SHORT STORY WRITER SPEAKS TO STUDENTS AT SU

February 9, 2007 SELINSGROVE, ( Pa. ) – Author Greg Downs will present a reading of his work at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the faculty lounge of Seibert Hall at Susquehanna University. Downs is the author of Spit Baths, a collection of short stories published in October 2006 which won the Flannery O'Conner Award for Short Fiction. Prior to earning his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, Downs attended Harvard University where he was taught by Tom Bailey. Bailey is now an associate professor of English and creative writing at Susquehanna. “Greg is a fine writer who has only just begun to live up to his potential. I expect many more fine books from him, and I'm happy to welcome him to Susquehanna,” said Bailey. “It's an exciting time in his career to have him here.” Downs will also be available following the reading to answer questions about his writing. His reading is sponsored by The Writers Institute's Visiting Writers Series at Susquehanna University. The next reading hosted by The Writers Institute will be given by John Hoppenthaler at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb.19, in Isaacs Auditorium of Seibert Hall. Contact: Victoria Kidd 570-372-4119 #vk/5066#