54th Annual Writers' Festival at Agnes Scott College

From the venue:

Agnes Scott College proudly announces its 54th Annual Writers’ Festival, the longest continuous literary event in Georgia, set to take place April 3 - 4, 2025. Continuing a rich tradition of bringing distinguished writers to campus, this year’s festival features acclaimed authors Carmen Maria Machado, Stephanie Burt, and Agnes Scott alumna Jennifer Bartell Boykin ’05__. The event promises an inspiring series of readings and conversations that are open to both the public and the campus community. The Writers’ Festival is free and all are welcome to attend.

Founded in 1972 with celebrated poet and novelist May Sarton as its first headliner, the Writers’ Festival has long been a beacon for literary excellence. A centerpiece of the festival is its statewide writing contest, inviting college and university students across Georgia to submit poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and playwriting. Finalists’ works are published in the festival magazine, and the visiting writers select the prizewinners in each genre.

“The Writers’ Festival is one of Agnes Scott’s most cherished traditions, creating a space where emerging and established voices come together to celebrate the written word drawing from their unique experiences,” said Robert Meyer Lee, English Department Chair. “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s exceptional guests, whose work challenges and inspires readers across genres.”

The Writers' Festival Q&A session will take place Thursday April 3, 1-2 pm.

About the Featured Writers

Carmen Maria Machado is an award-winning author best known for Her Body and Other Parties, a genre-defying collection that blends horror, fantasy, and literary fiction, and, more recently, her memoir In the Dream House . A finalist for the National Book Award, Machado’s work has reshaped contemporary storytelling with its bold explorations of gender, sexuality, and power.

Machado's keynote address will take place April 3, 8-9:15 pm.

Stephanie Burt is a poet, literary critic, and professor of English at Harvard University. Known for her insightful commentary on contemporary poetry and pop culture, Burt’s many books include, most recently, the poetry collection We Are Mermaids and the literary critical Don’t Read Poetry.

Burt's reading will take place on April 3, 4-5:30 pm.

Jennifer Bartell Boykin ’05 is an Agnes Scott alumna and the poet laureate of Columbia, South Carolina. Her books of poetry include the debut collection Traveling Mercy and, most recently, Only Believe.

Boykin's reading is scheduled for April 4, 2-3 pm.

In addition to readings and discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with these esteemed writers at a  Q&A session, fostering meaningful dialogue and creative exchange.
The 54th Annual Writers’ Festival reaffirms Agnes Scott College’s commitment to the literary arts, cultivating a vibrant intellectual community and providing every student with a Transformative Education that prepares the student for success in their professional, civic and personal lives.