T. Geronimo Johnson, a writer and core faculty member in the Oregon State University – Cascades Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program is celebrating the release of his second novel, “Welcome to Braggsville”.
A 2013 PEN/Faulkner finalist for his first novel, "Hold It 'Til It Hurts," Johnson writes about race in America. Published by William Morrow, “Welcome to Braggsville” is a dark, socially provocative comedic novel about college students who attempt to stage a lynching during a Civil War reenactment.
In addition to teaching fiction in the OSU-Cascades low-residency creative writing program, Johnson is a visiting professor at the Iowa Writer's Workshop.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Johnson received his M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and an M.A. in language, literacy, and culture from University of California, Berkeley. He has taught writing and held fellowships--including a Stegner Fellowship and an Iowa Arts Fellowship--at Arizona State University, the University of Iowa, UC Berkeley, Western Michigan University and Stanford University.
His short fiction and poetry have appeared in “Best New American Voices,” The Los Angeles Review, and Illuminations, among other publications. His work has been featured on NPR’s “Weekend Edition.”
OSU-Cascades’ M.F.A. in creative writing incorporates instruction in the craft and profession of creative writing. Students each embark on a long-distance and individualized course of study with a faculty mentor and twice a year join fellow students for intensive 10-day residences of craft workshops, literature lectures and professional seminars at Caldera near Sisters, Ore.
About OSU-Cascades: Located in Bend, Ore., Oregon State University’s branch campus features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Eighteen undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and three graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, exercise and sport science, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. The branch campus plans to expand to a four-year university beginning fall 2015.