Kenn Bivins featured in LU library's literary series

Inman E. Page Library at Lincoln University will host its third installment of the Josephine Yates Literary Author Series welcoming Kenn Bivins, an author and illustrator from Atlanta, on Nov. 1-2. Bivins is the first African-American male to be part of the series.

"The series was created to provide a platform for the university to be exposed to different literary genres from the African-American community of writers who are based in the U.S.," said kYmberly Keeton, arts library coordinator at LU.

Bivins will kick off the author series with a reading from his most recent novel titled "The Wedding and Disaster of Felona Mabel." During his visit, students at LU will have the opportunity to participate in a creative writing workshop, and community members will be able to meet him at a book signing at Inman E. Page Library.

The author started his career in 2009 when he enrolled in the National Novel Writing program, where amateur and professional writers work toward the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.

His most recent novel is about a young lady named Felona Mabel, who is a successful journalist and soon to be married. Before the celebration begins, Felona finds out her abusive mother is near death and doesn't wish to be resuscitated.

The book discusses the complexities of why love suffered from the past defines love expressed in the present, according to Bivins' website.

"I write stories about real-world struggles where the characters find redemption at some point during their journey," Bivins said.

Outside of writing, Bivins enjoys being a mentor to young boys who, like himself, grew up in a one-parent household.

"No matter what group I talk to, I tend to find high rates of illiteracy as one common theme among the young boys," Bivins said.

Bivins explained as a child he didn't have access to a male role model and likes to work with boys between the ages of 13-17.

He said he is honored and excited to be part of the library's literary series.

"As a professional and author, Bivins' appearance will help more young black male and female writers to understand the importance of sharing their work with others and being open to change with regard to being a professional and artist," Keeton said.

For the students who participate in the creative writing workshop, Bivins plans to demonstrate how people can bring their experiences to a story.

"I want the students to recognize how background experiences can shape a story," Bivins said. "Twenty people can read the same story, and all of their interpretations may vary."

Community members will have two opportunities to meet the author. Bivins will be in room 317 at Inman E. Page Library 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday and again 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday in room 100.