Voices in the Monte Writers Series Features Dr. Carmen Tafolla

Meet world-class writer Dr. Carmen Tafolla at Texas A&M International University's Voices in the Monte Writers Series Thursday, Oct. 20. Her Talk on Craft will be held at 11 a.m. in Bob Bullock Hall (BH) 101, and she will present a public reading of her work and book signing at 7:30 p.m. in BH 101.

The San Antonio native is the author of five books of poetry, one volume of non-fiction, seven screenplays, and numerous short stories, articles and children's works.

Many of her works, she says, are dictated by ancestors "whispering over my shoulder."

Her book of poetry Sonnets to Human Beings received first prize in the poetry division of the UCI National Literary Competition. Most recently, she was awarded the Art of Peace Award by the President's Peace Commission of St. Mary's University. The National Association for Chicano Studies recognized Dr. Tafolla for her outstanding contributions to the arts and academia, in the form of writing that has depicted and given voice to Mexican-American communities. She also just completed a movie script co-authored with filmmaker Sylvia Morales for a feature-length film, a comedy entitled REAL MEN ... and other miracles. Her works are archived at the University of Texas Benson Latin American Collection.

Roots author Alex Haley called Dr. Tafolla, "a world-class writer."

Dr. Tafolla will also present the keynote speech and a workshop at the South Texas Writing Project (STWP) Annual Fall Conference Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Kazen College Center at Laredo Community College. The STWP provides the only local conference and programs to improve writing instruction.

The Voices in the Monte Writers Series is intended to provide an opportunity for students and the public to visit with local, regional and national writers who share their personal vision of writing and finding their voice. The Series encourages interaction among people from the University, the city and the surrounding area with visiting writers. It is made possible by funding provided by TAMIU and a Title V Grant.

Please contact Randy Koch, Series organizer and Writing Center director, at 326.2885, rkoch@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 218.

Writing Center hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Monday - Thursday; 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Fridays; 2 - 6 p.m. Sunday. The Center is closed Saturdays.

For information on the South Texas Writing Project Annual Fall Conference, please contact Lucinda Farrokh, STWP director at 721.5491 or e-mail lfarrokh@laredo.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu