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I worked in New York in the 1950s, and I began to feel that I was surrounded by bricks, where I had grown up surrounded by stones. I simply like the texture of the South. And especially the South. I want to live in the hills… I’m not only a southerner, but I am a hill man.
– Miller Williams
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Poet Laureate |
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Peggy Vining
Appointed Poet Laureate of the State of Arkansas in 2003, Peggy Vining has long been an active in literary organizations, including Ozark Creative Writers, the Poets Roundtable, Arkansas Pen Women, and the Arkansas Songwriters Association. |
More information on this state's laureateship
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Featured Poets |
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C. D. Wright
Born in Mountain Home, C. D. Wright received her M.F.A. from the University of Arkansas. She is the author of numerous books of poetry, and is the co-editor of Lost Roads Publishers. |
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Frank Stanford
Raised in the Arkansas Ozarks, Frank Stanford spent the majority of his life in Fayetteville, working as a land surveyor. The author of ten books of poetry, he died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the age of 29. |
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Ralph Burns
The author of six poetry collections, including Ghost Notes, the recipient of the Field Poetry Prize, Ralph Burns co-directs the creative writing program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. |
| Other Arkansas Poets
Miller Williams
Maya Angelou
Geoffrey Brock
Haki Madhubuti
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Literary journals & small presses |
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Arkansas Literary Forum: an Online Journal
This annual journal containing poetry, fiction, drama, essays, and art, is now in its fifth year.
The Oxford American
"The Southern Magazine of Good Writing" moved to Little Rock and recently published its "re-launch" issue. Each issue contains fiction, non-fiction, and a sizable amount of poetry.
Slant
"An annual publication, SLANT features poets from across the United States, with occasional appearances by poets from other countries as well. Its editorial tastes are broad, but in all cases it looks for craft in making and freshness of sensibility... A touch of strangeness or an active sense of fun does count as an asset."
University of Arkansas Press
The University of Arkansas Press was founded in 1980. It publishes approximately twenty titles a year, including many by notable poetry authors
Will Hall Books
Will Hall, Inc., a not-for-profit enterprise produces chapbooks for emerging writers (handmade, hand-sewn, 25 pp.) "who manifestly deserve a broader readership" and provides educational assistance to any artists, regardless of discipline, for the opportunity to travel, attend conferences, or complete coursework.
Nebo: A Literary Journal
Nebo began publication as the Five Cent Cigar in 1971 and took its current name in 1976. Nebo routinely publishes Arkansas Tech students and unpublished writers, alongside nationally known writers. The award-winning journal is published twice yearly, in the spring and fall semesters. |
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Literary organizations & centers |
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Arkansas Arts Council
Though primarily a visual art organization, this non-profit often offers grants and programs for writers, including a "poets on tour" program.
Ozark Poets and Writers Collective
This web-based organization organizes readings, slams, circles, and other events; the website also offers promotion for local writers' published and unpublished work.
WORDS: the Arkansas Literary Society
WORDS sponsors "salons" where members and non-members can gather to hear distinguished authors read from their works, and The Porter Fund Literary Prize, which honors Arkansas writers and poets.
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Poetic History |
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The Poetic History of Arkansas
by C. D. Wright
Any locale will yield its share of writers, but the majority of its inhabitants will go unaware of its own—past and present. Arkansas offers a wildly diverse geography: two mountain ranges, piney woods and delta. It has birthed or raised or adopted an equally varied body of writers. Read more > |
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Poems about Arkansas |
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Personals
by C. D. Wright
Some nights I sleep with my dress on. My teeth...
Walking After Supper
by Miller Williams
It is when I have thought of the universe... |
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Literary festivals & conferences |
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Arkansas Literary Festival
The premier gathering of readers and writers in Arkansas, the Arkansas Literary Festival in Little Rock has expanded to include over 80 authors in many locations on both sides of the river. |
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Writing programs & colonies |
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Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech's B.F.A. in creative writing is the only program of its kind in this region and one of only twelve in the United States. In addition, they offer a B.F.A. in Creative Writing Education.
Arkansas Writers in the Schools
WITS is staffed by graduate students in Programs in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas. Each year they send out teams of two writers for two day residencies to teach and learn from Arkansas' elementary, junior and high school students.
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Established in 1966, this school offers an MFA in Writing and an MFA in Translation. Students also have the benefit of biannual visits by guest writers who give readings, teach workshops, and offer individual attention to student work. The summer of 2002 marked the twelfth anniversary of the International Writers' Course in Creative Writing, which they conduct in association with the National University of Ireland, Galway. All MFA students have the opportunity to participate in the Writers In the Schools (WITS) program (see above).
White River Writer's Workshop
This prestigious program offers one-week residencies and workshops. Write PO Box 2317, Batesville, AR 72503, or e-mail ahbundy@aol.com.
The Writer's Colony at Dairy Hollow
WCDH offers two-week to three-month residencies for emerging and experienced writers and songwriters at work on specific projects. All residents' basic needs--food, shelter--are met.
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