Writers present literary reading

Photo by Katy Murray

Diane Payne

    The Foliate Oak announces the literary reading of two Arkansas authors. Diane Payne, instructor of English at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, and Marck Beggs, dean of the English graduate school at Henderson State University, will present a reading of their latest works Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Harris Recital Hall located in the UAM Music building. The event will be free to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

    The authors’ work will be on hand for purchasing and the authors will autograph copies for the audience. Payne’s book, “Burning Tulips,” can already be purchased at the campus bookstore. According to Payne, the work took six years to publish.

  “'Burning Tulips' is one of the best books I have read this year,” Beggs said. “She manages to be funny and tragic all at once.”

Marck Beggs

   Beggs, also an author, will read from his book of poetry, “Libido Café.” He said he was thrilled to be returning to this campus where he read a few years ago. He praised the active writing scene provided by UAM and commented how he believes the Foliate Oak is a “fine literary journal.” Beggs also commented on his admiration for Payne and her work.

  “Diane is a fabulous writer,” Beggs said. “I am honored to have published four of her stories in the Arkansas Literary Forum over the years.”

  Payne’s essays, fiction and poetry have been published in over 100 different magazines. Her current work also receives much acclaim. Her fan club extends far beyond the grounds of UAM, and her work has turned many heads along the way.

   “Here is the story of a childhood that probably won’t become a Disney movie. In brief, unblinking scenes we see a child encounter what a child shouldn’t have to. The young woman who emerges is not unscathed, but she is unbroken and, amazingly, she can laugh,” said critic Lynne Ray Perkins of Payne’s work

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