“Voice and Analysis” Is Topic of Eastern Shore Writers’ Association Event Jan. 11

Salisbury, MD, January 11, 2014 – Salisbury University Professor Gail Samis, MA, will share with writers the sometimes elusive workings of the tools known as “Voice and Analysis” on January 11, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the ever popular Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant located in Salisbury, MD. This event is free and open to the public, however – be prepared to do some fun literary exercises! 

“The concepts of voice and analysis are each crucial to writers, but equally important to their readers,” Gail says of her topic for ESWA’s New Year’s meeting. Salisbury University writing classes always “stress the importance of knowing ones audience. One of the many important considerations for any writer is that they not only have something to say, but that they can express whatever that is in such a way that their audience will “get it” and at exactly the right juncture in the work. It’s a matter of knowing what is in the tool box and mastering the use of those tools,” she stresses. “It’s a matter of craft.”

Gail will guide writers through various exercises demonstrating things like “code switching” and the conveyance of ideas to the reader. Participants can then learn and teach one another by sharing their own writing experiences.

Writers use the “ideas of voice and analysis all the time in their work,” Gail reminds us. “Mastery of them is what allows them to become such valuable tools in the creative arsenal.”

Gail Samis was born in Pennsylvania and raised, for the better part of her life in Delaware. In 1972, she moved (kicking and screaming and with two kids in tow) to Maryland – which turned out, in retrospect to have been an amazing and fortuitous act on the part of the universe. Having stayed at home to raise her children past the age of middle school, she decided to try her hand at a university education – just to see whether she actually could do it. Starting as a part-time student, she transitioned to full-time, majoring in both English and Philosophy, and earning a place in history, English, and philosophy honor societies. Gail graduated with a dual degree and the honor of Outstanding Philosophy Student for her graduating class. After graduation, she was awarded a graduate teaching fellowship in English, which allowed her to complete her Master’s Degree and prepared her for teaching English at Salisbury University, where she is still teaching.       

The Eastern Shore Writers’ Association (ESWA) holds monthly writing programs, sponsors the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference, publishes The Delmarva Review, and supports Delmarva Public Radio’s “Delmarva Today: Writer’s Edition.” As a nonprofit organization, it supports writers and the literary arts across the Delmarva Peninsula. For more information, see the ESWA websitewww.easternshorewriters.org, visit the ESWA blog at www.easternshorewritersassociation.wordpress.com, or email Gerald F. Sweeney, President, ESWA, at [email protected]. Those without computer access are welcome to contact Michelle Danelle Sebly at410.490.6357.