NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University’s 2023-24 Visiting Writers Series is set to feature a night of readings celebrating new books published by two University faculty members. The event, scheduled for Thursday, March 21, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Living Room, will showcase the works of John Gallaher and Luke Rolfes.

John Gallaher, who joined the University’s faculty in 2003, is known for his involvement with Northwest’s literary and art scene. Gallaher's new book, “My Life in Brutalist Architecture,” delves into the theme of adoption, both personally and generally. He shares, "My Life in Brutalist Architecture," published by Four Way Books, shares the story of his adoption while exploring adoption more generally and what it means to be family and neighbors.

Luke Rolfes, who has been teaching creative writing and composition courses at the university since 2008, is also set to present his work. Rolfes's forthcoming novel, “Sleep Lake,” is expected to explore themes of community, family, and Midwestern morality. His previous works have received accolades, with his first book, “Flyover Country,” winning the Georgetown Review Press Short Story Collection Contest.

The Visiting Writers Series, aimed at enriching Northwest’s educational mission and promoting community values, is sponsored by Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation, GreenTower Press, and others. The series will continue this spring with Taylor Byas, a Maya Angelou Award Winner, and poets Hadara Bar-Nadav and Kevin Prufer.

For more information about the Visiting Writers Series, individuals can contact Daniel Biegelson, the series director and a senior instructor of English, at 660.562.1266.