VALDOSTA — Narrative writing is an essential skill used to capture readers and entertain, Dr. Ted Geltner said.

Geltner is an associate professor for the Department of English at Valdosta State University.

For the first time, the department hosts author and journalist Jay Atkinson 3:30-4:45 p.m. Thursday, March 14, in West Hall Room 2308 to speak about narrative writing.

The visiting writer will have a book reading, signing and discussion at the VSU University Center Theater 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14.

“One of his great skills is his ability to craft a narrative, and that’s kind of what his number one teaching skill is, and also it’s strong in all of his work,” Geltner said.

Atkinson, a novelist and short-story writer, will read excerpts from some of his works. His resume includes two novels, a story collection and five narrative nonfiction books, according to a statement.

He is also an essayist, investigative journalist and professor at Boston University. His writing has been in the New York Times, the Boston Globe and Men’s Health, the release states.

Subjects of Atkinson’s writings have been a kidnapping in early colonial America, thieves and con artists in Boston and the struggles and victories of a high school hockey team, the statement says.

Geltner illustrated Atkinson as a “virtuoso of narrative writing and a raconteur of the highest caliber,” in the statement.

“He’s a really good speaker and has good stories from his writing days, some really good tales that he can tell, so it will be an enjoyable talk for anyone who wants to attend,” Geltner said.

Both events are free and open to the public. Email tageltner@valdosta.edu for more information. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.