March 12, 2009

Award-winning author to speak at Harding University

SEARCY, Ark. – Harding University’s English department will host
esteemed author Dr. Paul J. Willis on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in
Cone Chapel, located in the American Heritage Center.

Willis, a novelist, poet and essayist, will enlighten students who are
interested in a variety of writing genres. His literary talent and
focus on the Christian walk and nature have earned him numerous
awards, including ForeWord magazine’s best essay collection of 2005.

“Dr. Willis’ subject matter reflects a Christian world view that we
hope his audience will find compatible and therefore comforting, but
also challenging,” said Dr. John Williams, department chairman.
“Willis doesn’t shy away from the complexities and difficulties of
life, or his own faith struggles.”

In addition to being a master of composition, Willis is a professor of
English at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. He has published
numerous poems, essays and short stories, as well as two eco-fantasy
novels, The Stolen River and No Clock in the Forest, which is
currently being considered for a screenplay in Hollywood. His most
recent collection of poetry is Visiting Home. His work has appeared in
Books and Culture, Redwood Coast Review, Christian Century and several
other journals, magazines and collections.

Willis is a member of the Association for the Study of Literature and
Environment, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, and the
Conference on Christianity and Literature. He has taught at Westmont
since 1988. Before relocating to Santa Barbara, he taught at Houghton
College in Houghton, N.Y., and Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash. In
his spare time, he enjoys backpacking in the Sierra and exploring the
wilderness of the San Rafael Mountains near his home.

Harding’s English department has sponsored notable authors at least
once a year since 1993. “Our purpose is to provide for both students
and community the cultural experience of literature, to inspire
would-be writers, and to remind readers of the pleasures and benefits
of poetry, fiction, nonfiction or film,” said Williams.

Admission is free and open to all students and members of the
community. In addition to the main program, Willis will meet earlier
in the day with students interested in asking questions about the
writing profession. For more information on this special session,
contact the English department at 501-279-4421.