CLEMSON — The first Clemson Literary Festival will take place March 6-8, attracting poets and writers from across the nation, including a Pulitzer Prize nominee. More than 20 poets and fiction writers will participate in the festival, giving readings and taking part in panel discussions in celebration of the 40th anniversary of “The South Carolina Review.”

The festival will feature Dave Eggers, acclaimed author, educator and publisher. Eggers is author of the bestselling memoir “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” which made him a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2001. His most recent work, “What is the What,” tells the true story of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee and one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Eggers will read at 7:30 p.m. March 7 in the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

Family Day, to be March 8 at the Clemson Arts Center, will include different activities geared toward children ages 4-11 and young adults from 12-18. Among the day’s events are author talks from Karon Luddy and Richard Michelson, a Read-a-Rama for ages 4-11, and a Young Writers’ Workshop and book discussion.  

Family Day events are free, but spaces are limited. Pre-registration is required; call (864) 633-5051.

The festival also includes a book fair and author signings at the Hendrix Student Center, public readings in downtown Clemson, several panel discussions and readings and workshops for area high schools.

The festival is organized by a group of English students led by faculty members Keith Morris, Wayne Chapman and Michelle Martin.

“The aim of the festival was to bring the town and the university together in a cultural event, and to create an opportunity for the students in our English department to get some hands-on experience in putting something like this into motion,” Morris said. “I think it's been a good learning experience for everyone involved, and I think we’re going to have some great readings from some excellent authors and also manage to have a lot of fun.”

All of the events are free and open to the public.

For more information, including a full schedule of festival events, visit http://www.clemson.edu/caah/english/specialevents/literaryfestival/index.html.

The Clemson Literary Festival is sponsored by the Greenville News, Clemson University and the city of Clemson.