Adelphi University M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing Begins “Conversation Series” on April 3

Novelist and essayist Jamaica Kincaid ’12 (Hon.) (See Now Then) and debut poet Lauren K. Alleyne (Difficult Fruit) will be featured in the inaugural event of Literary Encounters: A Conversation Series, launched by the Adelphi University M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing in collaboration with Guernica magazine and the Sackett Street Writers’ Workshop. Co-hosted by the Community Bookstore in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the inaugural conversation will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. at 143 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, NY (nearest subway stops: B,Q,R,2,3). The discussion will be moderated by Sharon Guskin. This free event is open to the public. Seats available on a first come, first serve basis. Space is limited.

Taking as its focus literary friendships, influences, and the importance of community, the series will pair a vibrant cross-section of writers, critics, editors, and other literary professionals. They will discuss their individual creative journeys as well as moments of intersection that have illumined and altered their creative trajectories. Each event will feature two literary professionals at different stages in their careers—showcasing their talents, perspectives, and approaches to their work in a public dialogue. One conversation per semester will be planned for the series during the academic year.

Kincaid and Alleyne will read from their current work, discuss their interview in Guernica, “Does Truth Have a Tone?” and talk about where they first met, current writing projects, conversations they are trying to have with the world, and communities that have been important to them as writers.

Adelphi’s Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing offers students the opportunity to specialize in four major genres: poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction and dramatic writing. Students work closely with faculty and literary scholars in multiple genres and areas of study, and engage with their peers in a multi-genre Thesis Colloquium. Students also meet with writers, agents, editors, and arts administrators during an intensive Practicum. The program has strong connections with New York City’s lively arts scene and long-standing relationships with organizations such as PEN American Center, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, Cave Canem and Kundiman.

For more information regarding the M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing, visit english.adelphi.edu/mfa-in-creative-writing/ or receive updates by following on Twitter @Adelphi_MFA.