Affrilachian author Bianca Spriggs kicked off WKU’s literary festival at DUC this evening.

Spriggs, who is also a freelance instructor of composition, literature and creative writing, read poems from her book “Kaffir Lily.”

Her poems are based on true stories based on both her daily life and her daydreams.

“When inspiration hits you, you have to grab it … hold onto it until you’re ready to let it go and leave it somewhere else until it finds you again,” Spriggs said.

The students in attendance gave snaps in enthusiasm at the end of each poem.

“I really enjoyed it,” Detroit sophomore Kenneth Myers said.

Visiting poet Honoree Jeffers was also in attendance.

“It was lovely, really, the poetry was very widely ranging. History poems, personal poems, mythological poems, beautiful range as a poet,” Jeffers said.

The literary festival, which is presented by WKU’s office of Diversity Programs, will continue throughout the week.

On Wednesday, Jeffers, author of three award-winning books of poetry will be featured in Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, Rebecca Howell, poet, translator and documentarian, will be featured at a luncheon in the Kentucky Room of the Kentucky Museum.

Also, on Thursday at 7 p.m. Student Identity Outreach will host MIX Tape: WKU SLAM open competition at the Garrett Conference Center Auditorium. Howell will be among the judges.