Creative Writing

The Center of Excellence for Creative Arts supports a comprehensive range of creative writing initiatives, publications, and programs designed to nurture literary talent and engage the broader community.

Publications

• Zone 3, an international literary journal that sponsors annual awards in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

• Zone 3 Press, a literary press that sponsors two book competitions, the Zone 3 Press First Book Award in Poetry and the Zone 3 Press Creative Nonfiction Book Award.

• The Red Mud Review, a literary magazine produced by APSU students.

Programs and Events

The Zone 3 Visiting Writers Series

The Zone 3 Visiting Writers Series brings writers of regional, national, and international renown to campus for readings, panel discussions, book signings, and class visits. Notable guests have included Richard Wilbur, Gary Snyder, Mary Oliver, Yusef Komunyakaa, Robert Haas, Carolyn Forché, Mark Jarman, Eavan Boland, Lorrie Moore, Stephen Dunn, Rebecca Walker, Ann Patchett, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Nicole Walker, Louise Erdrich, Dorothy Allison, Sarah Kay, Douglas Kearney, Kiese Laymon, Bonnie Jo Campbell, Victoria Chang, Joe Milan Jr. and more.   

Tennessee Young Writers' Workshop

In collaboration with Humanities Tennessee, Austin Peay State University hosts the Tennessee Young Writers' Workshop, providing high school students ages 14-18 with a unique overnight summer camp experience focused on creative writing.

• Dates: June 21-27,2026
• Location: APSU campus in Clarksville, Tennessee
• Fee: TBA per student (financial assistance available)
• Activities: Writing workshops, evening activities, and summer camp experiences

Tennessee's Emerging Creative Writers Contest

Zone 3 Press and the Creative Writing Program at Austin Peay State University sponsor this contest designed to encourage high school creative writers from across the state and foster their growing literary voices.

• Eligibility: High school students grades 9-12
• Categories: Poetry, fiction, and personal essay
• Awards:
  • Three winners per category for grades 9-11
  • Five finalists for grade 12, with two winners receiving $1,500 APSU scholarships
• Recognition: Publication in Red Mud Review and invitation to read at Zone 3 Writers' Festival
• Deadline: TBA

Zone 3 Writers Festival

An annual literary festival hosted on Austin Peay State University's Main Campus in Clarksville, TN.

• Dates: April 16-18, 2026
• Theme: TBA
• Activities: Craft talks, readings, workshops, panels with professional writers and APSU faculty
• Special Events:
  • Visiting Writers Series presentations
  • Tennessee's Emerging Creative Writers Contest Ceremony
  • Zone 3 Bookfair

APSU Department of Languages and Literature

The Department of Languages and Literature offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Creative Writing. Students benefit from small class sizes, internship and scholarship opportunities, and a community of engaged and creative peers.