Author Chris Belden speaks to Senior Writing Essentials Class
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Author Chris Belden, award winning author, spoke on March 14 to the Senior Writing Essentials class taught by Mr. Jamie Chesbro. Chris read from, and answered questions about, his award winning essay “Inside Words: How to Teach Writing in Prison.” Students asked thoughtful questions about his interaction with prisoners, and his success at developing writing as a talent and communications outlet in their restricted lives.
Chris Belden is the author of two novels, Shriver and Carry-on, and the forthcoming story collection The Floating Lady of Lake Tawaba, which won the Fairfield/New Rivers Book Prize. His essay "Inside Words: How to Teach Writing in Prison" was selected by judge Susan Orlean for the 2013 Bechtel Prize. He has taught writing at Fairfield University as well as at such nontraditional venues as senior centers, soup kitchens and a maximum security prison.