Writer's Series Ends With Writers Who Call Kentucky Home

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2011) – Many prominent figures call Kentucky home and the state has served as inspiration for their work. Come hear how a few writers’ Bluegrass roots influenced their writing careers in the final installment of the James Baker Hall Writer’s Series at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, in Memorial Hall. This event is free and sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

James Baker Hall was a renowned Kentucky writer, UK faculty member, and intense Wildcat fan. This series is dedicated to writers who have been raised or influenced by living in Kentucky and designed as a memorial to Hall. This week the series will feature writers Frank X Walker, Silas House, Crystal Wilkinson and Maurice Manning.

Wilkinson has gained acclaim for her powerful voice celebrating Kentucky, Appalachia and herself as a black woman. She is the winner of the 2002 Chaffin Award for Appalachian Literature and her novel "Water Street" was a finalist for both the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Wilkinson currently heads the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program at Morehead State University where she also teaches writing and literature.

Walker is a native of Danville, Ky. and a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Walker currently serves as associate professor in the Department of English at the University of Kentucky. Walker is one of the founding members of the Affrilachian Poets, a group of African-American writers whose poetry celebrates the African heritage and the culture of the Appalachian region. He is the editor of many publications including PLUCK!, the new Journal of Affrilachian Art & Culture. Walker was recently awarded the Lauren Weinberg Humanitarian Award in recognition of his work for changes in communities.

Manning was born and raised in Kentucky, and often writes about the land and culture of his home. Manning’s first book of poems, "Lawrence Booth's Book of Visions," was chosen or the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award. His other works include "A Companion for Owls:  Being the Commonplace Book of D. Boone," "Lone Hunter," and "The Common Man," for which Manning became a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

House is building his success on a national level. House is the author of four novels and numerous plays. House is a a two-time winner of the Kentucky Novel of the Year, the Appalachian Writer of the Year, the Appalachian Book of the Year, the Chaffin Prize for Literature, and  many other honors. In 2008, House received he Helen Lewis Community Service Award for his environmental activism, and was awarded the Intellectual Freedom Award from the Kentucky Council of English Teachers in 2010.

“I’m a huge fan of all of these writers’ work, and I know students can expect to see a wide variety of writing styles that represent what the writers know about Kentucky and its culture,” said Shannon Ruhl, director of SAB Cultural Arts Committee.

The Student Activities Board brings more than 100 entertaining, educational and enriching programs that are reflective of contemporary issues and trends to the University of Kentucky annually. These programs are designed to enhance the college experience for students, faculty, staff and the greater Lexington community.

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