Already happening: It’s a little bit of a drive, but worth the $3.25 per gallon in gas: Today sees the start of the Clemson Literary Festival, a three-day event featuring workshops, readings, panels and author signings. Sponsored by Clemson University and the City of Clemson, S.C., and hosted by The Arts Center, the festival boasts writers Dave Eggers (pictured), Ron Rash and Steve Almond among others. Leading editors from Mississippi Review, Cincinnati Review, South Carolina Review and more will discuss issues of writing and publishing. Children ages 4-18 can join youth workshops. Info: (864) 633-5051 or click here.
You may not know (but you probably should): North Carolina counts, among its many literary accomplishments, its own Haiku appreciation foundation. The North Carolina Haiku Society was formed in in 1979 to “promote the writing and appreciation of haiku in English.” The deceptively diminutive Japanese poetry form is best known for its thre-line, seven-syllable structure. However, crafting a haiku takes skill, talent and understanding, as well as a working knowledge of the poem’s elements, such as a seasonal reference, a sharp contrast in imagery, and a philosophical shift. To fit all of that into a mere three lines takes the deft precision of a samurai — probably why the ancient art form was once part of the practice of Japanese monks and warriors alike. Learn more about the organization and their monthly meetings here, or join the email list here.
Upcoming events:
• On Saturday, Mar. 15, local author MariJo Moore reads from her book, Confessions of a Madwoman, and discusses her just-released spoken word collection, Confessions of a Madwoman: An Oral Journey. The event takes place at 7 p.m., Osondu Booksellers (184 N. Main St., Waynesville, 456-8062).
• On Saturday, Mar. 29, fantasy writer Kevin Brockmeier comes to Malaprops in support of his latest work, The View from the Seventh Layer. 7 p.m.
OMG! Steve Almond and Dave Eggers? And you’re just telling me this now!