Valdosta State University’s Department of English kicks off its 2008-09 Contemporary Writers Series today with two authors, according to Dr. Mark Smith, department head. Several other authors are scheduled for the series in the months to come

Authors will be reading from their works, and books should be available during readings.

THE SCHEDULE

-- Rick Campbell & Kevin Cantwell, 8 p.m. today, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Campbell’s latest book is “Dixmont,” a collection of poems. Other books include “A Day’s Work,” “The Traveler’s Companion,” “Setting the World in Order.” His poems and essays have appeared in many publications. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including a National Endowment of the Arts fellowship. Cantwell’s poetry has been published in many publications, and he has won numerous awards.

-- Sudye Cauthen, 7 p.m., Oct. 21, Powell Hall Auditorium, VSU campus. Author of the award-winning “Southern Comforts: Rooted in a Florida Place.”

-- Michael Waters, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13, VSU University Center Theatre. “Darling Vulgarity” is his most recent book, and he is the winner of numerous prizes. This reading is part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit, cosponsored by the local Snake Nation Press.

-- David St. John, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30, VSU University Center Theatre. He has been awarded some of the most prestigious prizes available to poets, including fellowships from the NEA and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. He is the author of nine poetry collections, including “The Face: A Novella in Verse.” This reading is part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit, cosponsored by the local Snake Nation Press.

-- Tom Hazuka, 7:30 p.m., March 26, VSU University Center Theatre. The author of three published novels: “The Road to the Island,” “In the City of the Disappeared,” and “Last Chance for First,” and a book of non-fiction.

-- Kelly Cherry, 7:30 p.m., March 31, VSU University Center Theatre. Author of 17 books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction, including “God’s Loud Hand,” “Death and Transfiguration,” and “Rising Venus.” This reading is part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit, cosponsored by the local Snake Nation Press.

Admission: Free. More information: Call 333-5946.