BOONE, N.C. — This fall, four acclaimed writers will visit Appalachian State University’s Boone campus as part of the university’s 2026–27 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series. The series will feature craft talks and readings in the Plemmons Student Union (PSU).
The visiting authors, in order of appearance:
Laure Gouraige — Wednesday, Aug. 26
Craft Talk: 3:30–4:45 p.m., PSU 417 (Beacon Heights)
Reading: 6–7:15 p.m., PSU 169 (Three Top Mountain)
Kate Quinn — Thursday, Sept. 17
Craft Talk: 3:30–4:45 p.m., PSU 201B (Table Rock)
Evening Program: In place of a reading, Quinn will deliver the Belk Distinguished Lecture.
Irina Zhorov — Wednesday, Oct. 7
Craft Talk: 3:30–4:45 p.m., Plemmons Student Union 201B (Table Rock)
Reading: 6–7:15 p.m., Plemmons Student Union 201B (Table Rock)
Marty Cain — Wednesday, Nov. 4
Craft Talk: 3:30–4:45 p.m., Plemmons Student Union 201B (Table Rock)
Reading: 6–7:15 p.m., Plemmons Student Union 201B (Table Rock)
Afternoon craft talks begin at 3:30 p.m. and offer students and community members the chance to explore writing techniques, habits, and approaches with each visiting author. Evening readings begin at 6 p.m., except on Sept. 17, when Kate Quinn will present the Belk Distinguished Lecture at 6:30 p.m. in the Grandview Ballroom at App State's North End Zone Facility.
The Visiting Writing Series is co-sponsored by Appalachian State’s Department of English, The Schaefer Center Presents, and Appalachian Journal. Admission is free and open to the public. Book sales and signings will follow the talks and readings.
For disability accommodations, visit odr.appstate.edu. For more information, visit visitingwriters.appstate.edu or contact series coordinator Evan Gray at grayem1@appstate.edu.
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About the Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series
The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of the late Hughlene Bostian Frank ’68, a recipient of the 2013 Appalachian Alumni Association Outstanding Service Award, past member of Appalachian State University's Board of Trustees and Foundation, past member of the College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Council, and generous supporter of Appalachian. Learn more about the Visiting Writers Series
About the Department of English
The Department of English at Appalachian State University is committed to outstanding work in the classroom, the support and mentorship of students, and a dynamic engagement with culture, history, language, theory, and literature. The department offers master’s degrees in English and rhetoric and composition, as well as undergraduate degrees in literary studies, film studies, creative writing, professional writing, and English education. Learn more about the Department of English
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers, and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical, and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions, and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating, and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences
The Fall 2026 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writer Series will feature Laure Gouraige (top left), Kate Quinn (top right), Irina Zhorov (bottom left), and Marty Cain (bottom right). Photos submitted
The Fall 2026 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writer Series will feature Laure Gouraige (top left), Kate Quinn (top right), Irina Zhorov (bottom left), and Marty Cain (bottom right). Photos submitted