On Thursday Feb 18, Gemini Ink presented The Autograph Series featuring David Liss and Andrew Porter at Trinity University’s Chapman Graduate Center Auditorium.
“The Autograph Series presents writers of national or international stature in a free public reading followed by audience Q&A,” the program advertised.

The event started with a warm welcome from Gemini Ink’s Executive Artistic Director, Rosemary Catacalos.

“Great writers give life enhancing words to a reading audience,” Catacalos said.
Next, Jenny Browne, Trinity University assistant professor and poet, gave a brief and personal introduction to the first reader, Andrew Porter.

 Porter is an assistant professor of creative writing at Trinity University. He received his B.A. in English from Vassar College and his M.F.A. in Fiction Writing from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

 His novel, The Theory of Light and Matter, is a short story collection that has received numerous awards such as the 2007 Flannery O’ Connor Award for Short Fiction and Foreward Magazine’s 2008 “Book of the Year” Award for Short Fiction.

 Porter read “Storms,” a humorous and heartbreaking short story about the turmoil within a family.

 In a reminiscent voice, Porter read about a brother coping with his relationship with his sister, who has just returned from Spain after abandoning her fiancee’ without money and a passport.

  Porter finished his reading mid-story, cleverly leaving the audience with a cliff-hanger and wanting more.

    Jenny Browne once again took the stage to give a brief and personal introduction to the next reader, David Liss.

 Liss, a San Antonio resident, received his B.A. from Syracuse University and his M.A. from Georgia State University.

 He is the author of five novels and has also received many awards for his writing such as the 2001 Barry, MacAvity and Edgar awards for BestFirst Novel. His novel, A Spectacle of Corruption, is a national bestseller.

   Liss read from an up-coming novel, The Darkening Green. With dark humor, he told the story of an arranged marriage set in the 19th century. He ended the story with a hint of mystery.      

After both writers had read their selections, they opened up to the audience for a Q&A session. Curious audience members and aspiring writers asked questions about writing methods, experiences and advice.

“Follow your gut, read as much as you can, and always keep writing” were just some of the tips both writers had for the audience.

 After the Q&A, Liss and Porter held a book signing where audience members could purchase books provided by The Twig Book Shop.

 Gemini Ink offers their Autograph Series once or twice each year and have featured writers such as Margaret Atwood, Grace Paley, and Tim O’Brien.
These events are free and open to the public.

For more information on Gemini Ink events, visit www.geminiink.org or call 210-734-9673.