Agnes Scott College is set to host its 54th annual Writers’ Festival on April 3-4, making it the longest-running literary event in the state of Georgia.
Founded in 1972, the free event brings members of the public and college community together in Decatur to engage in readings and conversations pertaining to literature of varying styles.
Just like in past events, the Writers’ Festival will feature a number of acclaimed writers, who will bring their expertise and experiences to the Atlanta college — with visitors having the opportunity to pick their brains during a Q&A session.
This year’s panel of authors include Carmen Maria Machado, Stephanie Burt, as well as Agnes Scott College alumna Jennifer Bartell Boykin.
Machado, an award-winning author, is best known for her short story collection titled Her Body and Other Parties, along with her memoir In the Dream House. Her stories explore a wide-range of impactful themes, such as gender, sexuality and power, to name a few.
Burt, a poet, literary critic and Harvard professor, is renowned for her insightful commentary on contemporary poetry and pop culture, with recent works including We Are Mermaids and Don’t Read Poetry.
Boykin, a poet laureate from Columbia, SC, has published several poetry books, including her debut Traveling Mercy and, most recently, Only Believe.
“The Writers’ Festival is one of Agnes Scott’s most cherished traditions, creating a space where emerging and established voices come together to celebrate the written word drawing from their unique experiences,” said Robert Meyer Lee, chair of Angus Scott College’s English Department. “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s exceptional guests, whose work challenges and inspires readers across genres.”
In addition to the literary guests, the Writers’ Festival will once again be holding its statewide writing contest, which invites college students across Georgia to submit creative works for categories such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction and playwriting.
Finalists’ works will be published in the festival’s magazine, with the visiting writers responsible for selecting the prizewinners in each genre, according to Agnes Scott College.