WORDSAWAKE5! A ROUSING SUCCESS!

With support from the Center for Literacy Education at Wake Forest, the WordsAwake! committee held its fifth celebration of Wake Forest Writers and Writing on February 21, 2026, in Carswell Hall (and around the world via Zoom).

Our alumni/ae panelists discussed the current state of how publishing works (including tips on publishing one’s work); case studies and experiences in the challenges of reporting on contemporary political and cultural life; how two noted Southern writers conceive of how they write “community.”  

We are grateful to these writers who offered their time and talent:

T. Davis Bunn (’74), author of multiple fiction series; screenwriter

Hilary Burns (’14), education reporter, The Boston Globe

Catherine Burroughs (’80), academic writer and novelist

Jamie Vacca Chambliss (’94), literary agent

Mankaprr Conteh (’17), staff writer, Rolling Stone magazine

Laura M Elliott (’79), fiction writer (including YA historical fiction)

Robert Gipe (’85), novelist, illustrator, dramatist, Appalachian culturalist

Maria Henson (’82), journalist, former editor of the Wake Forest Magazine

Mike Riley (’81), Publisher, The Chronicle of Higher Education

Ed Southern (’94), author (fiction, non-fiction), Executive Director of the NC Writers Network

Nancy Joie Wilkie (’78), author of science fiction (stories and novelettes)

Following the morning panels, the WordsAwake! committee recognized Dean of the College Emeritus Tom Mullen for his contributions to the committee and to humanities education at Wake Forest. The event culminated in the induction of Laura Elliott into the Wake Forest Writers Hall of Fame.

Wake Forest Writers of the World Unite!