Just returned from our first ever DWIRP (Dzanc Writer in Residence Program) reading. The students from our first such program, at Community High School in Ann Arbor, MI, read from their work at Shaman Drum Bookstore.
Led by the WiP, the great Paul Toth, student after student walked up to the table, and calmly read their stories as if they've been reading in front of crowds their entire lives. The work was at a much higher level than that from which I recall coming from high school students from my own days (long ago as that may have been). It was great knowing that we had something to do with this, and very obvious from both the work, and the comments from the students, that we'd made a great selection in Paul Toth.
It was also great to see Shaman Drum packed, and many thanks go out to those like Elizabeth Ellen and Tamara Christie-Glynn, those not affiliated with Dzanc Books, nor with Community High School or its students, yet showed up to support the work that Dzanc is doing - it was much appreciated.
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