FIU alumni read to University students and community

Madeline Noda/Contributing Writer

Writers on the Bay Reading Series is sponsoring the alumni readings for recent master of the fine arts graduates of FIU and those who have published books.

The event will take place at the Books and Books in Coral Gables on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m., featuring readings by FIU alumni Barbara Lissette; Joe Clifford, author of “Junkie Love” and “Wake the Undertaker;” Melanie Neale, author of “Boat Girl;” Leonard Nash, author of “You Can’t Get There from Here and Other Stories” and who will also be dedicating a reading to Elaine Winer, who died earlier this year and who was also the author of “The Seagull’s Wife;” a remembrance of her success and remarkable writings will be given at the event. Nash said he felt honored to represent Winer.

FIU faculty Sarah Pearsall and Parker Phillips will also be featured in the readings.

Writers on the Bay is a reading series started by Lester Standiford, director of the MFA program at FIU, and is currently conducted by the facility and graduate students in the MFA of the creative writing program. The Barnes and Noble Writers on the Bay Reading Series is sponsored by Barnes and Noble supporting the Creative Writing program.

Julie Wade, assistant professor of creative writing, is currently the coordinator for the Writers on the Bay and has been involved since January 2013.

“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for students and members of the community to meet and listen to contemporary writers from a variety of backgrounds and genres read and talk about their work,” said Wade.

The Writers on the Bay gives students the chance to see current writers that have graduated from FIU who are publishing and sharing their writings. Students will be able to ask questions and participate in the discussions with the other guests.

The event will be free and open to the public.

Alumni such as Nash said the MFA programed helped him with his writing career.

“The professors definitely created a family atmosphere full of encouragement and positive energy,” said Nash.

Along with Nash, Clifford also took full advantage of the program.

“As time goes by, I realize just how terrific FIU’s program was. I didn’t need handholding. I needed to learn how to be a better writer. And that is exactly what FIU gave me,” said Clifford.

-bbc@fiusm.com