Publisher's Synopsis
Prison Wisdom is a living testament of the beauty and diversity of those who live behind guarded walls--hidden away from sight. But now their voices can be heard.
The reader is invited to move beyond the barbwire into the stories and poems of more than 100 inmates who have taken author Katya Sabaroff Taylor's writing classes over the years. The excerpts in Prison Wisdom are drawn from anthologies printed after each prison class; they are presented here in unedited form, just as they emerged during each session.
Also included in this volume is a collection of correspondence and artwork exchanged between Katya and several prison pen pals. The letters reveal the human strengths and longings of each inmate, and much of the stunning artwork was created on death row.
In addition to conducting classes in prisons, the author has offered writing workshops for more than three decades to people from all walks of life, encouraging them to express their unique voices. Prison Wisdom contains valuable tips and strategies for others who may be interested in teaching writing--either in prisons or elsewhere. Katya's approach to facilitating writing relies especially on her use of time-tested 'prompts, ' which stimulate the imagination and creative expression of her students.
"I believe that every person has a creative spark within them, and I hope to evoke 'the wisdom of the pen' in each and every one of my students," Katya explains. "As you, the reader, experience the poignant and heartfelt writing in this unique collection, I hope you will be inspired to pick up a pen to tell your own stories."
