SEASIDE — The Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing program will once again host readings by some of America’s finest writers during its 10-day residency in Seaside. Free and open to the public, the evening readings begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place Friday, Jan. 9 through Friday, Jan. 16 at the Best Western Ocean View Resort, located at 414 N. Prom.

This event is a rare opportunity to hear some of the best writers of contemporary American literature read on successive evenings. Featured authors include poet Marvin Bell, recipient of an American Academy of Arts & Letters Award in Literature; and fiction writer Pam Houston, winner of the Western States Book Award.

The evening reading schedule is:

• Friday, Jan. 9 — Pete Fromm, Joseph Millar and Mary Helen Stefaniak;

• Saturday, Jan. 10 — Ellen Bass, Claire Davis and Vievee Francis;

• Sunday, Jan. 11 — Sandra Alcosser, Craig Lesley and John McNally;

• Monday, Jan. 12 — Steve Amick, Eduardo Corral and Mike Magnuson;

• Tuesday, Jan. 13 — Frank Gaspar, Scott Korb and Valerie Laken;

• Wednesday, Jan. 14 — Marvin Bell, Carolyn Coman and David Long;

• Thursday, Jan. 15 — Kwame Dawes, Pam Houston and Porter Shreve;

• Friday, Jan. 16 — Jack Driscoll and Debra Gwartney.

The authors in the reading series also teach at the residency where MFA students participate in workshops, lectures, classes and other events in preparation for the guided study that follows. Students leave the residency paired with a professional writer who responds to their reading and writing throughout the semester, encouraging and inspiring emerging craft and voice.

For more information about the writers or the MFA in Writing program, contact director Shelley Washburn at 503-352-1532 or visit pacificu.edu/as/mfa