An experienced reader, creative writing teacher and public speaker, Joan Cusack Handler is available for poetry and prose readings, for teaching writing workshops and for lecturing on the writing life.


As a clinical psychologist, writer and publisher of CavanKerry Pess, she is in a unique position to understand and discuss the many roadblocks and resolutions that writer's experience. Beyond the real life challenges of negotiating family and work lives with creative lives, writers struggle with profound emotional and psychological challenges. The 'search" for voice and beyond that to the elusive first book often uncovers very painful feelings of shame, fear, isolation and envy. The process is much more complicated for the older writer. Handler explores these issues in lectures and discussion groups with members of creative writing programs at universities across the country.

Upcoming Engagements:

Jaon Cusack Handler will be conducting a series of workshops and readings sponsored by CavanKerry entitled "Writing Through Illness" at Gilda's Room in Hackensack, New Jersey. These events will take place on May 10, 17, 24, 31 from 6-8 PM.