Bland Simpson

Simpson grew up in the northeastern area of North Carolina in Elizabeth City[1] and spent much of his time around the Albemarle Sound.

In the middle of his undergraduate career, Simpson left the university to spend time songwriting in New York, particularly for musical theater.

[4] He is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of English and creative writing at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

[5] Some of his books also feature photography by his wife, conservationist Ann Cary Simpson (Into the Sound Country, Inner Islands, Little Rivers & Waterway Tales).

[4] His works focus on North Carolina's coast and natural elements and enforce the appreciation and protection of these resources.

[4][1] After his time songwriting in New York, he and Jim Wann, another UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus, wrote the musical Diamond Studs.