Just wanted to give a big huge congrats to Marla Akin at the Michener Center for Writers. Marla was recently mentioned in the Austin American Statesman as having organized a perfect week for visiting writer and guest lecturer Ian McEwan, who made Verde Camp his “second home.” We couldn’t be happier about this.
The McEwans came on a recommendation shortly after their friend and Booker prize winning novelist, Peter Carey and his wife stayed with us for a couple of weeks (also visiting Marla and the Michener School). Peter was a delight to have around, and I really think they got into being Austinites!
More recently, Mrs. Akin brought Pulitzer prize-winning poet W.S. Merwin and his wife Paula to Austin. Apparently the poetry reading he gave brought the house down, and the discussion afterwards has inspired another generation of artists.
Marla, we thought you and the Michener Center deserved a Blue Ribbon prize for not only keeping Austin on the national map, but making sure that your visiting writers have a better more true Austin experience. Thank you and congrats!
Michener Center for Writers – Statesman article about Ian McEwan’s visit.
