Peninsula College is thrilled to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning author Caroline Fraser as the 2025 Writer-in-Residence, taking place May 13–15 on the main campus and in Port Townsend. A celebrated voice in American letters, Fraser’s writing explores the environmental and historical narratives that have shaped the American West—and now, the darker stories of the Pacific Northwest.
Fraser’s most recent book, MURDERLAND: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, is set for release on June 10, just days after her residency on the Olympic Peninsula. This gripping true crime chronicle follows her acclaimed Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, which won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Biography and reexamined the mythos of the pioneer era and its depiction in pop culture.
Throughout her residency, Fraser will engage with students, faculty, and community members through a series of free events designed to spark conversation and curiosity.
Writer-in-Residence Event Schedule:
Tuesday, May 13 | Peninsula College Main Campus, Port Angeles
• 10:00 am | Welcome Reception in J-47, Pirate Union Building (PUB)
Join us for light refreshments and opening remarks from President Suzy Ames.
• 10:15 am | Class Discussion with Caroline Fraser in J-47, Pirate Union Building (PUB)
Facilitated by Professor Michael Mills.
• 1:05 pm | Live Radio Interview with KONP’s Todd Ortloff
Tune in to AM 1450 or stream online at KONP's website
Wednesday, May 14 | Peninsula College Main Campus, Port Angeles & Port Townsend Campus
• 10:00–11:00 am | Book Signing with Caroline Fraser in J-47, Pirate Union Building (PUB)
Thanks to our friends at Port Book & News, copies of Prairie Fires, God’s Perfect Child, Rewilding the World, and MURDERLAND will be available.
• 3:00–5:00 pm | Author Talk & Q&A at Peninsula College Port Townsend Campus, Fort Worden
Facilitated by Professor Kelly Doran and followed by a book signing by community partner and friends at Port Book & News.
Thursday, May 15 | Peninsula College Main Campus, Port Angeles
• 12:35–1:30 pm | Studium Generale Presentation in the Little Theater
With an introduction by Professor Kate Reavey, Caroline Fraser will share insights into her work and writing process.
• 1:30–4:00 PM | Film Screening: PBS “Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page” in the Little Theater
Featuring a post-film conversation with Caroline Fraser and faculty facilitators including Professors Helen Lovejoy and Rich Riski.
All events are free and open to the public, and we invite students, educators, readers, and aspiring writers alike to take part in this exciting literary experience. Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of literature!
For more information, please contact Studium Generale Coordinator Kate Reavey at kreavey@pencol.edu.