Distinguished American Speaker Program
Prof. Bret Lott
National Council for the Arts

On Friday July 20, National Council for the Arts Member Bret Lott addressed an audience of Israeli writers and academics at the home of Chargé d'Affaires Gene Cretz.  Lott who was in Israel for CLASS, the Embassy's high intensity seminar for English teachers, is professor of English at Louisiana State University, Editor of The Southern Review, and internationally acclaimed author of 11 novels, including the Oprah Book Club selection Jewel. During the Distinguished American Speaker program entitled "Regionalism in U.S Literature: The Southern Voice," Lott gave personal insights on the craft of writing and what it means to be a southern writer. Noting wryly that "grits and pork chops" alone do not define the Southern voice and that good writers need experience that transcends regionalism, Lott further postulated that the humility arising from defeat in the Civil War is still a significant aspect of "the voice," together with the Southerner's love and talent for story telling.  Following Lott's remarks there was a lively discussion on American literature and creative writing.

Distinguished American Speaker Prof. Bret Lott addressing an audience of Israeli writers at the DCM's residence.