Michener Center for Writers

Congrats to two MCW alumni on being named finalists for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize! Emeline Atwood’s (MCW ‘22) A Real Animal and Avigayl Sharp’s (MCW ‘21) Offseason are both listed as finalists. Congrats, Emeline and Avigayl!

Poet Maria Gomez de Leon (MCW ‘25) was honored with the eleventh edition of the José Emilio Pacheco City and Nature Literature Award for her poem, “Radio Oxygen”. For more information about the award and poem visit bit.ly/3U9Tfkf Congrats, Maria!

We are excited to share the announcement of Shangyang Fang’s (MCW ‘20) new collection “Bastard of Elsewhere” from Copper Canyon Press, available May 11, 2027.

Ross McCammon, editor-in-chief for Texas Monthly magazine & Texas Monthly Press visited the Michener Center for Writers on Monday, October 5th to discuss what makes a great Texas Monthly story, what makes a great Texas Monthly Press book, and offered tips on working with editors.

MCW alum, Carolina Ebeid (MCW ’12), was named a Finalist for the 2026 National Book Awards for her poetry collection, “Hide”. Congratulations, Carolina!

MCW alum Rachel Heng's (MCW ‘20) short story “A Very Safe Place” was recently published in The New Yorker. Visit newyorker.com/magazine/2026/… to read the story. Congrats, Rachel!

The Michener Center for Writers welcomed guest faculty members, Kristen Arnett and Cecily Parks, to the stage of the Texas Union Theater where they each read a sample of their work. It was a treat to share the evening with our guests, students, and friends of the Michener Center.

Congratulations to MCW alum, Luciana Arbus-Scandiffio (MCW ’23), on being awarded MacDowell Fellowship for Fall 2026/Winter 2027. These fellowships are awarded to visionary artists working across seven disciplines, representing 15 states, as well as 11 countries.

The Michener Center for Writers is excited to welcome Kristen Arnett and Cecily Parks for a reading of their works, followed by a Q&A and reception at the Texas Union Theater 9/30 at 6:00pm. For additional details and to RSVP visit: eventbrite.com/e/20010740322….

Congrats to faculty member Joanna Klink on the publication of her newest book, Days & Chances. Be sure to join her at Alienated Majesty on Saturday, September 19th at 7pm for her book launch! RSVP at alienatedmajestybooks.com/ev….

The Michener Center for Writers was thrilled to welcome author, ZZ Packer, for a Q&A with MFA creative writing students on Thursday, September 10th. She discussed craft and processes and answered their questions. Thank you, ZZ!

The Michener Center for Writers is excited to welcome our Guest Faculty for Fall 2026, Kristen Arnett, Taisia Kitaiskaia, and Cecily Parks.

Maria Reva (MCW ’18) received the 2025 Writers League of Texas Book Award (Fiction) for her novel, Endling. Congrats, Maria!

MCW alum Fatima Kola's (MCW ’17) short story, “Sweet Dreamy”, is featured in the Summer 2026 Zoetrope magazine. You can find details at all-story.com.

Karan Mahajan (MCW ‘15) shared his experience with self-doubt during the publishing journey illustrated by dueling versions of the opening passage of his novel, The Complex. Vote for your favorite at the end: nytimes.com/2026/07/30/books….

Congratulations to MCW alum Emeline Atwood (MCW ‘23) on the release of A Real Animal. “In this unforgettable debut, a moment of metaphysical transformation launches a woman’s beautiful and terrifying journey through her twenties, through loneliness and complicated love …”

MCW ‘23 alum, Carrie R. Moore, was awarded the New York Public Library’s 2026 Young Lions Fiction Award, which celebrates fiction by writers 35 and under. Congratulations, Carrie! For more information visit: lithub.com/carrie-r-moore-ha…

Happy publication day to Kevin Powers (MCW ‘12). His new novel, Children of the Wild, is now available. About Children of the Wild: "Children of the Wild captures what it means to be human in times of loss—and how, even in darkness, the light of friendship and love endures."

Congrats to Kirk Lynn, Resident Faculty and MCW alum ('04) on “THE EMPORIUM” opening last week at Classic Stage Company in Manhattan. Read about his journey in the New York Times article here: nytimes.com/2026/05/27/theat…

Congrats to MCW alum, Emily Rapp Black (MCW ‘04), on her publication of I Would Die If I Were You. From Counterpoint Press: "Emily Rapp Black explores how art can move us through moments of grief and loss while celebrating the spirit-lifting potential of all creative acts.”