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The Appalachian State University’s Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series is Back for Fall 2013

By Rebecca Mullins

Aug. 22, 2013. For twenty years, authors have come to share their works with the students of Appalachian State University and the surrounding public. After much anticipation, the Visiting Writers Series is back for Fall 2013 at ASU. 

From Sept. 10-Oct. 10, Appalachian State University’s Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series will host Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar, Stoker Award winner Stephen R. Bissette, this years Rachel Rivers-Coffey Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing Toi Derricotte and former President of the Poetry Society of America Molly Peacock. On ASU’s campus, each of the four authors will give a discussion or writers workshop, followed by a reading of their works and book signing.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10,  author, playwright and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar will give a question and answer panel at 2 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Ballroom in the Plemmons Student Union. He will also read a choice selection from his works at 7:30 p.m. 

On Thursday, Sept. 26, cartoonist and writer Stephen R. Bissette will give a craft talk on, “How to Make a Monster: Image-Making and Horror Comics,” from 2 p.m.-3:15 p.m. in the Table Rock Room in the Plemmons Student Union. He will then read from his works at 7:30 p.m.

hughleneOn Thursday, Oct. 3, Poet Toi Derricotte will give a craft talk on “Social Butterfly or Recluse: Some Thoughts about Writing In and Out of Community,” from 12:3o p.m.-1:45 p.m. in the Table Rock Room in the Plemmons Student Union. There will be a pre-reading reception at Price Lake Room in the Plemmons Student Union from 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m. She will read from her works at 7:30 p.m. back in the Table Rock Room.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, poet and nonfiction writer Molly Peacock will give a craft talk on, “Snap Sonnets,” from 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. in the Table Rock Room of the Plemmons Student Union. She will read from her works at 7:30 p.m.

“There’s something magical and incredible about hearing an author read their work,” said Susan Weinberg, co-director of the Visiting Writers Series.

The Visiting Writers Series was named in honor of Hughlene Bostian Frank who has been an avid supporter of Appalachian State University since her years as a student. Frank who graduated with the class of 1968 has served on Appalachians’ College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Council, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors and the  College of Health Sciences Advisory Board. In 2004, Frank and her husband established the lead endowment for the Visiting Writer Series, which was named the “Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series,” in her honor.

Admission is free for each of the events. 

For more information about the Visiting Writers Series click here.