Bland Simpson

Bland Simpson is an American author, professor, and musician from North Carolina.

Simpson grew up in the northeastern area of North Carolina in Elizabeth City and spend much of his time around the Albemarle Sound. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the middle of his undergraduate career, Simpson left the university to spend time songwriting in New York, particularly for musical theater. He later returned to UNC-Chapel Hill to finish his degree, and graduated in 1973 with a major in political science.

Simpson began teaching creative writing at his alma mater in 1982. He is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of English and creative writing at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Simpson was the creative writing program's director from 2002 to 2008, and the faculty representative for the UNC-Chapel Hill General Alumni Association's Board of Directors from 2011 to 2012.

Simpson was awarded many awards for writing and teaching. Among them are the Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching, which he received twice, and the Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

He has written several books, including The Great Dismal and The Mystery of Beautiful Nell Cropsey. Some of his books also feature photography by his wife, conservationist Ann Cary Simpson (Into the Sound Country, Inner Islands, Little Rivers & Waterway Tales).

Simpson is well-versed Eastern North Carolina's mysteries, geography and culture. His works focus on North Carolina's coast and natural elements and enforce the appreciation and protection of these resources.

Simpson is also a member of the North Carolina Coastal Federation. His work with the Coastal Federation allows him to learn about the systems of eastern Carolina estuaries. Simpson draws inspiration from this information when writing about the coast and coastal plain.

Simpson has written music and lyrics for, as well as performed in, a number of plays which have been performed Off-Broadway, at Ford's Theater in Washington, and other prominent venues; his plays include Diamond Studs, Kudzu, Fool Moon, and King Mackerel And The Blues Are Running. Simpson also wrote a song for Tony-nominated musical Pump Boys & Dinettes.

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