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The Knoxville Writers’ Guild (KWG) is delighted to announce a special evening with acclaimed poet Dr. Jesse Graves on September 5th, 2024. Join us at Addison's Bookstore, 126 S Gay St., starting at 7:00pm, for an enriching session of poetry and insightful conversation led by Dr. Graves.

Dr. Graves, former KWG anthology editor and currently a professor and Poet-in-Residence at East Tennessee State University, will read from his celebrated works and share personal reflections on his writing journey. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the development of his poetic processes and the significance of writing communities like the KWG in fostering creativity and growth. In addition to reading his award-winning poetry, Dr. Graves will discuss the importance of maintaining writing schedules and commitments, drawing on his experiences and the role KWG has played throughout his career. Known for his engaging and supportive style, he will also offer writing prompts and showcase selections from his “traveling library” to inspire new creative endeavors among participants.

Jesse Graves is a distinguished poet and scholar, having authored four poetry collections, including Tennessee Landscape with Blighted Pine, and a prose collection titled Said-Songs: Essays on Poetry and Place. His editorial work encompasses several volumes, notably The Complete Poetry of James Agee. Graves has been recognized with numerous awards, including the James Still Award for Writing about the Appalachian South from the Fellowship of Southern Writers and two Weatherford Awards in Poetry from Berea College. Raised in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, he has made significant contributions to Appalachian literature and currently serves as Professor of English and Poet-in-Residence at East Tennessee State University.

Admission: FREE. For more information about this event and other upcoming programs, please visit the Knoxville Writers’ Guild website at www.knoxvillewritersguild.org.