Valparaiso University will host authors Patrick Lay, John Linstrom and David Masciotra on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for 2024’s Wordfest event at the Mueller Hall Refectory. The event will include readings from the
authors, as well as a discussion session focused on the ins and outs of the publication process. This event is free and open to the public.

“I think the road to publishing often feels mysterious for students, so I hope they will be able to see how a few people who were once in their place found their way to successful publication and get some advice and strategies on how they got there,” George Potter, Ph.D., associate professor of English at Valparaiso University, said.

“Beyond that, creative work and creative studies are often maligned these days as not practical or not realistic, and I think it’s useful to see the different ways a few Valpo grads have made that a part of their lives and succeeded in doing so.”

The three authors represent various forms of written work, with Lay finding success as a graphic novelist, Linstrom promoting a book of poetry, and Masciotra working in the intersection of journalism and creative nonfiction. The Valparaiso University bookstore, located in the Harre Union, will have copies of their works available for sale.

Wordfest is sponsored by the Valparaiso University English department and Communication and Visual Arts department as well as Christ College. For more information, please contact Potter at george.potter@valpo.edu. For more public events at Valparaiso University, visit valpo.edu/community.

About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is an independent, Doctoral/Professional University with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Nearly 3,000 students and 250 full-time faculty comprise a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom and faith. Valpo is nationally recognized for
the quality and innovative character of its academic programs. Valparaiso University offers more than 70 undergraduate programs through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing and Health Professions and Christ College — The Honors College. Valpo also has more than 20 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and
Continuing Education.