Fourth Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming
Grant
Overview
abstract
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Since 2004, the Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming has offered residents of eastern North Carolina the rich opportunity to meet and converse with artists rooted in the culture of this region. The mission of the Literary Homecoming is to introduce people from the eastern region of the state to artists rooted in this area so that both might better appreciate the region's culture, history and literary talents. The success of previous years' events inspires this proposal for a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council as a sponsor for a two-day literary event to be held on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, 2008. Discussions and dialogue at the 2008 Literary Homecoming will focus on the theme of "Responding to Social Issues Impacting Eastern North Carolina." The first day's events will feature an evening celebration to present the fourth "Roberts Award for Literary Inspiration" to Doris Betts for her outstanding contributions to the literature of North Carolina. Randall Kenan and Bland Simpson, accomplished authors and professors within the Creative Writing Department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will provide readings and entertainment on Friday night, September 26. The events of the second day will stimulate humanistic conversation among participants through the examination of regional literature. Authors who either hail from the eastern part of the state or write about the region will be invited to participate in the literary event. Saturday's events will include a panel discussion on Children's Literature, featuring African American authors Eloise Greenfield and Shelia P. Moses. Other presenters include award-winning Caucasian novelist and playwright Jim Grimsley, celebrated Caucasian poet and activist Minnie Bruce Pratt, acclaimed Caucasian mystery writer Margaret Maron, and Caucasian mystery writer Wanda Canada. Caucasian professor, author, and entertainer Clyde Edgerton (Professor of Creative Writing, University of North Carolina, Wilmington) has agreed to be the keynote speaker for the event. In addition to the panel discussions, several artists will lead concurrent small workshop sessions, which will be limited in seating. Event coordinators have collected advice from Joyner Library's Special Events Committee, from previous years' event and audience evaluation forms, and the event planning committee. Event planners will utilize reception space at ECU, holding all of the main events in Joyner Library.
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