Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series

Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series logo by Marina Gonzalez Mazo

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!

 

Midnight Sun Book Club
Midnight Sun Book Club

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!

Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series Craft Talk
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series Craft Talk

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!

Support the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series:

Do you enjoy the work we do? Consider supporting the series through an online donation!

 

 

Speaker at the 2018 Dead Writers Event. UAF Photo

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.

 
Bridgewater Hotel, Fairbanks, AK.

Bridgewater Hotel logo

 
 
SpringHill Suites, Fairbanks, AK

Springhill Suites Marriott Logo

 
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.
Contact

Director
Daryl Farmer

Fall 2024 TA
Rachel Blume
rablume@alaska.edu

Spring 2025 TA
Manny Melendez
mamelendez2@alaska.edu

Midnight Sun logo

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.

Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series Archive