomorrow, the Department of English’s creative writing program will present its annual Spring Literary Festival.
This year, the festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
David Wanczyk, who completed his master’s degree in creative writing and poetry and his doctorate in creative writing and non-fiction from Ohio University, coordinated the event for the first time this year. He has attended the last six festivals.
“I’ve had experience with some event planning and authors and thought it would be a good thing to do as a post-graduate admission,” Wanczyk said.
In the past, the Spring Literary Festival has featured notable writers such as Paul Auster, William Gass, Amy Hempel and Marilynne Robinson. Wanczyk has attempted to continue the tradition of excellence associated with the festival, which will feature Rosellen Brown, Rita Dove, Debra Marquart, Padgett Powell and Tobias Wolff.
“All of the writers we have throughout the year are impressive,” Wanczyk said. “But Lit Fest brings a group of them together, and we get to see them interact with one another.”
Wanczyk added it is interesting to see English students engage with the visiting authors.
“I’m excited to see and hear, from a writer’s point of view, life as a writer in the real world,” said senior Cynthia Robinson, who is studying English and French.
The Spring Literary Festival is free to attend, with events occurring tomorrow evening and throughout Thursday and Friday.
“We get hundreds of people that come. … It’s an exciting event,” Wanczyk said.
mt360307@ohiou.edu
@ThePostCulture
