Wendy Brown-Baez's newest work Classroom in a Backpack also known as "Writing Circles: Words to Light Our Way, a portable writing workshop", is both memoir and inspirational guide for individual writers and writing instructors who work in institutions, non-profit organizations, and community centers. It interweaves stories of in-the-trenches experiences with practical advice on how to inspire writers who may not think of themselves as writers but have a story to tell.
On Sept 23, Wendy Brown-Baez is offering a pre-publication, sneak preview of Classroom in a Backpack. She will be joined by poets Francine Tolf and Patrick Capello Hansel. The event will also feature flute music by Chrisma (starting at 6:45) and refreshments.
Wendy Brown-Báez is a writer, teacher, performance poet and installation artist. Wendy’s prose and poetry have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies, and she has published two poetry books: Ceremonies of the Spirit and transparencies of light. Her article "Why We Write" appeared in Poets & Writers 2014 July/August issue. Wendy received McKnight and Minnesota State Arts board grants to teach writing workshops in non-profit organizations. She is a member of the MN Prison Writing Workshop and leads Care for the Caregiver writing group at Pathways health crisis center. Wendy believes in the power of creativity to transform lives. Her motto is The shortest bridge between us is a story.
Francine Marie Tolf is a poet and essayist whose work has appeared in numerous journals including Water~Stone, Rattle, Under the Sun, Contrary Magazine, and Christian Century. She has received grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board; the Barbara Deming/Money for Women Foundation; the Loft Mentor Series; and the Elizabeth George Foundation. Francine is the author of two poetry collections, Rain, Lilies, Luck and Prodigal as well as a memoir, Joliet Girl, and a number of chapbooks. Joliet In My Blood, a collection of essays published by Port Yonder Press, is her most recent book.
Patrick Cabello Hansel’s poems, stories and essays appear in over 30 journals, including Red Earth Review, Ilanot Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, and Sojourners. He has received awards from the Loft Literary Center and the MN State Arts Board. Patrick’s novella, Searching, was serialized in 33 issues of The Alley News.
