Warwick author to teach writing course

Newburgh — Artist and author Daniel Mack, who lives in Warwick, is scheduled to teach two courses this semester in the Center for Community and Educational Services at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. In addition to a one-day introduction to the Techniques of Rustic Building, he is scheduled for three Tuesday evenings — Oct. 17, 24 and 31 — to teach writing skills for artists and craftspeople at the Mount Saint Mary Desmond Campus in Newburgh. The course costs $120 and runs each night from 7 to 9 p.m., with e-mail contact with Mack throughout the three weeks. “With the internet and personal Web sites, good writing skills are more important than ever,” said Mack, author of seven books and a former assistant professor of communications at Fordham University. “Good writing is just clear thinking and that can be learned and practiced.” The course will present the guidelines for writing press releases, artists’ statements and non-fiction essays. Editing skills and opportunities for publishing will also be covered. “Artists and craftspeople should be comfortable writing (and speaking) about their own work and the larger issues in the field,” said Mack. Each meeting has handouts, in-class practice writing, and homework and e-mail exercises. Mack said; “People will be surprised at how good they can get with just a little guidance and practice.” Mack has just finished two books which will be published in the Spring by Stewart, Tabori & Chang — ”The Adirondack Chair” and “The Hammock.” He is currently at work on “The Wayward Artist,” a book on creativity. For more information, contact Mack at rustic@warwick.net. To register for the course call Mount Saint Mary College at 845-565-2076.