OPSU English Department Hosts No Man’s Land Reading Series

The Panhandle State English Department hosted the annual “No Man’s Land Reading Series” on April 18, funded by the Masonic Endowment for Cultural Enrichment. This event is held during the spring semester and invites one writer to read and discuss his/her work at a public event. This year’s invited writer, Frank Bill, is the author of the novels Donnybrook, The Savage, Back to the Dirt, and the story collection Crimes in Southern Indiana.

The event took place in the library auditorium and was attended by a diverse audience of students, faculty, staff, and local community members. Bill began the evening by reading from his latest novel, which showcased his unique voice and style and drew the audience into his world.

“Our department is very proud of how well received the No Man’s Land Reading Series has been these two years,” said Tito Aznar, Chair of the Department of English. “We are happy to bring a cultural activity to our campus where students, faculty, staff, and community can not only listen to authors read their work but also interact with them and learn about writing and literature.”

The primary purpose of the “No Man’s Land Reading Series” is to serve the OPSU community by providing a cultural outlet—not only to the university but also to the nearby towns in the Panhandle. It also benefits the artistic community since the readings are free and open to the public.

After the reading, the writer engaged in a lively discussion with the audience, answering questions about his creative process, influences, and themes. The discussion was insightful and gave the audience a glimpse into the writer’s thoughts, motivations, and influences. The writer also shared his experiences of navigating the literary world and offered advice to aspiring writers in the audience.

The event was a great success and highlighted the importance of literature and creative expression. It was a testament to the power of words and their impact on individuals and communities. The OPSU Department of English and the Masonic Endowment for Cultural Enrichment deserve praise for their continued support of such events, which enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the university and the region.