Alumna successfully takes dreams to big city

“Glitz” book jacBOWLING GREEN, O.—College students today may be feeling anxiety about future job markets, but Bowling Green State University graduate and published author Philana Boles is proof that students can still make their dreams a reality.

Boles will share an excerpt of her latest novel, “Glitz,” along with some personal stories as part of the BGSU Creative Writing Program’s Reading Series, at 7:30 p.m. April 7 in Prout Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

“I’m going to discuss my journey and what Bowling Green has done for me to prepared me for everything I’m doing now,” Boles said. “It will be a reading but it will also be me paying homage to my alma mater. I’m coming home and I definitely want to take advantage of the opportunity to talk about how much I appreciate everything I learned there.”

Boles graduated in 1998 with a BFA in creative writing and theatre. After graduation, the Toledo native moved to New York, where she worked at the Billie Holiday Theater and in the development department of Spike Lee’s 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks. She was also employed as a freelance journalist, substitute teacher and a media relations associate at Glamour magazine.

“BG was so great because it wasn’t just about the classroom, it was about the total experience,” Boles said “[My professors] prepared me not only academically, but encouraged me to get out there and follow my dreams.”

Boles’s most recent focus has been on her four published novels. She published her first adult-audience novel, “Blame It on Eve” (Random House, 2002), followed by “In the Paint” (Amistad, 2005). In 2006, Boles successfully published her first pre-teen novel, “Little Divas” (Amistad). Her most recent novel, “Glitz,” a “tween” novel published this year, landed her a multi-book deal with Viking.

Boles has been an active alumna of BGSU. She returned in May 2002 as a commencement speaker and again in 2003 for a summer literature class session. In 2007, she worked as a freelance public relations coordinator for the appearance of the music group “Day 26.” Boles said she is proud to be an alumna and does what she can to stay connected.

“I just want the students to see how possible it is,” Boles said. “You can come from BG and do the same thing, if not more. I’m just thankful that I can come back and offer some inspiration and encouragement for people who want to get out there and follow their

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(Posted April 04, 2011 )