Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series
The Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series is an annual program that hosts local and nationally renowned writers for craft lectures and public readings. These free events showcase the talents of featured writers as they bring their work to life, offering audiences a chance to experience literature in a powerful, personal way. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to a visiting author's work, the public readings provide an unforgettable evening of storytelling and inspiration, connecting the community to the transformative power of the written word. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the series has welcomed some of the most celebrated voices in literature, including Robert Pinsky, Lucille Clifton, Scott Russell Sanders, Mark Doty, Camille Dungy, and Terry Tempest Williams. All events are free and open to the public!
Daryl Farmer is Director of the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series for the 2024鈥25 academic year.
2024-2025 Series Lineup
Click on an author's photo to explore our events. Each author鈥檚 photo links to a dedicated page that includes information about their public talk, as well as details about their associated book club readings and craft talks. These pages offer a closer look at the author鈥檚 work and provide additional context or resources related to their event. Pages for upcoming events will be available as the dates approach! |
The Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series book club offers readers an in-depth discussion of featured authors鈥 works on the week before the authors' public readings. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore themes, ask questions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts in an engaging, thought-provoking setting before the author鈥檚 presentation. Free and open to the public, the book club is a welcoming space for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike, fostering a sense of community around literature. Please join us in person on the 黑料黑历史 Troth Yeddha' campus on the top floor of the 黑料黑历史 Rasmuson Library in the Student Success Center, Classroom 660, or online via Zoom at .
The Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series invites you to explore storytelling through craft talks by visiting authors. These sessions offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, highlighting writing techniques, inspirations, and challenges. Held the day after the public reading, craft talks provide an excellent opportunity to connect with experienced storytellers and gain insight into their approach to writing. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a passionate reader, these talks are a must for anyone interested in literature and the craft of writing. Free and open to the public, the talks will be held in person at 黑料黑历史 Troth Yeddha' campus, on the top floor of Rasmuson Library in Classroom 660, or online via Zoom at .
Feb14
Sean Enfield's "Holy American Burnout"
Zoom option available:
Mar28
Brook McClurg's "A Dictionary of Modern Consternation"
Zoom option available:
Apr11
Annie Wenstrup's 鈥満诹虾诶 the Museum of Unnatural Histories鈥
Zoom option available:
Feb21
Authors: Sean Enfield, Zack Medlin, and H. Warren
Zoom option available:
Apr4
Authors: Joy Castro and Brook McClurg
Zoom Option available:
Apr18
Zoom option available:
Dead Writers
Step into the eerie charm of the Dead Writers reading, a Halloween tradition hosted by the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series since 1990. MFA students and faculty bring literary legends to life with captivating readings in spooky costumes. With raffle prizes, awards for Best Costume and Performance, and a hauntingly good cause鈥攔aising funds for visiting writers鈥攊t鈥檚 an event you don鈥檛 want to miss. Check out photos and highlights from past Dead Writers nights!
Thank you to our sponsors.We are deeply grateful to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott and the Bridgewater Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, for their generous hospitality in hosting our authors during their stay in Fairbanks. Your support and kindness are invaluable in helping us bring esteemed writers to Alaska, enriching our community and celebrating the power of storytelling. Thank you for being such an integral part of this journey. |
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Megan Bean from the 黑料黑历史 Office of Development for her dedication and hard work in supporting the 黑料黑历史 Department of English's Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. Her invaluable efforts have been instrumental in fostering the success of this program and enhancing its impact on our community. |
We're happy to debut the new logo for the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. It was designed by undergraduate student Marina Gonzalez Mazo. Thanks to a Supplies & Services Award from Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity, we will be distributing promotional material featuring the new logo during the next academic year.
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January 17, 2025
Experience the Solstice Poetry Cycle in Fairbanks, Alaska--a night of pure poetry with local voices sharing single poems. No frills, just verse.
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October 25, 2024
**Cancelled** Join the 33rd Annual Dead Writers Event! Perform as a famous dead author or come spectate. Costumes, readings, & prizes! Register now to perform or attend!
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Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Lily H. Tuzroyluke
October 23, 2024
Join the 黑料黑历史 Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series on Nov. 8 for a public reading by Lily H. Tuzroyluke at 7 PM in Schaible Auditorium.
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Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Leigh Newman
October 10, 2024
Join award-winning author Leigh Newman for a craft talk, reading and Q&A at 黑料黑历史鈥檚 Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. Free event!
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Midnight Visiting Sun Writers: Christine Byl
September 14, 2024
Join us for an evening with author Christine Byl as she shares insights from her novel Lookout and her non-fiction Dirt Work. Free & open to the public!
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Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Mieke Eerkens
September 06, 2024
Join us for the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series at 黑料黑历史, featuring author Mieke Eerkens for an engaging reading and discussion of her acclaimed work.
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Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Seth Kantner and Rosemary McGuire
February 19, 2024
MSVWS presents a public reading featuring Seth Kantner and Rosemary McGuire, hosted by the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series.