Fiction writer to present reading

A decorated fiction writer and widely published author will present readings from his works next week at Pittsburg State University.

Robin Hemley, author of the novel "The Last Studebaker" and two short story collections including "All You Can Eat" and "The Big Ear," will speak at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Governor’s Room at the Overman Student Center. A reception in the Heritage Room will follow the reading.

Hemley, director of the Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa, is a graduate of the prestigious Iowa Writer’s Workshop Master of Fine Arts program. His essays and works have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and Southern Review. He is also the recipient of numerous writing awards, including first place in the Nelson Algren Award for Fiction (from the Chicago Tribune), the George Garrett Award for Fiction, The Governor’s Award for Nonfiction from the State of Washington, and two Pushcart Prizes. His book "Turning Life into Fiction" has sold over 50,000 copies, and his book "Nola: A Memoir of Faith, Art and Madness" is considered an important work on the condition of schizophrenia.

The reading is hosted by the Distinguished Visiting Writer Series and the Student Fee Council. For more information, contact the Department of English at 620-235-4689.

---Pitt State---