The Woman Who Spilled Words All Over Herself: Writing and Living the Zona Rosa Way

by Rosemary Daniell

For more than fifteen years, Rosemary Daniell has led Zona Rosa, a creative writing workshop for people of all ages and all walks of life. In this dual memoir and writing guide, she describes the difficulties and the rewards of the writing life while also providing inspiration and helpful tips for writers in all stages of their careers."

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

241 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 1997

About the author

Rosemary Daniell's new book, Secrets of the Zona Rosa: How Writing (and Sisterhood) Can Change Women's Lives, was published by Henry Holt and Company in May, 2006. Its prequel, The Woman Who Spilled Words All Over Herself: Writing and Living the Zona Rosa Way, was published by Faber & Faber, in 1997. Her revolutionary memoir, Fatal Flowers: On Sin, Sex and Suicide in the Deep South (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1980; Henry Holt & Company, 1989; Hill Street Press, 1999) won the 1999 Palimpsest Prize for a most-requested out-of-print book, and was re-issued that same year. Along with her second memoir, Sleeping with Soldiers (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1984; Hill Street Press, 2003), it was a forerunner of the current memoir trend. She is the author of five other books of poetry and prose, including and her collection of essays, Confessions of a (Female) Chauvinist (Hill Street Press, 2001), a novel, The Hurricane Season (William Morrow & Company, 1992); two collections of poetry, A Sexual Tour of the Deep South (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1975; Push Button Publishing, 1994) and Fort Bragg & Other Points South (Henry Holt & Company, 1987).

Among her awards are two N.E.A. Fellowships in creative writing, one in poetry, another in fiction. In addition, her features and reviews have appeared in numerous magazines and papers, including Harper’s Bazaar, New York Woman, Mademoiselle, The New York Times Book Review and Mother Jones; she has also been a guest on many national radio and television shows, such as Merv Griffin, Donahue, The Diane Rehm Show, Larry King Live and CNN’s “Portrait of America.” She is profiled in the book Feminists Who Changed America, 1963-1975. In 2008, she received a Governor’s Award in the Humanities for her impact on the state of Georgia; early in her career, she instigated and led writing workshops in women's prisons in Georgia and Wyoming, served as program director for Georgia's Poetry in the Schools, and worked for a dozen years in Poetry in the Schools programs in Georgia, South Carolina, and Wyoming.

Also known as one of the best writing coaches in the country, she is the founder and leader of Zona Rosa, a series of creative writing workshops in Savannah and Atlanta, and cities throughout the world, as described in People and Southern Living magazines, and attended by such outstanding writers as John Berendt, Bruce Feiler, Pat Conroy, Cassandra King, and Eric Haney. To date, almost 60 Zona Rosans have become published authors. For further information, see Rosemary’s web page at www.myzonarosa.com.


“Rosemary Daniell is one of the great writing teachers I’ve seen at work in the country.” – Pat Conroy

“Rosemary Daniell is enormously gifted. Her work is risky – in the best sense of the word. She is one of the women by whom our age will be known in times to come.” – Erica Jong

“She has…proved just how earthy, inspiring, and even rapturous her take on the creative process can be.” – People

Reviews

[D. Wayne Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. In it, Rosemary takes the reader on a candid, behind-the-scenes tour of the goings-on of the Zona Rosa; from the early days when it was an all women's club, to its maturation as an all-inclusive group, teaching both men and women about the joys of writing. Being a native Georgian, I was fascinated by the idea that such history could've been taking place only 50 miles from my door step. I was also very thrilled, and surprised, to discern from her story that the enthusiastic outlook she has on life may very well have a lot to do with her association with 12-step programs and its members. all in all, "The Woman Who Spilled Words All Over Herself" is a delightful and informative book. I highly recommend it.

[Jessica Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter didn't draw me in, but from chapter 2 on I really related to it. It is an inspiring and enjoyable read.

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Recycled Books (in Campbell and San Jose) where I found this book. The title made me buy it. Rosemary Daniell is a free spirit and a racy one at that. But she can surely inspire people to write. If you want to write, go for it. One more writing book won't hurt you.

[Todd Morgan Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book freed me to finish the first draft of my first novel.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read about the power of writing, with practical advice about developing your voice as an author. Plus...recipes!