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UC's Visiting Writers Series Returns With Acclaimed Authors
The renowned literary event features a diverse lineup of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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The University of Cincinnati's Visiting Writers Series is set to return on February 5, 2026, bringing a lineup of acclaimed fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers to campus for public readings, Q&As, and interactions with students. The series, which has hosted Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners over its 70-year history, is made possible by the Elliston Poetry Fund and the Robert and Adele Schiff Fund.
Why it matters
The Visiting Writers Series provides the Cincinnati community with unique access to renowned authors, offering opportunities for literary engagement, inspiration, and dialogue. As a long-standing tradition at the university, the series underscores UC's commitment to the arts and humanities, and its role in cultivating a vibrant cultural landscape.
The details
The series kicks off on February 5 with a nonfiction "read and talk" featuring Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, a licensed clinical psychologist from New York City. Other writers scheduled to appear include Mariah Rigg, Amy Bishop-Wycisk, Danielle Dutton, Joyelle McSweeny, Kathryn Cowles, and Donald Revell. The events, which run through April 23, 2026, are open to the public and feature opportunities for audience interaction, book signings, and classroom visits.
- The Visiting Writers Series begins on February 5, 2026.
- The series runs through April 23, 2026.
The players
Jonathan Mathias Lassiter
A licensed clinical psychologist in New York City specializing in culturally informed mental health care.
Mariah Rigg
One of the writers featured in the Visiting Writers Series.
Amy Bishop-Wycisk
One of the writers featured in the Visiting Writers Series.
Danielle Dutton
One of the writers featured in the Visiting Writers Series.
Joyelle McSweeny
One of the writers featured in the Visiting Writers Series.
Kathryn Cowles
One of the writers featured in the Visiting Writers Series.
Donald Revell
One of the writers featured in the Visiting Writers Series.
Jennifer Habel
The coordinator of creative writing at the University of Cincinnati.
What they’re saying
“The origin of the series goes back over 70 years. It's a very renowned series. We've had Noble Prize winners come, winners of Pulitzer Prizes.”
— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (Mirage News)
“The writers usually hang around, they answer questions, and they sign books. We do Q&As with the writers afterwards, so it's a great way if you've read the person's work to talk to them about it.”
— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (Mirage News)
“Some of our writers visit classes while they're here so undergraduate and graduate students get to interact with them in class.”
— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (Mirage News)
“We also try to bring in writers at all different stages of their career.”
— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (Mirage News)
“Everyone is welcome, and we try to create a welcoming community after our events. We're looking for people who are going to inspire our students.”
— Jennifer Habel, Coordinator of creative writing (Mirage News)
What’s next
The Visiting Writers Series events are open to the public and will be held on the University of Cincinnati's Uptown Campus. Attendees can park in the Woodside Garage beneath Langsam Library or along Martin Luther King Drive.
The takeaway
The University of Cincinnati's Visiting Writers Series has a long-standing tradition of bringing acclaimed authors to the community, providing unique opportunities for literary engagement, inspiration, and dialogue. The diverse lineup of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers underscores the university's commitment to the arts and humanities, and its role in fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.
