The Department’s Visiting Writing Series brings esteemed poets, fiction writers, and non-fiction authors to our campus and community for engaging literary events. These events include public readings and provide a unique opportunity for students and the community to engage with contemporary literature and the creative process. The series features a diverse lineup of nationally and internationally recognized authors who contribute significantly to the literary landscape. Previous visiting writers have included award-winning poets and authors such as Ada Limón, Ann Beattie, Silas House, Roxane Gay, Viet Thanh Nquyen, Li-Young Lee, Nicole Chung, and Tayari Jones. This program not only enriches the academic environment but also provides aspiring writers with inspiration and practical knowledge from leading figures in the literary world. All events are free and open to the public. Support for the Visiting Writers Series is provided by generous donors. We welcome contributions to the English MFA Visiting Writers Fund.

Spring 2025 Events

Kiese Laymon
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
6:00 PM
Singletary Center for the Arts

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Kiese Laymon is the Libbie Shearn Moody Professor of English and Creative Writing at Rice University and author of the novel Long Division, the memoir Heavy, and the essay collection How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America. He was named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow.

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For more information about the Visiting Writers Series contact Crystal Wilkinson or Robin Rahija.