Emerson well represented at writing conference

Jerald Walker, Associate Professor and Chair of the Writing, Literature and Publishing Department.

There will be a strong Emerson presence March 6–9 at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

Students, faculty, and staff members from the Department of Writing, Literature and Publishing (WLP) will be at the annual conference, which celebrates authors, teachers, writing programs, literary centers, and independent publishers.

“On many, many levels I benefit from attending,” said Ladette Randolph, director and editor-in-chief of Ploughshares, the Emerson College–based literary magazine. “I see old friends, former colleagues, and writers I admire and hope to attract to the magazine in some way.”

Randolph, who also teaches a writing course as distinguished publisher-in-residence, will moderate a panel discussion Thursday, March 7, at 1:30 pm with several notable writers, including Megan Marshall, award-winning author of The Peabody Sisters; Michael Lowenthal, author of The Paternity Test and creative writing faculty member at Lesley University; Paul Lewis, Boston College English professor; and Matthew Pearl, New York Times best-selling author of The Dante Club and The Poe Shadow, and visiting college lecturer.

The discussion, titled “Literary Boston: A Living History,” examines the history and current status of Boston’s literary community.

“What I’ve noticed a lot is there’s a very mature group of writers in Boston,” said Randolph. “There’s a generosity there. Everyone is very supportive of one another.”

More than 10,000 writers and readers attended last year’s AWP Conference and more than 600 exhibitors were represented at the conference’s book fair.

WLP and alumni members have secured booths at the event, dubbing themselves “Emerson Avenue.” There is a long list of readings and discussions hosted by WLP faculty and students.

On Friday, there will be book signings of works authored by WLP faculty members Jabari Asim (10:00 am), Frederick Reiken (11:00 am), Pablo Medina (1:00 pm), Kimberly McLarin (2:00 pm), and Daniel Tobin (3:00 pm).

An Emerson College reception will be held Saturday, March 9, from 7:00 to 8:15 pm in the Hynes Convention Center, Room 202, Level 2.