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2 <br /> 01kANGE - COUI 1 <br /> NORTH C"AROLINA <br /> Media Contact <br /> Martha Shannon <br /> Orange County Arts Commission <br /> Phone: 919. 968.2011 <br /> mshannonn-oran ecountync. ov <br /> FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 <br /> Speculative Fiction Author James Maxey Selected 2015 Piedmont Laureate <br /> James Maxey, a Hillsborough, N.C.-based speculative fiction author, has been <br /> selected as the region's 2015 Piedmont Laureate. During 2015, Mr. Maxey will appear <br /> at workshops, reading programs and speaking engagements throughout Durham, <br /> Orange and Wake counties. <br /> The Piedmont Laureate program is dedicated to building a literary bridge for <br /> residents to come together and celebrate the art of writing. Co-sponsored by the <br /> Orange County Arts Commission, City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Durham Arts <br /> Council, and United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County, the program's mission <br /> is to "promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts <br /> throughout the Piedmont region." The program focuses on a different literary form each <br /> year— poetry in 2009, novels in 2010, creative non-fiction in 2011, drama/screenwriting <br /> in 2012, children's literature in 2013, short fiction in 2014 and speculative fiction in 2015. <br /> Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical <br /> fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror fiction, weird fiction, <br /> supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and <br /> post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature. <br /> As Piedmont Laureate, Mr. Maxey will receive an honorarium and serve until <br /> Dec. 31. His duties will include presenting public readings and workshops, participating <br /> at select public functions and creating at least one original activity to expand <br /> appreciation of speculative fiction. A schedule of the Laureate's 2015 activities will be <br /> posted on the sponsoring agency websites and on the Piedmont Laureate website at <br /> www.piedmontlaureate.com. <br />