Creative Writing

Mar 28, 2013

Exploring the Magic of ‘Life After Life’

After a 17 year hiatus, storytelling virtuoso Jill McCorkle has published her sixth novel, “Life After Life.” McCorkle, a professor in NC State’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, says that the novel was "a long time coming." 

Feb 1, 2013

Unleash Your Inner Poet

Calling all poets: The 2013 Statewide Poetry Contest is officially accepting entries. The contest, sponsored by the NC State University Creative Writing program, is the one of the largest literary competitions in the region. Deadline for submissions is March 1. Guest judge Michael Wiegers, executive editor of Copper Canyon Press, will announce the winners April 3. 

Jan 3, 2013

Offhand hobbit comment inspires prankster philanthropy

Some of the most creative fundraising starts with an offhand remark, perhaps even a sarcastic jab, followed by a classic light bulb moment. For example, one person - for the sake of argument, let's say he's a distinguished professor at NC State - might comment via social media about "The Hobbit" that nobody could pay him enough money to see the movie. Bemused friends joke that the challenge should be posted on eBay or Kickstarter. That's when friends quickly organized an online drive to persuade Professor John Kessel, winner of a Nebula Award for science fiction/fantasy writing and a member of the CHASS Department of English, to turn the joke into a serious fundraiser. 

Sep 6, 2012

2012 Statewide Short Story Contest Underway

Think you’ve got what it takes to write an award-winning story? Enter the 2012 NC State Short Story Contest, sponsored by the NC State University Creative Writing Program. The annual event, open to all NC residents (some exceptions apply), is one of the largest free literary competitions in the South. The contest has two categories that offer cash prizes and is supported by the Barnhardt Family Fund and other friends of the NC State Creative Writing program. 

Aug 29, 2012

Award-winning Sci Fi Writer Returns to Read

Famed science fiction writer and NC State alum Andy Duncan (MA, English '95) returns to campus on September 12, 2012, to read from his work. His former teacher and mentor John Kessel calls Duncan "one of the very best performers of his own fiction -- maybe the very best I have ever heard." 

Jul 11, 2012

Student Film Earns International Honors in Hollywood

Creative Writing student Tim Reavis teamed up with two other students to create "The Strong One," a short film about a young boy and his buddy -- a brontosaurus. The filmmakers -- two of whom graduated this spring -- took top honors at the international CampusMovieFest in Hollywood after winning the competition at NC State. Bravo! 

May 15, 2012

Poetry Collection Brings Executed Women to Life

In last meals and lost childhoods, CHASS alum Megan Roberts reveals the haunting stories behind the crimes of 16 women executed in the United States. "Matters of Record” is a collection of poems by Roberts, who earned her MFA in Creative Writing from NC State in 2010. 

May 1, 2012

Winning Student Filmmakers Head to Hollywood

Creative Writing student Tim Reavis teamed up with two other students to create "The Strong One," a short film about a young boy and his buddy -- a brontosaurus. The filmmakers took top honors at the CampusMovieFest competition at NC State. Next they're taking their film to an international contest in Hollywood. Bravo! 

Apr 20, 2012

MFA Student Sierra Golden Wins American Poets Prize

MFA student Sierra Golden has won the prestigious Academy of American Poets Prize. 

Apr 20, 2012

Fisherwoman Wins American Poets Prize

MFA student Sierra Golden has won the prestigious Academy of American Poets Prize. NC State participates in the annual contest that began in 1955. This year's national contest was judged by poet Kevin Boyle, chair of the Department of English at Elon University.