Grossmont students are putting faces with the words they have been studying in English and creative
writing classes this semester.
When the annual Literary Arts Festival began April 23, authors Steve Kowit, Aimee Bender and
Anthony Swofford were on campus to read from their works. Students in the audiences had the
opportunity to recognize many phrases. English Professor Stephanie Mood said English and creative
writing professor incorporated the works of Kowit, Bender and Swofford into their spring classes
with the Literary Arts events in mind.
"This gives our students the rare opportunity to read a book, discuss it in class, and then actually meet the
writer in person,” Mood said. “It's really special for everyone."
Kowit is editor of “The Maverick Poets” and author of “The Dumbbell Nebula” and “In the Palm of Your Hand.” His
readings kicked off the festival on April 24.
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Karl Sherlock, instructor of English and creative writing, moderated the opening event of the Literary
Arts Festival. Sherlock also developed the event’s website.
Avant-Bard Poeticians took the stage with word, rhythm and melody. The Keyboardist during the event was
Derek Shaw.
One of three Literary Arts Festival keynote presenters, Aimee Bender, is a professor of Creative Writing at
University of Southern California. Bender met with Grossmont College students to describe her
literary work with short fiction.”
Bender, author of “Girl in the Flammable Skirt” and “An Invisible Sign of My Own,” read from her works on
April 26. And Swofford, author of Jarhead: Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles, will close
the festival on May 4.
“Often, our festival is the first time students get to read a book, hear the author read from it,
|and meet the author,” said English instructor Sydney Brown. “They wait in line sometimes
for over an hour to get their books signed! It is truly an unforgettable experience to so many
students and aspiring creative writers.
“My students,” Brown added, “love the magic realism in Aimee Bender’s work; her voice is compelling and
refreshing. Furthermore, Steve Kowit is truly a local treasure and a dynamic reader, so those who
attend his reading are in for an unforgettable evening.”
Librarians involved in book acquisitions purchased books written by the featured authors and
have them on display in the LRC.
Professor Stephanie Mood coordinates the annual festival. Mood said, “Our Creative Writing Program’s Literary
Arts Festival has gone from an event primarily featuring one or two local authors to a renowned festival
attracting authors from around the country. This year’s Festival, our most comprehensive yet, features
three headliners representing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction—three of our most popular
courses. Anthony Swofford’s memoir, Jarhead, is being read by students across the curriculum.
Not only will students have the opportunity to hear him read and ask him questions, but they will be
able to meet him and have their books signed. For many of our students and community members, this is a
first-time experience that is both meaningful and unforgettable.” Mood emphasized that students
are active participants. “One of the highlights of the event is our Student Reading, where standout
students share their original work. In recent years, the Festival has become so popular that we have
outgrown many campus venues; readings are literally standing room only. Moreover, we have added
writing contests to the event which offer prizes and recognition to the creative work of Grossmont College
and local high school students. Without the generous support of the college, donors to our Foundation,
Poets & Writers Inc., and the hard work of the Creative Writing Program faculty, the tremendous
growth of the Literary Arts Festival would not have taken place. We look forward to continuing to
sponsor the Festival for many years to come.”
