Inspiration for Nature Writing Discussed in Lawrence University Lecture

APPLETON, WIS. -- Author and professor Richard Yatzeck shares his secrets for turning simple observation of everyday surroundings into inspiration for writing about nature in a Lawrence University Main Hall Forum.

Yatzeck presents, "Bearding the Bristling Beast," Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 4:15 p.m. in Main Hall, Room 202. The event is free and open to the public.

Yatzeck, who teaches Russian literature at Lawrence, is also an avid nature writer who has written scores of articles and poems on nature and who chronicled the joys and sorrows of his outdoor experiences in the 1999 book, "Hunting the Edges." In his address, he will discuss how his daily, three-mile walks along Blueberry Road in Waupaca County have served as inspiration for much of his writing and the process he uses to turn his observations into stories.

In additon to his talk, Yatzeck will read two short poems he's written -- "Queen Anne's Lace" and "Roadkill" -- as examples of his observations turned to words as well as an except from noted British nature writer Gilbert White.