SoLit, formerly known as the Southern Lit Alliance, a non-profit literary arts organization since 1952, will celebrate the 40th year of its SouthWord Literary Festival, April 14-15 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
"For decades, SouthWord was one of our regions' most successful and prestigious arts and humanities events, and we are proud to return from the pandemic with one of our strongest and most diverse lineups ever," SoLit Board Chairman Tim Mickel said in a news release.
"Our mission is to deliver experiences that engage young people and adults in a life-long love of reading, writing and community conversation. Every single author we have curated as part of this year's SouthWord lineup does that, and we are thrilled to bring them to Chattanooga -- many for the first time."
Over the course of two days, authors will speak about their current works individually, in an interview style with another author or in panel discussions. Book signings will also take place on site.
The 2023 SouthWordLiterature Festival line-up includes:
– Richard Bausch.
– Rick Bragg.
– Kimberly Brock.
– Clyde Edgerton.
– Silas House.
– Beverly Lowry.
– Ron Rash.
– Maurice Carlos Ruffin.
– Alina Stefanescu.
– Han VanderHart.
– Juan Vidal.
– Daniel Wallace.
– Janelle Williams.
According to the release, more authors will be announced in the coming days. One-day and two-day passes are limited and are on sale now at solitchatt.org/2023southword.
SoLit was created by a grant from the Ford Foundation in 1952 and was formerly known as the Southern Lit Alliance. Its mission is to deliver literary arts experiences that engage young people and adults in the love of reading, writing and community conversation.
It serves more than 5,000 adults and children each year through literature festivals, author visits, writing workshops, writing contests for children, and outreach to area jails and underserved communities.
– Compiled by Barry Courter
Contributed Photo / Janelle Williams will be among the writers, poets and essayists at the SouthWord Literary Festival in April.