ALMA — Alma College will present the 2026 MFA Winter Reading Series, a weeklong celebration of contemporary literature featuring acclaimed authors, emerging voices, and students from the college’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. All readings will take place at Ballyhoo Books & Brew, located at 111 W. Superior St., and are free and open to the public.
“The Winter Reading Series is one of the most meaningful ways we invite the community into the life of our MFA program,” said Sophfronia Scott, director of Alma College’s MFA in Creative Writing. “These evenings bring together writers at different stages of their journeys — established authors, emerging voices, and our own students — to share work, listen deeply, and celebrate the power of language. We’re excited to gather again in a space that encourages conversation, curiosity, and connection.”
The series opens on Thursday, January 8, with a reading by poet Jim Daniels, followed by novelist S. Kirk Walsh on Friday, January 9. On Saturday, January 10, writers Shonda Buchanan and Matthew Gavin Frank will share selections from their work, bringing diverse perspectives and forms to the series’ opening weekend.
Readings continue the following week with Donald Quist and Robert Vivian on Tuesday, January 13, and Sophfronia Scott and David Hicks on Wednesday, January 14. On Thursday, January 15, the spotlight turns to Alma College’s MFA student readings, highlighting original work from writers currently enrolled in the program. The series concludes on Friday, January 16, with a reading by Amanda Uhle and Caitlin Horrocks. All events begin at 6:30 p.m.
Alma College’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program brings together accomplished writers and emerging voices in a rigorous, community-centered environment grounded in mentorship, craft, and literary engagement. Through public readings, workshops, and sustained creative practice, the MFA program fosters meaningful dialogue between writers and readers while contributing to the cultural life of the campus and the broader community.
For more information, visit alma.edu/mfa.
