Drexel Writing Festival 2018

Monday, May 21, 2018

12:00 AM-12:00 AM

Drexel Writing Festival 2018: First Day: May 21st

 

12 p.m.

Novelist Kate Moretti Reading

Kate Moretti will be reading from her latest book, The Blackbird Season, discussing her path to publication—including small press to traditional publishing—and her unexpected rise to the NYT bestseller list. Q&A to follow. Kate Moretti is the New York Times Bestselling author of four novels and a novella, including Thought I Knew You, While You Were Gone, Binds That Tie, The Vanishing Year, and Blackbird Season. Her first novel Thought I Knew You, was a New York Times bestseller. Her books have called "chillingly satisfying." (Publisher's Weekly) with "superb" closing twists (New York Times Book Review).

Introduction by novelist and Drexel Professor Nomi Eve.

1 p.m.

Open with the Dead Body: How to Capture the Reader from the First Page

Mystery/Suspense novels should open with a bang! The old greats are still great but readers’ attention spans have changed. Classic mystery novels that focus on setting and atmosphere no longer grab your audience’s attention and no longer make it out of the slush pile! Join this workshop led by acclaimed novelist Kate Moretti and learn the tips and tricks of the pros, analyze the openings of some of the current, hottest suspense books (Gone Girl, Girl on the Train, In the Woods) and learn to write a captivating opening to a modern mystery novel.

2pm

Has Medicine Failed the Intersex Community (and can literature save it)?

I.W. Gregorio, PhD, author of the Lambda Literary Award Finalist None of the Above, discusses her journey from urologist to young adult writer to intersex advocate. In a wide-ranging presentation that includes a Q&A she'll talk about how writers can create the world they want to see, and discuss the challenges of writing books for social change.

I. W. Gregorio, PhD, is a practicing surgeon by day, masked avenging YA writer by night. After getting her MD, she did her residency at Stanford, where she met the intersex patient who inspired her debut novel, None of the Above (Balzer & Bray / HarperCollins), which was optioned for a TV series by A&E Studios. She is proud to be a board member of interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, and is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books™.

Introduction by Drexel Professor Deirdre McMahon.

Sponsored by the Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Drexel’s Women’s and Gender Studies.

3 p.m.

MAYA Magazine’s Launch Reading

Come celebrate with Drexel English Department’s literary journal as they host a reading to honor the launch of the Maya 2018.

4-7 p.m.

English Department Readings and Award Ceremony followed by a Reception

Join us for this annual event honoring the strongest writing by Drexel undergrads, hosted by Drexel Professors Gail Rosen and Fred Siegel. Reception with food and drink to follow.

Contact Information

Henry Israeli
hpi22@drexel.edu