The Visiting Writers Series will lead its latest round of published authors with short-story writer Oscar Casares, who will read from his book “Brownsville.”

Carrie Fountain, assistant professor of English Writing and Rhetoric and organizer of this event, said that Casares will be one of five writers to come to St. Edward’s University and read selections from his work. The other writers include Naomi Shihab Nye, Debra Monroe, Steven Dietz and Marie Howe. Nye and Howe are both poets. Monroe is a novelist and memoirist, and Dietz is a playwright.

“I wanted a diverse group in terms of genre and ethnic background so that they could hear a wide variety of voices,” Fountain said. “Getting that variety was a concern when I was putting together the people.”

Fountain, a published author herself of an award-winning collection of poetry called “Burn Lake,” chose authors who she thought could especially benefit aspiring writers at St. Edward’s. Monroe works at Texas State University in San Marcos and lives in Austin, and Casares runs the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Texas-Austin, which was created earlier this year.  

Fountain recruited Casares to be the first author featured in the writers series with the hope that he can talk to interested students about the MFA program.

VISITING WRITERS SCHEDULE

Thursday, Oct. 20 | 7:30pm – Oscar Casares will read an excerpt from his book “Brownsville” in the Maloney Room.

Monday, Nov. 7 | 7pm – Naomi Shihab Nye will read a piece of her latest book “There is No Long Distance Now” in Mabee Ballroom.

Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 7:30pm – Debra Monroe will read an excerpt from her memoir “On the Outskirts of Normal” in the Maloney Room.

Thursday, March 29 | 7:30pm – Steven Dietz will speak in the Maloney Room. The title of the book from which he will read will be announced closer to the event date.

Thursday, April 12 | 7:30pm – Marie Howe will be reading in the Maloney Room. Her book of choice will also be announced as the event draws closer.