ADA, Okla. –East Central University’s own Dr. Mark Walling has released his first book, titled “I Can Hear Everything from Here” published by Turning Plow Press.
"In the Choctaw language, Oklahoma means 'courageous nation' or 'brave people, ' and in these Oklahoma stories by Mark Walling, readers encounter different varieties of courage from characters who feel grounded in this region-and rooted to it.” states Aaron Gwyn, author of All God’s Children and Wynne’s War. “I Can Hear Everything From Here" is an important collection from a writer who burns with hopefulness and heart."
Walling is currently in his 37th year as an English and Literature professor at ECU where he specializes in teaching creative writing and has served as the faculty advisor for ECU’s annual literary journal, “Originals” since 1995.
A writer throughout his career, Walling has published scripts, poetry, critical essays, short stories and other forms of media. However, “I Can Hear Everything From Here,” a collection of several short-stories based in the state of Oklahoma, marks his first full-length publication.
"I was fortunate to have almost all of these stories published in national literary magazines, including one in the prestigious Sewanee Review,” said Walling. “But bringing them together into a book has allowed more people to get a look at them, and I have been overwhelmed by the response."
As faculty advisor for “Originals,” Walling has worked hands-on with students for decades to help guide them through the editing and publication process. Hundreds of students have gained first-hand experience working on “Originals” alongside Walling.
“Dr. Walling inspires his students to push themselves and their writing to new heights,” said Amber Huffman, a former editor for Originals who currently teaches 7th grade English at SFA Middle School. “He ensures the inclusion of different styles and voices in the ECU Original’s and helps new and diverse voices be heard. He is one of my favorite professors that I had the pleasure of learning from at ECU and working with as an editor and contributor to Originals.”
Walling will be presenting a portion of “I Can Hear Everything from Here” at the 2024 Scissortail Creative Writing Festival on April 4-6.
Copies of “Originals 2024” are now available for purchase for $5 each in room 147 inside Faust Hall on the ECU campus. For information about purchasing the newest edition, email Cathlena Spencer at cspencer@ecok.edu.
For more information on “I Can Hear Everything from Hear,” contact Walling at mwalling@ecok.edu.