The past two weeks have brought huge literary names to Butler as part of the Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series. MFA students have had the opportunity to attend readings on campus, dine with the authors, and participate in intimate Q & A sessions. This unique opportunity rounds out the Butler MFA education by providing the chance to meet and learn from some of the most successful and talented people in the writing profession.
Joyce Carol Oates was at Butler September 28th and 29th. She spoke to students about the importance of finding the perfect voice for your work as well as how to create a disciplined writing life.
Photo Credit: http://shootforthemoonphotos.tumblr.com/
Gerald Stern and Anne Marie Macari were at Butler October 7th and 8th. The poets shared their work and spoke on influence and how poetry changes through a long career. Students were impressed by the ninety year old poet’s lively spirit. Though Stern is a hugely renowned, award winning poet, Macari also impressed students with her work and were grateful for her insight into poetry.
Laila Lalami visited Butler October 13th and 14th. In her incredibly candid conversation Laila shared her thoughts on everything from Donald Trump, to privacy, to Facebook. She encouraged students to gain world experience before writing. She remarked a writer should both entertain and inform, but only in a way that is entertaining.
Don’t miss out on the final two visiting writers of the semester. Denis Johnson visits Butler on November 11th and 12th and Dean Young will be on campus on November 16th – 18th.