Based on Rebecca McClanahan's book Word Painting: A Guide to Writing More Descriptively, this multi-genre writing workshop led by McClanahan focuses on using "word pictures" to shape authentic, effective literary pieces in all forms. Together we will dispel misconceptions about description, examine literary models that use description, and complete brief writing exercises.

Text: Word Painting: A Guide to Writing More Descriptively.  Students could purchase in advance or the day of workshop.  ISBN: 1582970254

About the Instructor

Rebecca McClanahan is the author of nine books, most recently "Deep Light: New and Selected Poems" and "The Riddle Song and Other Rememberings," which won a Glasgow Award for nonfiction, as well as three books of writing instruction. Her work has appeared in Best American Essays, Best American Poetry, the Pushcart Prize series, and in collections published by Norton, Doubleday, Putnam, Beacon, as well as numerous journals and anthologies. She is a past recipient of the Wood Prize from Poetry, the Carter Prize for the essay from Shenandoah, and fellowships from New York Foundation for the Arts, North Carolina Arts Council, and MacDowell Colony. She holds a B.A. from California State University and a Master's and Ph.D. degree from University of South Carolina. She also won the NC Governor's Award for Excellence in Education for her work with the Poetry-in-the-Schools program. Besides conducting readings, workshops and lectures throughout the country, she teaches in the Queens MFA Program and the Rainier Writers Workshop. Visit www.mcclanmuse.com for more information.