By JESSICA LEPORE
Contributing Writer
Two successful writers will be reading their unique published books on Thursday.
The reading will be at 7:30 pm in the Standish Conference Rooms, Events and Athletics Center, 2nd Floor, 420 Western Ave., Albany NY.
Sharon Mesmer and Jonah Winter both bring poetry to another level with their writing. Any type of writing can be made unique, which is exactly what these two writers do with the creative writing that they publish.
Teaching at New York University, the New School, and online for Chicago University, Mesmer is busy doing what she loves. She has published several books including poetry, most recently “Annoying Diabetic Bitch” and “The Virgin Formica” which she will be reading this upcoming Thursday.
As many writers do, Mesmer sometimes finds it hard to find something new to write about, but she does have a solution.
“I would cut up other writers work and do collages and work with what is presenting itself at the moment. I will turn my mind away from the things that I most write about,” Mesmer said.
The poet found her push to write in grammar and high school where she said she was a real misfit. Mesmer said she discovered that poets and writers were also rock stars and that was something she saw herself doing.
“I realized I could be proud of being a fear and I went off on that,” Mesmer said.
Joined by Mesmer, Jonah Winter takes creative writing to another level in his work. At an early age of 4 years old, Winter began writing and had his stories published in a literary magazine at the age of 6.
He has written a long list of children’s books and two poetry volumes, along with illustrating books including non-fiction.
It is apparent that Winter has accomplished a lot with his published pieces and admits that it is a very time consuming career. Any Saint Rose student pursuing writing would want to know what his experiences are and what he can take from them to share.
“When writing a poem, first have an idea. Perhaps this sounds flippant, but I’m in earnest. A good idea is essential to the success of a poem. There used to be a billboard in Brooklyn that said ‘Dining out? Insist on plates,” Winter said.
Both Winter and Mesmer will be available for questions and comments after their readings and there will be merchandise, including books, sold as well.
An English professor at Saint Rose, Daniel Nester invited both Winter and Mesmer to read their pieces because of the difference they will be able to share with the students.
“These people are like renaissance people, I think,” Nester said. “Some of the students who are curious about being writers or publishing, they will be able show the students what it is really like.”
