Metro writers can attend writing seminar and public reading featuring the award-winning Oklahoma author

Metro writers are invited to the McBride Writers Festival on March 29, 2025 at the Meinders Conference Center on Oklahoma Christian University’s (OC) campus. The festival features bestselling author Rilla Askew as the McBride Artist-in-Residence and includes a free reading, book-signing and open-mic evening with Askew and a free writers workshop led by Askew and distinguished OC alumni authors.

“Come write with us,” director of the McBride Center, Scott LaMascus said. “As part of our second artist-in-residence program, we're again inviting alumni authors to lead workshops for writers in our community and are thrilled to welcome renowned author and Oklahoman, Rilla Askew as part of this year’s celebration.”

Presented by the McBride Center for Public Humanities, the McBride Writers Festival offers various opportunities to celebrate the craft of writing and culminates in Askew’s free public reading of her latest novel, Prize for the Fire (OU 2024), and a late-night open mic session for registered writers.

Earlier in the day, community members and OC students can participate in a workshop led by Askew or other decorated OC alumni authors. Published in fiction, non-fiction, screen and stage, and poetry, the following OC alumni will lead craft talks and guide generative writing sessions:

· Aaron Pogue (2002)

· Heidi Nobles (2002)

· Matt Miller (2009)

· Hallie (Stapp) Waugh (2013)

· Luke Swanson (2017)

The workshops will also feature former Oklahoma Poet Laureate, Benjamin P. Myers, on memoir, and local filmmaker Matt Payne on writing for stage and screen, as well as a “Publishers Panel” with representatives from Belle Point Press.

The writers workshop includes a free chef’s stations meal at OC’s award-winning Branch dining service. Registration for the writers workshop, buffet and public reading event are free, but spaces are limited.

“It will be an energizing opportunity to write and grow together,” LaMascus said. “Whether you're an established author, have a forthcoming book or are just beginning, we look forward to creating a welcoming, educational environment for OC and the wider community.”

The McBride Center for Public Humanities was named in 2004 in honor of OC faculty Dr. Bailey McBride and the late Joyce McBride. The center is supported by contributions from OC alumni, the McBride family and friends, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information and to register for the festival, visit oc.edu/events.