Writing a new chapter: MFA program celebrates 20th reunion

Jonis Agee. Andrea Barrett. Rosellen Brown. Alan Cheuse. George Garrett. Alyson Hagy. Timothy Liu. Al Young.

Andrea Barrett and Nicolas Delbanco. (File photo by Bill Wood, U-M Photo Services)

They work in diverse genres—poetry, the novel, creative nonfiction—and they live in far-flung places—California, New York, Virginia, Michigan. What unites these writers is their shared history as students and faculty of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program in Creative Writing.

On Oct. 25–26, these and other accomplished poets, novelists, short-story writers and essayists will put down their pens, turn off their computers and return to the University to participate in panel discussions, public readings, receptions and other gatherings in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the nationally recognized MFA program.

All events on or near campus are free and open to the public. For updated reunion information and the schedule of events, visit http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/mfa.

“This will be a splendid chance for readers in this area to sit in on public performances and panel discussions related to writing by established and rising stars in contemporary literature,” says MFA Director Nicholas Delbanco.

Panels include discussions on the craft of writing, the business of publishing and careers in nonfiction. In addition to returning writers, current writing faculty members will participate in readings and events. These include noted short-story writer Peter Ho Davies and poet Linda Gregerson, among others.

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