May 6, 2005

The write stuff: Summer writers' conference
to be held at Sacramento State

Aspiring writers will have the opportunity to participate in an intense three-day Writers' Conference Aug. 5-7 at Sacramento State, presented by the College of Continuing Education. The conference features workshops, public reading events and individual critiques from nationally recognized writers. It will also include a panel discussion from industry insiders on how to publish work and the chance to establish or join ongoing writing circles.

The conference will kickoff on Friday, August 5 with a luncheon and the keynote speech by Dorothy Allison, a nationally acclaimed novelist, essayist, memoir writer and poet. Allison is the author of Bastard Out of Carolina, which won the Lambda Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Her other works include Cavedweller, Trash and Two or Three Things I Know for Sure.

The conference workshops will provide professional-level writing instruction on writing plays, novels, poetry, commentary and criticism, memoirs and children's literature.

Elizabeth Hough, director of development for the CCE, said that the conference is not limited to any age group or skill level. "We wanted a mix of people who want to gain skills or hone their craft, whether they have already had work published or have always toyed with the idea of writing," Hough said.

Organizers are currently accepting registration for the conference. Prior to July 22, registration fees are $199, which covers workshops, free-writing exercises, lunch on Friday, keynote speaker address, evening reading events, publishing panel discussion and parking.

After July 22, registration is $225. There is also a $25 optional additional fee to reserve a 15-minute feedback session with a workshop leader. To receive feedback, participants must submit a five-page doubled-spaced writing sample prior to July 22. Special lodging rates are also available to conference participants. The evening reading events are free and open to the public.

Registration is available at www.cce.csus.edu/writersconference or by calling (916) 278-4433. For more information about the conference, contact Manuela McClary at manuela@csus.edu. Media assistance is available by contacting the University's public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

####