Pauletta Hansel will share prompts and tips she used in writing about 14 generations of her foremothers for her book, Understory: A Women’s History of Appalachia.

Pauletta Hansel reads from Understory: A Women's History of Appalachia, and Knoxville Poet Laureate Linda Parsons joins her for a literary celebration of women's lives.

Knoxville Poet Laureate Linda Parsons has curated a list of readers from the Declaration: I Am Tennessee project.

Join the Knoxville Writers Guild for an evening of poetry and prose as our talented lineup of readers takes the stage. Come sit back, unwind, and celebrate local voices in the heart of Knoxville's literary community.

Program featuring Dr. Natalie Graham

To celebrate being a Tennessean in 2026, the United States’ 250th birthday, the Knoxville Writers Guild is partnering with Knoxville Poet Laureate Linda Parsons and the East Tennessee Historical Society for the writing project Declaration: I Am Tennessee.

Join Knoxville’s Poet Laureate at UT Gardens for a morning of inspiration, technique, and growth. Participants will learn about the art of writing poetry and try their hand at nature-inspired writing under the tutelage of Linda Parsons, esteemed poet.

The dynamic duo INK will provide a special interactive live performance and engaging discussion about their creative process and overcoming stage fright.

Nancy Lochlin-Sofer will present how the NIght Marauder Project enabled her to build broader connections between research, classes and community.