Rus VanWestervelt has inspired so many students and adults to achieve confidence,
pleasure and skill in their creative writing endeavors. His passions for writing and
teaching, as well as his insight into guiding writers to produce their best work, assure
his success as a mentor to those who desire a stronger connection with the creative life.
Rus is a dynamic force in the Baltimore literary community and I am delighted he has
decided to share his talents with a wider audience. I have worked with Rus for many
years, as a colleague and fellow writer, and I can’t say enough about his generous support, evocative writing (both prose and poetry) and deep love of teaching. I can only advise you to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to be inspired to fulfill your creative aspirations.
Leslie Goetsch
Author, Back Creek
Co-Director, Maryland Writing Project
Director, Student Writers’ Workshop
Everyone has mentors in life, and Rus VanWestervelt is one who has done more as a mentor by living to his values than is often seen in an individual. Having taught with him for nine years, my teaching practice has greatly improved in my approach to teaching writing. Writing became real to me through Rus’s encouragement of me to write for myself, and from there I’ve been able to make it real for my students getting them to write for themselves. As a writer, he pursues the truth be it in fiction or nonfiction. As a teacher, he leads with his heart that fosters a community of students around him that is genuine and engaging. As a friend, he opens his door at any time, always ready to sit down for a moment and consider an idea or issue I may have. His passion for writing is only matched by his passion for family and life. Blessed or lucky, however you look at it, I’m better off knowing him, and I encourage you to get to know him as well.
Corey O’Brien
Educator, Poet
