Presenters' Videos 2008

Celebrate the region’s writers and their works as Joyner Library at East Carolina University presents the Sixth Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, 2009. This year’s theme “Evolving Expressions: Shaping the Written Word” explores literature’s connections to drama, music and the visual arts. Eight artists who work in multiple genres will discuss why they choose different genres to express ideas and how changing genres affects their work.

Meeting with and learning from writers serves as inspiration for the creative spirit. For five years, the Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming has been nourishing and revitalizing this spirit as it provides a space where artists and community members can interact and share ideas. The works represented by the award-winning authors encompass a variety of genres including poetry, fiction, historical nonfiction, drama, music and how they tie into eastern North Carolina culture.

This year, the Literary Homecoming will kick off with a tribute to Reynolds Price including dramatic presentations of Price’s works by ECU’s Theatre Department. On Saturday, panel discussions and small, interactive workshops with authors encourage in-depth discussion regarding process and inspiration. Time will allow for audience members to interact directly with authors to explore issues raised in the sessions and audience members can meet the authors during book signings. An author luncheon with guest speaker Allan Gurganus will be held on Saturday.

Additionally, the Coastal Cohorts: Bland Simpson and Don Dixon with guest artist Jamie Hoover will highlight the event with a musical presentation late Saturday afternoon. See the Schedule of Events for additional details. Please complete the registration form as there is limited seating in the workshops and luncheon. Payment for lunch must be received by September 22, 2009.

Throughout the year, a variety of community events are scheduled in a six county area including readings, writing workshops, art exhibits and book discussions. Please see the full community events schedule online by clicking the Community Events link.

Educators have the option of receiving ECU continuing education units (CEUs). Click here for more information.

Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming events are free (except for the luncheon on Saturday, September 26. We welcome and encourage the public to attend and share in an appreciation of our rich literary traditions. Advance registration is required for the workshop sessions, and registration at the door will be available as space permits.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) should call 252-737-1016 (voice/TTY) at least forty-eight hours prior to the event.