Public Invited to 8 Evenings of Varied Programming Featuring Acclaimed Poets, Writers, Publishers, Open Mic, and More

Saint Leo University’s Annual Sandhill Writers Retreat Moves Online

The Sandhill Writers Retreat, based at Saint Leo University, will host the SWR Reading Series, 7-8:30 p.m., May 9-12, and May 16-19, on Zoom. The new Reading Series is this year’s incarnation of the annual Sandhill Writers Retreat, now in its ninth year. The Reading Series will offer an equally stimulating and inspiring opportunity to come together as a literary community. Registration is $20, which covers eight nights of great poetry, literature, and more.

 “Our hope is that by offering such varied programming over approximately two weeks, we will keep our regular attendees engaged, encourage a generation of new work, and keep the legacy of the retreat alive,” said SWR Director Gianna Russo, assistant professor of English, and the city of Tampa’s wordsmith.

During eight evening sessions, the SWR Reading Series will showcase established and acclaimed poets, writers, and publishers, many of whom were requested by past participants. Seven guest faculty will give a brief talk or lesson and a reading, and one evening of the series will be an open mic.

The featured faculty include:

Award-winning poet Denise Duhamel (Second Story, Scald, and Blowout);

Award-winning short fiction writer Amina Gautier (Loss of All Lost Things, Now We Will Be Happy, and At Risk);

Poet and former Anhinga Press director Rick Campbell (Provenance);

Poet and fiction writer Gregory Byrd (The Name of the God Who Speaks);

Publisher and editor Kimberly Davis (Madville Publishing);

Poet, writer, and memoirist Julia Koets (The Rib Joint: A Memoir in Essays and Pine); and,

Poet and writer Geoffrey Philp (Archipelagos).

The Sandhill Writers Retreat is open to the public. Find out more at https://www.saintleo.edu/sandhill-writers-retreat.

For more information, contact gianna.russo@saintleo.edu.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 62 degree programs to more than 15,800 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks and sisters, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 100,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.