Poetry enthusiasts and novices alike are invited to join West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman for a free poetry workshop on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. Harshman will lead an hour-long, casual workshop at the Greenbrier Visitor’s Center in Lewisburg (200 Washington Street West). Attendees will have the opportunity to play with writing prompts, practice new techniques, and learn more about Harshman’s own creative process.
West Virginia’s seventh poet laureate, Harshman is celebrating the recent publication of his second full-length collection of poems, “Believe What You Can,” out by The Vandalia Press of West Virginia University. “Green-Silver and Silent,” his first collection, was published in 2012. Four chapbooks include “Turning Out the Stones,” “Rose of Sharon,” “Local Journeys,” and “All That Feeds Us.” Periodical publications include The Georgia Review, Emerson Review, Salamander, 14 Hills, Poetry Salzburg Review, The Chariton Review, and many others in the U.S. and abroad. His poems have been anthologized by Kent State University, the University of Iowa, University of Georgia, SPM Publications (London) and the University of Arizona.
Beyond poetry, Harshman is a prolific children’s author. His 13 children’s books include “The Storm,” a Smithsonian Notable Book and his newly released, “One Big Family.” His 14th children’s title, “Fallingwater,” co-written with Anna Smucker, about Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic house, is forthcoming from Roaring Brook/Macmillan in 2017. This spring he was invited to read from his recent work at the Greenwich Book Festival in London. His monthly show for West Virginia Public Radio, “The Poetry Break,” began airing in January.
Harshman holds degrees from Bethany College, Yale University Divinity School, and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as recent honorary doctorates from West Liberty University and Bethany College. He was born and raised in Randolph County, Indiana and has lived his adult life in northern West Virginia.
This free community event is made possible through funding by the Lewisburg Literary Festival with the additional support of West Virginia Writers and the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
To learn more about Harshman’s upcoming poetry workshop, email Sarah Elkins at sarahelkins26@gmail.com or call 304-646-5508.
