Do you love to write poetry or prose? Get professional advice on sharpening your writing style and getting your work published during two free workshops at the Mariposa Library.On Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m., award-winning poet and author Tim Z. Hernandez will lead workshop participants in writing exercises using thought-provoking prompts designed to get creative juices flowing. All ages and abilities are welcome, and attendees are invited to bring poems and stories to share.
Hernandez was the recipient of an American Book Award for poetry and the International Latino Book Award for historical fiction. He was also named one of 16 New American Poets by the Poetry Society of America and is an assistant professor at the University of Texas El Paso’s Bilingual MFA Program in Creative Writing. He draws inspiration for much of his work from the rich cultural heritage of the San Joaquin Valley.
His recently published book, All They Will Call You, recounts the stories of the 28 Mexican farm workers who were being deported by the American Government in 1948 when they died in a plane crash in Los Gatos. The exclusion of their names from media reports inspired a protest song by Woodie Guthrie.
On Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. Mariposa’s own Wendy Brown-Barry will share her talents in a cowboy poetry workshop. Cowboy poetry is a unique literary genre that rekindles the spirit of the Old West. Brown-Barry has been writing poetry and performing her work at cowboy poetry gatherings for many years and has recently published a collection of her work in a book entitled Mountain Majesty and Other Poems.Books by both writers are available for checkout at the mariposa Library.
Class size for the cowboy poetry workshop is limited to 20 and preregistration is required by Friday, May 26. Register at the Library or call 209-966-2140 or email wendybrown@sti.net.
These workshops are part of the Library’s Green S.T.E.A.M Makerspace Program, which is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. The Tim Z. Hernandez was made possible by the Poets & Writers’ Readings and Workshops Program and the California Center for the Book.
For more information about the makerspace program contact Karen Dusek, 209-966-2140 or karen.dusek@mariposalibrary.org.
