Spring Break
Assistant dean to read selections from newly published book of poetry
BRITTNEY L. HOLMES
Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: News
Mixed scenes from nature and poignant words culminate in a new book of poetry by a member of the University community.
Philip Lee Williams, an assistant dean in the Franklin College, will read selections from his newly published book of poetry, "Elegies for the Water."
"['Elegies for the Water'] came from a period of intense reflection," Williams said. "This book is very special to me, since I began as a poet and have been writing poetry for most of my life," he said in a University news release.
Williams has written 12 books, many of which have received national recognition. He said he began writing as a young boy.
"I wrote bad poetry," he said.
With an early interest in the arts, he began writing for a newspaper in Madison during high school.
By his mid-20s, Williams was writing fiction and by the age of 34, he had authored his first novel.
Although he has written many poems for more than 40 publications, including Poetry, Press and the Cumberland Poetry Review, "Elegies for the Water," published by Mercer University Press, is Williams' first volume of poetry and his 13th book.
Williams has received praise from industry professionals and colleagues alike.
With nine novels and two works of non-fiction under his belt, Williams has won several awards for his work, including the Michael Shaara Award for his most recent novel, "A Distant Flame," in 2004. His work has been considered for a film adaptation by producer Richard Zanuck, director Ron Howard and actress Meg Ryan.
Leigh Holland, an academic adviser for the Franklin College, said she has learned a lot about the state of Georgia through Williams' writing.
"He is an extremely interesting man," Holland said. "He knows all kinds of great stories and history about the South, and it's great when people can take their heritage and put it in a form that can entertain, inform and teach others about the heritage."
One student in the Franklin College said it is inspiring to have someone in an administrative position publishing their work - which so many students aspire toward.
"[In attending the reading,] I would hope to see him show passion and love for [his work]," said Renika Jones, a senior in the Franklin College. "It's like him showing us, 'This is who I am."'
Williams is scheduled to read selections and sign copies of "Elegies for the Water" on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble located on Atlanta Highway.
Philip Lee Williams, an assistant dean in the Franklin College, will read selections from his newly published book of poetry, "Elegies for the Water."
"['Elegies for the Water'] came from a period of intense reflection," Williams said. "This book is very special to me, since I began as a poet and have been writing poetry for most of my life," he said in a University news release.
Williams has written 12 books, many of which have received national recognition. He said he began writing as a young boy.
"I wrote bad poetry," he said.
With an early interest in the arts, he began writing for a newspaper in Madison during high school.
By his mid-20s, Williams was writing fiction and by the age of 34, he had authored his first novel.
Although he has written many poems for more than 40 publications, including Poetry, Press and the Cumberland Poetry Review, "Elegies for the Water," published by Mercer University Press, is Williams' first volume of poetry and his 13th book.
Williams has received praise from industry professionals and colleagues alike.
With nine novels and two works of non-fiction under his belt, Williams has won several awards for his work, including the Michael Shaara Award for his most recent novel, "A Distant Flame," in 2004. His work has been considered for a film adaptation by producer Richard Zanuck, director Ron Howard and actress Meg Ryan.
Leigh Holland, an academic adviser for the Franklin College, said she has learned a lot about the state of Georgia through Williams' writing.
"He is an extremely interesting man," Holland said. "He knows all kinds of great stories and history about the South, and it's great when people can take their heritage and put it in a form that can entertain, inform and teach others about the heritage."
One student in the Franklin College said it is inspiring to have someone in an administrative position publishing their work - which so many students aspire toward.
"[In attending the reading,] I would hope to see him show passion and love for [his work]," said Renika Jones, a senior in the Franklin College. "It's like him showing us, 'This is who I am."'
Williams is scheduled to read selections and sign copies of "Elegies for the Water" on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble located on Atlanta Highway.
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