The biennial Celebration of Southern Literature brings over 40 acclaimed writers to Chattanooga for a weekend of comradery and literature that includes readings, workshops, panels, and social events.
“The celebration is a great opportunity for those interested in literature and writing to come and meet these amazing southern writers,” said Rhett Reeves, the Southern Lit Alliance Program Director.
The celebration runs April 16 – 18, primarily at the Tivoli Theater. Three day tickets are $50, single day tickets are $25. UTC students receive discount tickets of $25 for the entire weekend.
“This is an awesome opportunity for UTC students to come out and get to meet award winning writers, participate in craft workshops with them, and hear them read their work live,” Reeves said.
The celebration is the Southern Lit Alliance’s oldest event, having taken place since 1981. It coincides with the biennial meeting of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, so there is a standing invitation for members of the Fellowship to participate in the celebration.
“It’s an opportunity for these authors to get together and share in comradery, while also sharing their work with the Chattanooga community,” said Reeves.
The celebration will begin with an opening reception in the Southern Writer’s room in the new UTC Library. It houses the Fellowship of Southern Writers Collection, which includes many signed first editions of founding Fellowship members such as Eudora Welty.
The Southern Lit Alliance works collaboratively with authors to design panels in their areas of expertise.
“Sometimes, we will think of panels and ask appropriate authors if they will moderate or participate. John T. Edge, a wonderful food writer, is coming, so we knew we needed to have a panel on food. We asked him if he would do that panel, and he came back with the way he thought the panel should go,” Reeves said.
“Sometimes, authors approach us panels they would like to do. Jane Ann Phillips suggested the idea for the Women of the Southern Wilds panel, then listed a few authors she thought would fit the panel, and we reached out to them and filled out that panel with authors like Ron Rash, who created the titular indomitable character from his novel ‘Serena’,” continued Reeves.
The Southern Lit Alliance has partnered with the UTC English Department for the Young Southern Student Writers Competition, which invites Hamilton County students from grades K – 12 to submit poetry or prose. There were approximately 4000 submissions this year, all of which were judged by UTC English Graduate students.
“It’s an immense program. These students submit their work over the course of the year, and the Wednesday before the celebration, there is an award ceremony honoring 500 winners,” Reeves said.
Additionally, authors will visit local high schools and colleges as a part of a residency program.
“It’s wonderful that these award winning writers have the opportunity to speak to high school students and hopefully encourage them in their own literary pursuits,” said Reeves.
Participants in the celebration span genres, including nonfiction, fiction, poetry, essayists, editors, and playwrights.
“I think some people are under the misconception that this event is strictly academic, but it’s not. There’s more than just sitting around and listening. It’s for anyone who enjoys reading – particularly if you read these writers, but even if you haven’t, if you’re interested in reading and writing, this event is for you. There are craft workshops to jump into, social events like the opening reception and the moonshine serenade, or if you just want to find your next book, buy a ticket and come listen to some previews from award winning authors. There’s something for everyone,” Reeves said.
