Wise Writes Events

Wise Writes is dedicated to developing a culture that celebrates good writing. As such, we're proud to sponsor free public events featuring renowned authors from a variety of genres. Events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Previous Events 

Hillbilly Elegy Community Talk, November 2020

Panelists included Founders of the Appalachian Center at UVA Wise David Rouse, Amy Clark and Brian McKnight. Moderated by Emily Dotson. View the recording.

Faculty Writing Night, November 2019 

UVA Wise faculty Wally Smith, Christa Moore, Veronica Rodriguez, and Anthony Cashio presented about their recent writing and research projects. 

Modern Appalachia: Exhibit and Panel by Trent Thompson and Amy Greene, September 2019 

High School Writers' Studio, June 2019 

Wise Writes' High School Writers Studio helps students craft a personal narrative essay that opens college doors. It helps students nurture their writing abilities with fun and creative activities in a supportive college writing community.

Co-sponsored by The Appalachian Writing Project

Sibyl Kempson as Visiting Playwright in Residence, April 2019 

Sibyl Kempson provided five sessions including: a public reading of “Sasquatch Rituals,” a creative writing workshop, a research workshop, a talkback event following the performance of “Let Us Now Praise Susan Sontag,” and an entrepreneurial brunch at The Nest.

Rick Bragg, October 2018 

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and nonfiction writer Rick Bragg visited campus and led a discussion of his work, giving a reading from his latest work.

"We Speak Your Language" with Brett Ratliff and Rebecca Howell, February 2018 

Banjo Balladeer Brett Ratliff and Oxford American Poetry Editor Rebecca Howell performed to the UVA Wise community. 

Amy Greene, September 2017 

Affrilatchian Poets, March 2017 

Frank X Walker, Shauna Howard, Bianca Spriggs, Asha French, Bernard Clay and Yvonne Johnson