Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Press has established Crux: The Georgia Series in Literary Nonfiction. Edited by John Griswold, the series aims to publish two to four new titles annually.
The inaugural book in the series will be published in October 2015. “My Unsentimental Education,” a memoir by Debra Monroe (“On the Outskirts of Normal”), offers a smart and lyrical take on the isolation that occurs when crossing class barriers in pursuit of the life of the mind.
Named for intersections, and for the heart of the matter, this series will publish literary nonfiction by diverse writers working in a variety of modes, including personal and lyric essay, memoir, cultural meditation and literary journalism. Books are intended for general readers, including writers, teachers of writing and students, and will be both intelligent and accessible. Engagement with the world, dedication to craft, precision and playfulness with form and language are valued. As the series develops, it will include non-American writers and experiences.
Griswold is an assistant professor in the master’s program at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is the author of “A Democracy of Ghosts,” “Herrin: The Brief History of an Infamous American City” and “Pirates You Don’t Know, and Other Adventures in the Examined Life: Collected Essays” (UGA Press, 2014). He has written extensively (as Oronte Churm) at Inside Higher Ed and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency.
“I’m gratified to be part of this new publishing opportunity,” Griswold said. “The series will build on UGA Press’ success and reputation publishing the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Creative Nonfiction contest winners since 1986, as well as nonfiction anthologies and craft books. Georgia combines the intellectual reputation of a major university press with savvy promotion in the digital age, and we intend to reach smart readers who like to be entertained, in the widest sense.”
“Creative nonfiction as a genre is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and interest-a bit of a golden age,” said Lisa Bayer, UGA Press director. “Georgia’s strong literary legacy, combined with the richness of the field, positions us perfectly to make a visible mark.”
The series advisory board includes Dan Gunn, Pam Houston, Phillip Lopate, Dinty W. Moore, Lia Purpura, Patricia Smith, and Ned Stuckey-French. For more information, see the Crux series page at the University of Georgia Press.
