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Notable writers to visit SCSU
By Sara Forester
Published:
Monday, April 19, 2004
SCSU is holding the Mississippi River Creative Writing Workshop in which students can gain experience in writing poetry and fiction.
The one-week workshop invites notable writers to attend and share their personal stories on how they came to be writers.
"I love all the writers for different reasons," said Bill Meissner, SCSU director of creative writing. "They bring their poetry and fiction and novels to life."
Meissner is an award winning author of three books of poetry and has a nationally-acclaimed selection of short stories, Hitting Into the Wind.
"The writers are enthusiastic about the student response to their writings. Writers have asked to come back and speak to the workshop year after year," Meissner said.
Such famous writers like Jonis Agee and Michael Dennis Browne have agreed to come back to SCSU to share their experiences with aspiring authors. Agee's first two novels were chosen as one of New York Times' Notable Books of the Year. She has also authored three short story collections.
Browne is an award winning Minnesota professor and poet and has had three books of poetry. His forthcoming book is called Things I Can't Tell You.
Other notable writers attending the workshop include Shannon Olson and Brent Spencer; both are known for their excellent work in creative writing.
"Student writers have had a very positive response to the workshop, saying that it's both beneficial and inspirational to them," Meissner said.
Meissner said the writers present informal sessions which include discussing their writing techniques, reading from their published work, answering questions from students and conducting student writing exercise.
Facilitator Meissner puts much of his time and effort into planning and arranging the one-week workshop.
"I start planning in December," Meissner said.
He has received Cultural Diversity grants and Summer School Special Project grants to bring these writers to SCSU's campus.
"I couldn't attend the workshop last year but am looking forward to meeting these writers this year," said aspiring writer Anthony Faust.
"It's a unique atmosphere where students have direct contact with nationally recognized authors who are hired not only for their writing but also because they are great speakers and effective teachers," Meissner said.
The visiting authors come in the afternoon to share their stories and some days there is up to two writers who attend, Meissner said.
There is no prior experience required to attend the workshop, which is sponsored by the SCSU Creative Writing Program, and costs $313 for the week session.
The workshop is available for the community people as well as students who can receive credits toward graduation. Hours for the one-week workshop are held in Brown Hall room 103 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 24-28.
For more information and to register, contact the Office of Summer Sessions at 320-308-2113 or 1-800-368-4260.
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