Clive Matson (MFA Columbia University) was drafted as Chalcedony’s (kal-SAID-'n-ease) astonished scribe in 2004. Where do these poems come from? Their passionate erotic and spiritual voice evolved from his 1966 work, reissued by Regent Press as Mainline to the Heart and Other Poems (2009). His early teachers were Beats in New York City, and, amazingly, his seventh book was placed in John Wieners' coffin. His wild and crazy years and Wieners'Hotel Wentley Poems and talking with Herbert Huncke immersed him in the stream of passionate intensity that runs through us all. He says he has finally stopped trying to go someplace else. He writes from that itch in his body, to the delight of his students, and that's old hat, according to Let the Crazy Child Write! (1998), the text he uses to make his living, teaching creative writing. Clive has taught over 3,000 creative writing workshops and was voted Best Writing Teacher (2006, East Bay Express).
He enjoys playing basketball, table tennis, and collecting minerals in the field. He lives in Oakland, California, where he helps bring up his young teenage son, Ezra.

Let the Crazy Child write! ~ with Clive Matson

When we're finally free of restraint, and jump into the stream of creativity running through us, the results are remarkable. Spanish Creek helps, so do the trees at our secret gathering spot, Witch's Cove, so does the mountain air, so does the camaraderie. So especially does the accepting, appreciative eye of the teacher. Any kind of writing is fine. If you don't have an exciting project going already, with the stimulus of our many exercises and examples you surely will by the end of the week. For beginners as well as seasoned writers.

It was two years ago when I took Clive’s writing workshop at the Feather River Art Camp. My sister had decided to come to camp with me. She was taking writing. So I took writing too. It had been ages since I’d done more than write promotional marketing blurbs for my artist open houses and classes. Was I ready to let loose and let “The Crazy Child Write?” Ready or not, Clive got us talking and writing before we could balk and get scared. By the end of the week, down in our little retreat under the trees, by the roaring creek, we had all created some gems to be proud of. He made it so easy to just write. Rewrites were a pleasure as he walked us through with constant positive feedback. My creative writing has re-blossomed after years of being dormant and my writing to market art has taken on a new sparkle. I’d highly recommend his classes and workshop to anyone who has a desire to write with depth and clarity.

Margaret Fago
Watercolor Artist