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. Thursday 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 prepare 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 bachelor of fine arts 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’ 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 dreams."