Visiting authors set to inspire this fall

Nashville’s literary scene is set to shine brighter in the coming months as Harpeth Hall alumnae writers, past faculty, and renowned authors visit the city. 

From enchanting novels and personal essays to a thought-provoking guide to helping parents navigate the lives of teenagers, there will be something for everyone. 

In October, you can hear from Harpeth Hall graduates V.E. Schwab ‘05 and Clare Gilmore ‘14 at Parnassus Books events. Beloved Harpeth Hall English teacher-turned-New York-Times bestselling author and columnist Margaret Renkl will celebrate the launch of her latest book at the school. 

Harpeth Hall will also host psychologist Lisa Damour, Ph.D., and renowned short story writer Claire Keegan in upcoming events on campus. 

Don’t miss the chance to engage with and learn from these writers. Here’s more about each event!
 

Lisa Damour, Ph.D. 
Oct. 4 | Harpeth Hall’s Frances Bond Davis Theatre

In teenagers, powerful emotions come with the territory. And with so many of today’s teens contending with academic pressure, social media stress, worries about the future, and concerns about their own mental health, it’s easy for them — and their parents — to feel anxious and overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With clear, research-informed explanations alongside illuminating, real-life examples, New York Times-bestselling author Lisa Damour Ph.D. will give Nashville-area parents the concrete, practical information they need to steady their teens through the bumpy yet transformational journey into adulthood. This event is free and open to the public. Register here to secure your spot.

V.E. Schwab ‘05
Oct. 5 | Nashville Public Library

"Writing for publication requires a level of belief in yourself and your ability. You believe that you deserve to be read. You believe that you deserve to be seen. That level of confidence, of belief, not unfounded because it’s paired with discipline, that came from Harpeth Hall. Harpeth Hall taught me that I have a voice, and I deserve to use it.” - V.E. Schwab ‘05

Harpeth Hall alumnae and bestselling author V.E. Schwab is returning to Nashville on Oct. 5 to talk about her latest novel, “The Fragile Threads of Power,” in a collaborative event with Parnassus Books and the Nashville Public Library. Read an interview with V.E. Schwab and alumna Brianna Bjordahl ‘15. This event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased here.

Clare Gilmore ‘14
Oct. 10 | Parnassus Books

Harpeth Hall alumna Clare Gilmore ‘14 is launching her first book, “Love Interest” this fall, and you can learn all about it in a special event with Parnassus Books. Clare will appear at Parnassus in conversation with Lauren Kung Jessen, and she will be introduced by Harpeth Hall English teacher Jackie Powers. This event is free and open to the public. Register here to secure your spot.

 

 

Margaret Renkl
Oct. 24 | Harpeth Hall’s Frances Bond Davis Theatre

“Radiant things are bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and deepest cracks of the hidden world.” - Margaret Renkl, “The Comfort of Crows”

In collaboration with Parnassus Books, Harpeth Hall is thrilled to welcome former faculty member and “New York Times” writer, Margaret Renkl, back to campus on Oct. 24 to celebrate her new book, “The Comfort of Crows.” Margaret will be joined by her brother, Billy Renkl, who created 52 beautiful works of art for the book, and they will be in conversation with author and Parnassus owner Ann Patchett. This event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased here.

Claire Keegan
November

From the hills of Ireland to Green Hills, award-winning author Claire Keegan is traveling to Harpeth Hall to speak with students in a special all-school assembly this November. The author of this year’s all-school read “Foster” — the adaptation of which was nominated for an Academy Award this past year — will speak to students about the writing process and her journey as an author. This event is not open to the public.