Robert P. Arthur – Poet, Fiction Writer, Critic, Playwright. Robert P. Arthur's book of poems, VIJA’S WAR, has been nominated by the Poetry Society of Virginia for the Library of Virginia Poetry Book Prize, which will be awarded in October. He was also a finalist for Poet Laureate of Virginia in 2008. Arthur's novel, MASTER WILLIAM AND THE FINMAN, won the Maryanne Farley Award for Fiction (pre-publication) at the Virginia Writer's Conference at Christopher Newport University. He also won the same award for his new novel, STORM CALLER, and he was the recipient of the Karam Dean Ogden Memorial Award for Poetry. His new poem/play, LOVE’S JOURNEY, was produced in 2008 by the 40th Street Stage. In addition, Arthur has directed at the North Street Playhouse, The Venue on 35th Street, and the 40th Street Stage. Arthur received a M.F.A. from the University of Arkansas. He has taught at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. Arthur has published over 1,500 articles and/or reviews as well as five books of poems, including HYMN TO THE CHESAPEAK, a novel, several poem/plays, and a short story collection called the NEW GOTHIC RESTAURANT. MUSIC OF LEAVES and THE LIBERTINE are among the numerous plays Arthur has written and has had produced. Arthur’s play, PHAEDRA, and the play version of HYMN TO THE CHESAEAKE, have won Best Play and Most Innovative Play annual awards from Port Folio magazine. HYMN TO THE CHESAPEAKE played in Washington, New York, and St. Petersburg, Russia. Other new poem/plays written and recently produced include WINTER TALES BY CANDLELIGHT, DUET FOR WINTER, and A HAUNTING. A new edition of The Front Porch Trilogy will soon be published by DHK Publishers. Arthur has won a Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama and Criticism from Port Folio Magazine and a Christian in Theatre Arts award for poetry, playwriting and criticism from Regent University. He has also been cited by the People’s Academy of the Arts and has received major awards from the state of Arkansas, as well as poetry awards from the poetry societies of Virginia, Florida, and New Hampshire.
