LAKEPORT — Clive Matson, author of “Let the Crazy Child Write” (New World Library, 1998), will hold a writing workshop on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, at the Main Street Gallery at the Lake County Arts Council.
Matson writes short stories, essays, plays and has published seven books of poetry. He writes from the “itch” in his body. He has led workshops nationwide for 25 years, holds an MFA in poetry from Columbia University and teaches at University of California Extension in Berkeley. He is co-winner (with Allen Cohen) of the 2003 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles National Literary Award, for the anthology “An Eye for An Eye Makes the Whole World Blind ? Poets on 9/11” (Regent Press, Oakland, 2002). His previous workshops in Lake County have been very well received.
Mr. Matson writes, “Your night-time dreams ? with their vivid scenes and soul-clenching transformations – are expressions of your talent, and every person has loads of it. Professional writers learn how to tap this energy and their strategies are elementary first, honor your creative unconscious. You take this step when you join the class. Next is to put some of those creative works on paper, and we”ll do simple exercises that, year after year, have proven to do just that. It”s exhilarating when the whole class ventures into unknown territory ? under the guidance of an instructor who understands the journey is personal, highly charged, and requires careful nurturing. Add the basic writing techniques we”ll present, with clear examples, throughout the day and you are on your way – into the world of stories, personal essays, poems, plays, or scripts. You”ll finish with at least one draft of new, exciting material and a healthy understanding of how your talent can enhance your life.”
This event is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc., through a grant it has received from The James Irvine Foundation.
The class begins on Saturday, March 29. The Saturday sessions are from 4 to 6 p.m. and the Sunday sessions, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Introduction on the first afternoon, spontanesous writing and supportive feedback sessions in the familiar syngenetic format continue all the second day, with a break for potluck lunch. Participants join an active Lake County writers” community for these events.
The fee for the workshop is $55; a deposit is required. For more information or to register, contact the Arts Council at 263-6658, or call or e-mail Clive Matson at (510) 654-6495, clive@matson-ford.com.
Editor”s Note: Xian Yeagan is Web master for the Lake County Arts Council.
