Home Page

     "If you haven't surprised
     yourself, you haven't
     written."
                     ~Eudora Welty

Welcome aspiring writers!

Joyce McDonald is the author of several critically
acclaimed books including Swallowing Stones, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults and Edgar Award Nominee, Shades of Simon Gray. Her latest novel,
Devil on My Heels was nominated for five state awards.

She taught creative writing at Drew University for nine
years, and currently teaches in the Brief-Residency in
Master of Fine Arts Program at Spalding University.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

January 1, 2012

Quote for the month:

"Poetry is about slowing down. You sit and you read something, you read it again, and it reveals a little bit more, and things come to light you never could have predicted.” ~Mark Strand

Recommended reading for
aspiring writers:

Fiction:
The Art of Fiction, by John Gardner

Creative Nonfiction:
The Art of the Essay, by Phillip Lopate

Poetry:
A Poetry Handbook, by Mary Oliver
The Poet's Companion, by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux
Contemporary American Poetry: Behind the Scenes by Ryan Van Cleave

View a complete list
of recommended resources.