Noted author Keith Scribner says he’s gained new insights into the human spirit by two visits to San Quentin Prison.
“I’ve felt on both of my visits to San Quentin that the group is more engaged and thoughtful than nine-tenths of the other groups I work with,” he said in an interview.

“I believe in the power of literature,

poetry, and all art

to allow us to know ourselves better, to make us

stronger and deeper.”

“Your close attention to language, story, character, and the keen desire and passion the men have for becoming better writers and telling their stories isn’t just refreshing to me – it’s a thrill.”
Scribner is an associate professor at Oregon State University who visited San Quentin’s Arts in Corrections creative writing class.
“I believe in the power of literature, poetry, and all art to allow us to know ourselves better, to make us stronger and deeper, to elate and heal us. A lot like the power of love. It works on us from both directions – as we read or experience great art, and also as we create our own. I hope that by visiting I can be of some service in bringing this to their lives,” he commented.
“It’s a privilege for me to meet you, hear your stories, and come to know about your lives.”
Scribner’s most recent novel is The Oregon Experience. His previous novels are Miracle Girl and The GoodLife.