Events 2009

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The 28th annual conference will be Sunday, July 19, 2008

A DAY FOR WRITERS IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
JULY 18, 2009
Our twenty-eighth annual event will provide a sharp focus within a short time frame. Novices and professionals alike will enjoy experiencing the day’s program in the old train depot’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Sponsored by the Steamboat Springs Arts Council and Writers Group, this year’s conference features young adult novelist Wick Downing and short story writer Erika Krouse. Since the number of participants is limited, early registration is recommended.

WORKSHOPS

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Wick Downing addresses the dangers and wonders of the imagination as he answers the question many have about writers: How can they be who they are not? Must one have been a slave to tell stories about them? A Cherokee Indian to write about the Trail of Tears? Or, specific to Downing: What makes an old man think he can write from the point of view of a 14-year old girl?

WHEN YOU’RE STUCK. . . Instead of grabbing the remote or constructing the world’s most complicated ham sandwich, Erika Krouse will lead in-class writing exercises and share ideas that will start you writing again with confidence. Come prepared to work!

BRINGING UP YOUR PEANUT. . . If one has a “peanut” –a bright idea that squiggles and twists and turns in a person’s mind, driving them crazy--how can it be transformed into the book or story it wants to be? Wick Downing talks about the torment and outlines his approach to relief.

REVISION AND REINVENTION. . . As much as you love writing, do you also dread revising? Revision doesn’t have to be all red pens and rules. Erika Krouse leads more in-class writing, visualization and (yes!) creative revision exercises that will keep your great ideas flowing through your second draft and beyond.

INSTRUCTORS

WICK DOWNING has authored ten novels. His first was published in 1974 (The Player, E.P.Dutton) and his most recent one in 2008 (The Trials of Kate Hope, Houghton Mifflin). He drifts from one genre to another: action-suspense, courtroom drama, young adult. A lawyer, his work has been either enriched or limited by his background, depending on your point of view. He believes in the power of form.

ERIKA KROUSE has published fiction in Atlantic Monthly, Story, Ploughshares, Shenandoah, Glimmer Train and The New Yorker. She has also published nonfiction in Glamour and numerous anthologies. Her collection of short stories, Come Up and See Me Sometime (Scribner), winner of the Paterson Fiction Award, was chosen as a New York Times Notable Book of the year, and has been translated into six languages. She is currently living in Nederland, Colorado, finishing a novel, and working part time as a private investigator.

An optional pre-conference workshop with SUSAN DE WARDT is designed to remove barriers to creativity and success. “WRITE Way to Success" Friday, July 17, 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. (see additional information below; requires additional fee)

SCHEDULE: SATURDAY JULY 18

8:30 Check in at the Depot 9:00 Introduction, Susan de Wardt 9:30 to 10:25 Wick Downing 10:45 to 11:40 Erika Krouse

12:00 Luncheon 1:00 to 1:55 Wick Downing 2:15 to 3:15 Erika Krouse 3:30 to 4:15 Conclusion, Susan de Wardt

Participants are encouraged to submit written questions during the lunch hour. Then, before concluding, selected questions will be answered.

BOOK SALES: 4:15

TUITION:
$40 members of Steamboat Springs Arts Council / $50 after May 22
$50 non-members / $60 after May 22
Covers seminars and catered luncheon
REFUNDS: 90% refund for written cancellations received prior to June 12;
50% if received from June 12 through July 3; no refunds after July 3

Additional information: SSAC, Box 774284, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 (Attn: S. de Wardt) call 970-879-8138 or E-mail: susan@steamboatwriters.com

PRE-CONFERENCE GATHERING: 6:00 P.M. FRIDAY, JULY 17
A catered barbecue at the home of John Grassby promises an opportunity to enjoy new and old friends. Directions will be furnished upon receipt of reservation. $25.00 per person, in addition to tuition. (Spouse/partner may attend. No children, please.)

TEN MINUTES OF FAME: 7:15 P.M. FRIDAY, JULY 17
An opportunity to share your work with the world happens immediately following the barbecue, under direction of Cesare Rosati, author of Prairie Dogs PPL.
Reading time to be determined by number of participants. No additional fee. Open to all conference participants. Directions to “Ten Minutes” location will be furnished upon receipt of registration.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM
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