The Grace College Department of Humanities is pleased to welcome alumnus David J. Marsh, an award-winning novelist, back to campus for a book reading on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at Morgan Library, 921 Connection Circle, Winona Lake. Marsh will read from his latest book, “Waterborne: Chronicle of the Clan of Noah.” The free event is open to the public and will include a dessert reception as well as discounted copies of “Waterborne” available for purchase and signing.
“David has a really unique and powerful creative project,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, chair of the Department of Humanities at Grace. “While there’s a lot of Christian fiction out there, I have seen few writers doing what David is doing — that is, writing carefully crafted, biblically inspired literary fiction. I’m delighted to celebrate the launch of his second novel.”
Like his debut novel, “The Confessions of Adam,” “Waterborne” imbues a familiar biblical narrative with fresh literary language and imaginative resonance. Marsh holds a BS in Communication from Grace College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Butler University. He also teaches part-time in the creative writing program at Grace. During his visit, he will lead writing workshops with Grace students.
“I’m especially excited about David Marsh’s visit,” said Reagan Motsinger, a senior studying English education at Grace. “He visited campus during my first semester at Grace, and I’ve had the chance to take a fiction writing class with him, so I’m looking forward to reading his new book.”
According to Rich, Marsh has been a longstanding champion of Grace’s creative writing program. “David has been so generous in mentoring several of our students, providing individualized feedback on their writing and encouraging students to hone their God-given talents,” said Rich.
The Department of Humanities will host one more author reading this spring. On April 25, poet George David Clark, the author of “Reveille” and “Newly Not Eternal,” will be on Grace’s campus. This will be the second event in the school’s new Lila Carson Lecture Series, which promotes the understanding and beauty of literature by bringing writers of national/international repute each spring semester to Grace.
Motsinger appreciates being on a campus that highlights writing at fun events such as these.
“It’s always a joy to go to author readings on campus — hearing an author read his or her work brings a sense of tangibility to the craft of writing, and it inspires me and refreshes my creative spirit,” said Motsinger.
To learn more about Marsh, visit davidjmarsh.com/books/.
Discover more about the creative writing program at Grace at www.grace.edu/programs/creative-writing-minor/.
