Fresno Writers Summit
$10 general admission
Free for Fresno State students (with promo code)
Fresno State’s Creative Writing Alumni Chapter presents the first Fresno Writers Summit, celebrating new books by Fresno State alumni authors. The event host is author Brynn Saito, coordinator of the university’s Master of Fine Arts program.
Schedule:
1 to 2 PM — Creative Writing Prize Showcase
Featuring readings by award-winning student writers Mialise Carney, Hermelinda Hernandez Monjaras, Celeste Jones, Sharon K. McClain, James T. Morrison, Alejandro Perea-Sanchez, Jacob Reina, Kaylee Ruiz, and Alberto Saldaña Uribe. With introductions by student writer Stella Velez.
2:30 to 4 PM — Debut Authors
Featuring readings by alumni authors Pilar Christiana Graham, Padraig Hogan, and Gabriel Ibarra. With introductions by alumni writer Angela Chaidez Vincent, and a book signing to follow.
4 to 6 PM — Break
Dinner on your own.
6 to 7:30 PM — Keynote Authors
Featuring readings by alumni authors Anthony Cody and Kathy Fagan. With introductions by alumni writer Yia Lee, and a book signing to follow.
Author bios
Creative Writing Prize news release
SPONSORS
Fresno State Creative Writing Alumni Chapter
Fresno Poets’ Association reading series
All attendees are strongly encouraged (but not required) to wear a mask when indoors. Visit Covid.FresnoState.edu for current campus health updates.
All attendees must register in advance or at the venue. Doors will open 30 minutes before each session. Proceeds benefit future creative writing alumni events and student scholarships.
Free parking in Lot P1 at the Shaw and Maple entrance, across from University High; or in Lot P31 at the Shaw and Barton entrance, next to the Resnick Student Union. (Campus map)
There will be no livestream available. The event will be recorded for future broadcast on the Fresno State MFA YouTube channel, and links will be shared with attendees.
All participants are welcome. For disability related accommodations or access information, please contact Jefferson Beavers at jbeavers@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.1569. Requests should be made at least one week in advance of the event.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
Founded in 2016, the Creative Writing Alumni Chapter creates on-ground and online gathering spaces for alumni and community friends of the university’s Creative Writing Program. The all-volunteer organizing committee, as part of the Fresno State Alumni Association, aims to serve multiple generations of Fresno writers near and far, including Fresno State alumni with MFA, MA, and BA degrees in creative writing and English.
The 2023-24 alumni committee members are: Jefferson Beavers, Courtney Hughes, Jessica Turney, Jessica Barrett, Gabriel Ibarra, Stella Velez, Ethan Chatagnier, Angela Chaidez Vincent, Yia Lee, and Nou Her.