The University Writing Program will offer presentations given by nationally and internationally known writers as part of the Conversations With Writers Series. The series intends to bring together faculty, students and members of the Davis community to encourage and preserve the art of writing.
“Students have been inspired by our speakers’ stories of how they got into serious writing and have succeeded,” said professor of writing and University of Writing Program director Chris Thaiss. “They also learn practical strategies for getting published and persevering in the craft.”
The following are highlighted presentations for the ongoing quarter.
Conversations With Writers Series: Michael Krasny & Maggie Sokolik
As the host of KQED’s award-winning public affairs radio program, “Forum,” Michael Krasny’s powerful presence and measured style are some of the program’s outstanding characteristics. Krasny has expanded “Forum’s” scope through his interviews and discussions on local and national news and politics.
It’s also worth noting that Krasny has been a public radio host for over 20 years- Krasny acted as a radio host on San Francisco news and talk radio station, KGO 180 AM from 1984 to 1992 prior to joining “Forum” in 1993.
Krasny will be promoting Sound Ideas, a reader that acknowledges a wide variety of linguistic backgrounds that compose today’s college lecture halls and the needs of this increasingly diverse population. Joined by co-author Maggie Sokolik, Krasny can be expected to give insight into the craft of print journalism in context with his book in addition to his extensive experience in radio journalism and broadcasting.
Michael Krasny and Maggie Sokolik will be giving a presentation on his latest novel Sound Ideas from 6 to 8 p.m. in King Room at the Memorial Union on Apr. 23.
Conversations With Writers Series: Paul McHugh
As an author and journalist, Paul McHugh informs while entertains and his topics are solid in their foundations. McHugh is a regular contributor to The New York Times and The Washington Post but garnered wide recognition in the 1990s for heading the investigative reporting team that exposed the malfeasance involving the Asilomar Conference Center of Monterey, California.
McHugh can be expected to speak about the fast-paced world of investigative reporting and journalism, both of which play central roles in his most recent book, Deadlines: A Novel of Murder, Conspiracy, And The Media.
Paul McHugh, award winning author, former co-editor and main feature writer for The San Francisco Chronicle will be speaking from 4 to 6 p.m. at 126 Voorhies on May 18.
Davis Senior Series: Donald Meisenheimer, Mount Rushmore: American Icon
In contrast with The Conversation With Writers Series, the Davis Senior Series is designed to reach out to community members through large presentations on a variety of subjects. Subjects listed for the rest of the year range from digital photography to native California plants.
Donald Meisenheimer, University Writing Program lecturer, became interested in Mount Rushmore’s illustrious history and will share his interest and engage the audience during his upcoming presentation.
“Mount Rushmore was carved by Gutzon Borglum, a founding member of the KKK,” Meisenheimer said. “My presentation focuses on not only Gutzon’s early years and sculptural works, but the 14 years he spent carving Mount Rushmore, a monument internationally recognized as a symbol of American democracy.”
Donald Meisenheimer will be giving a presentation on Mount Rushmore at the Davis Senior Center from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on May 15.
For more information on these events and more, visit writing.ucdavis.edu/events.
AMBER YAN can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
