Carson Vaughan & Ted Genoways — Following the 2016 presidential election, national media refocused—however briefly—on middle America. Freelance journalists Ted Genoways and Carson Vaughan, both writing from and about Nebraska and the Great Plains long before the national narrative recalibrated, analyze their latest works to discuss the opportunities and challenges of reporting from the middle with Pat Leach.

The Nebraska Book Festival is held to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors and to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. By gathering together contemporary writing talent of our state and surrounding areas, the festival provides an opportunity for participants to cultivate an understanding of our history, culture and community.