The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and Mississippi University for Women join forces on Wednesday, Sept. 26, to preview MUW’s upcoming Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium. The theme of the 2012 symposium, “‘River the Color of Blood’: Crime and Passion in a Gothic South,” is inspired by Welty’s novella “The Robber Bridegroom.”
Dr. Kendall Dunkelberg, who has overseen the Welty Symposium since 2008, is well-placed to discuss the event which presents the varied works of the visiting authors. He has directed poetry and fiction workshops at MUW since 1994 and is the director of Creative Writing at MUW. A published poet since 1988 and a translator of both poetry and fiction, he was honored in 2003 as the MUW Humanities faculty member of the year.
“We are particularly excited to have Sonny Brewer as our keynote speaker,” said Dunkelberg. “His ‘The Widow and the Tree’ explores dark secrets, troubled histories, love of place and passions that flare over the fate of a 500-year-old live oak.
“Crime and passion, however you define them, provide the common thread for the 12 other authors who will read at the symposium. Expect everything from dark humor to serious passion, from gritty realism tales of ghosts and magic,” he concluded.
“This year’s lineup brings a fascinating group of writers,” said Friends member Jo Shumake, “and we’re delighted to have Dr. Dunkelberg as our Table Talk speaker to guide us through their diverse works. It’s always a treat to learn about the writers before they arrive at MUW for the symposium.”
The Oct. 18-20 program at MUW features novelists, poets and short fiction writers who hail not only from Mississippi and neighboring Alabama and Louisiana, but from New York, Kentucky, Georgia and North Carolina as well.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for those wishing to bring their lunch and socialize before the program begins at noon. The Friends will serve iced tea.
The Table Talk session will be held in the second floor meeting room at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. For more information on the series, contact the Friends at [email protected]
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