Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series
The Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series is an annual program that hosts local and nationally renowned writers for craft lectures and public readings. The first events were held in the early 1970s, and over the years, many of the most prestigious names in literature—Robert Pinsky, Lucille Clifton, Scott Russell Sanders, Mark Doty, Camille Dungy, and Terry Tempest Williams, to name a few—have made appearances in Fairbanks. All events are free and open to the public!
Daryl Farmer is Director of the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series for the 2024–25 academic year.
2024-2025 Series Lineup
Click on a speaker's photo to explore past events and discover more about their presentations.
Pages for upcoming events will be available as the dates approach!
The Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series occasionally hosts a book club event on the day of the public reading, offering a unique opportunity to discuss the featured author’s work in-depth. It’s a great chance to explore themes, ask questions, and connect with fellow readers before experiencing the author’s presentation. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the writer or just curious to learn more, everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming book club meetings tied to the series, and don’t miss this enriching way to engage with the world of literature!
Curious how writers craft their stories? The Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series often hosts a free, public craft talk with visiting authors, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. These talks offer valuable insights into the author's writing techniques, inspirations, and challenges, and are a great way to engage with the visiting writer before the evening’s public reading. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of the author’s work, the craft talk provides an opportunity to learn directly from an experienced storyteller. Join us for this enriching event, typically held after the book club and before the public reading!
Dead Writers
Step into the eerie charm of the Dead Writers reading, a Halloween tradition hosted by the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series since 1990. MFA students and faculty bring literary legends to life with captivating readings in spooky costumes. With raffle prizes, awards for Best Costume and Performance, and a hauntingly good cause—raising funds for visiting writers—it’s an event you don’t want to miss. Check out photos and highlights from past Dead Writers nights!
Thank you to our sponsors.We are deeply grateful to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott and the Bridgewater Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, for their generous hospitality in hosting our authors during their stay in Fairbanks. Your support and kindness are invaluable in helping us bring esteemed writers to Alaska, enriching our community and celebrating the power of storytelling. Thank you for being such an integral part of this journey. |
| We extend our heartfelt thanks to Megan Bean from the UAF Office of Development for her dedication and hard work in supporting the UAF Department of English's Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. Her invaluable efforts have been instrumental in fostering the success of this program and enhancing its impact on our community. |
We're happy to debut the new logo for the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. It was designed by undergraduate student Marina Gonzalez Mazo. Thanks to a Supplies & Services Award from Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity, we will be distributing promotional material featuring the new logo during the next academic year.
October 25, 2024
**Cancelled** Join the 33rd Annual Dead Writers Event! Perform as a famous dead author or come spectate. Costumes, readings, & prizes! Register now to perform or attend!
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Lily H. Tuzroyluke
October 23, 2024
Join the UAF Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series on Nov. 8 for a public reading by Lily H. Tuzroyluke at 7 PM in Schaible Auditorium.
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Leigh Newman
October 10, 2024
Join award-winning author Leigh Newman for a craft talk, reading and Q&A at UAF’s Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. Free event!
Midnight Visiting Sun Writers: Christine Byl
September 14, 2024
Join us for an evening with author Christine Byl as she shares insights from her novel Lookout and her non-fiction Dirt Work. Free & open to the public!
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Mieke Eerkens
September 06, 2024
Join us for the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series at UAF, featuring author Mieke Eerkens for an engaging reading and discussion of her acclaimed work.
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Seth Kantner and Rosemary McGuire
February 19, 2024
MSVWS presents a public reading featuring Seth Kantner and Rosemary McGuire, hosted by the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series.