Boise City Writer in Residence - Don Zancanella

Join Boise City Writer-in-Residence Don Zancanella on June 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Library! at Bown Crossing for a workshop titled "Children's Literature as a Model for Grown-Up Writers." This session will explore how qualities found in children's literature—such as concision, clarity, immediacy, and verve—can enhance writing in all genres, including fiction, poetry, and essays. Participants will analyze various children's books to understand how these elements work effectively on the page, helping to inform and improve their own writing for readers of all ages. Please note that the workshop is not focused on writing for children, but rather using children's literature to deepen one’s approach to all types of writing. No registration is necessary, but space is limited. Writers of all levels are encouraged to attend and should bring writing materials like a notebook and pen.

Don Zancanella is an accomplished author with three novels to his name, including "Concord" and "A Storm in the Stars." He has received various awards, including the John S. Simmons/Iowa Short Fiction Award, and has taught at the University of New Mexico for nearly three decades. He resides in southeast Boise with his family.

The Boise City Writer-in-Residence program, launched in 2023, is a collaboration among the Boise City Department of Arts History, Boise Public Library, and The Cabin. Funded by the City of Boise, the program provides local writers with a stipend and dedicated time to develop their craft while engaging with the community through free literary public events. Applications for the residency open annually in the summer.