Students from Penn State Scranton’s English department attended the University of Scranton’s Distinguished Author Award Dinner, where they gained valuable insights into the writing journey of Brandy Shillace, honored for her works The Framed Women of Ardemore House and Dr. Butcher and Mr. Humble. Organized by Associate Teaching Professor Kara Stone, the event provided students with an enriching experience beyond the classroom, including a private lunch with the author to discuss her works and writing process.
DUNMORE, Pa. — Students from Penn State Scranton’s English program attended the University of Scranton’s Distinguished Author Award Dinner this fall, where Brandy Shillace was honored for her works "The Framed Women of Ardemore House" and "Dr. Butcher and Mr. Humble."
Kara Stone, associate teaching professor of English, organized a reading group during the fall semester in preparation for the dinner. Students read and discussed Shillace’s novels as part of the course, with the goal of providing an enriching experience beyond the classroom.
“To prepare for the awards dinner, I organized a reading group during the fall semester where students read and discussed Brandy Shillace’s 'The Framed Women of Ardemore House' and 'Dr. Butcher and Mr. Humble,' since she was receiving the award for these works, and they weren’t directly tied to class instruction,” Stone said.
“At the author award dinner, I hoped these students would enjoy listening to the author speak about her life and what led her to become a writer. I wanted them to see that Brandy Shillace is a real person just like them," Stone added. "So often, when we discuss writing in the classroom, we forget that the author started out as a student before finding publishing success. Since so many of the students that attended are writers themselves, it was aspirational hearing her speak of her experience becoming a professional writer. Since they had already read her works, they had so many compelling questions for Brandy.”
Several students had the opportunity to meet Shillace at a private lunch before the dinner, where they discussed her works and writing process. The intimate setting allowed students to ask questions they had prepared and get personalized advice from the author herself.
“A few students had the opportunity to meet the author. They were able to discuss the author’s works and their own writing styles. She signed their books and gave them great advice about the process of becoming a writer. She encouraged them to keep writing.”
For many of the students, the experience was both academically and professionally enriching. Although they often analyze writers’ works in class, this was their first opportunity to meet an author in person and discuss their craft. The event also provided a unique chance to network and gain insight into the publishing industry.
“The experience enhanced the students’ learning both academically and professionally because although we always discuss writers’ works in English courses, my students have never had the opportunity to meet an author in person and discuss their work directly. They learned that becoming a writer is attainable and they gained real world skills like how to network at the event and in the publishing industry,” Stone said.
Stone also reflected on the positive impact the event had on building community among students and faculty.
“The students enjoyed being at the event with faculty and staff," Stone said. "It was a wonderful night where everyone enjoyed listening to Brandy Shillace speak. It was nice to have an event that brought us all together outside of the classroom.”
Penn State Scranton continues to prioritize real-world experiences as part of its commitment to enhancing students’ education. By offering opportunities like the distinguished author award dinner, the campus aims to provide students with valuable exposure to the professional world by helping them build connections and develop skills that will support their future careers.
