Jack Straw Writing Program Showcase

ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Jack Straw Writers Program, now in its twenty-third year, has included more than 250 Pacific Northwest writers who represent a diverse range of literary genres. The purpose of the Jack Straw Writers Program is to introduce local writers to the medium of recorded audio; to develop their presentation skills for both live and recorded readings; to encourage the creation of new literary work; to present the writers and their work in live readings, in an anthology, on the web, and on the radio; and to build community among writers. Each year an invited curator selects the participating writers from a large pool of applicants, based on artistic excellence, diversity of literary genres and experiences, and creating a cohesive group of writers. Writers receive training in vocal presentation, performance, and microphone technique to prepare them for studio recording and live readings. Their recorded readings and interviews with the curator are then used to produce features on our web site, for radio broadcast, and for podcasts, which are available for streaming or download at www.jackstraw.org. ABOUT THE CURATOR Kathleen Flenniken is a poet and educator. Her collection, Plume, won the Washington State Book Award and was a finalist for the William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America. Her first book, Famous, won the Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry and was named a Notable Book by the American Library Association. Her other honors include a Pushcart Prize and fellowships from the NEA and Artist Trust. She was the 2012-2014 Washington State Poet Laureate. Kathleen teaches poetry in the schools through Jack Straw and Writers in the Schools and currently serves on the board of Jack Straw. This event is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, author series sponsor Gary Kunis, and Seattle City of Literature. Thanks to media sponsor The Seattle Times. The event is presented in partnership with Jack Straw Cultural Center.