College of Arts and Sciences


Spring 2011 Case-Writer: Kazim Ali

see News Release

Kazim Ali, a critically acclaimed poet, novelist and non-fiction writer, will give a reading and interview session on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus this week as the Spring 2011 Case Writer-in-Residence.

Ali will read from his work at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, in the University Union Sandburg Theatre. He will also be available for a Q&A interview session from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10 in the University Writing Center, Simpkins Hall 341. The events are free and open to the public.

Ali is the author of two books of poetry: "The Far Mosque," winner of Alice James Books' New England/New York Award, and "The Fortieth Day." He is also the author of the novels "Quinn's Passage" and "The Disappearance of Seth;" the "transgenre" part-mystery, part literary memoir "Bright Felon: Autobiography and Cities;" and "Fasting for Ramadan," a work of literary non-fiction. His work has been featured in publications such as "Best American Poetry 2007" and "American Poetry Review." He is an assistant professor of creative writing at Oberlin College (Ohio) and teaches in the low-residency MFA program for the University of Southern Maine.

A 2001 gift from a WIU alumna and her husband established the Fred Case and Lola Austin Case Writer-in-Residence program, which brings distinguished national writers of poetry and fiction to campus each year. Past Case-Writers-in-Residence at WIU have included noted literary writers such as Stuart Dybek, Rick Bass and Marge Piercy.

Visiting writers teach workshops and seminars to creative writing students, offer public readings of their latest works and help create an environment that nurtures budding writers.

 

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