Living Writers

Since 1980, a master class in how works of literature come to be.

Since 2010, open to everyone. The only prerequisite is a passion for reading.

Join us this fall—in person or online—for conversations with 11 fascinating writers, some world-famous and others on the cusp of renown.

There are books on our list to please every palate: novels to sink into for a week or two, stories to fill a free half-hour, poems and essays that will draw you in then break your heart. We're even venturing into sci-fi and horror. A question that runs through every selection is a big one for our time: Who is my neighbor, and what do I owe that person?

To hear more about this year's books, and to learn about The Only Good Indians, the first horror book chosen for the series, you can listen to professors Jennifer Brice and Ryan Hall in this special edition of the Colgate 13 podcast.

Each book has its own page to explore with author bios, podcasts, recommended resources, and more. Click on each of the books below for more information and to register for weekly events.

Founded 40 years ago by Professor Frederick Busch, this signature program is now both a regular course (Engl. 360), offered every fall for 50 undergraduates, as well as a companion program for alumni, parents, and community members. It is led by faculty in the Department of English with generous support from the Olive B. O'Connor Fund as well as the President and the Provost/Dean of the Faculty.