5th Annual Summer Writing Conference to be held at the University of Rhode Island

May 13, 2011 - PRLog -- KINGSTON, RI – The University of Rhode Island’s Fifth Annual Ocean State Summer Writing Conference is one of the more cerebral reasons to visit South County in the summer.
Held June 23-25, the conference hosts workshops in fiction, non-fiction and poetry and offers writers a chance to meet and network with other writers.
Keynote speakers this year are Robert Stone, a National Book Award winning author of seven novels. His story collection, Fun with Problems, was published last year.
Jennifer Egan, a novelist, journalist and short story writer. Recipient of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Award for A Visit from the Goon Squad.
Tomaz Salamun is considered Slovenia’s greatest living poet. The author of 37 books, his works have been translated into 19 languages. His latest book, Blue Tower, will be published in 2011.
There are a number of readings scheduled throughout the conference, each one offering something different. The three keynote speakers will talk about their road to success, giving personal insight into the life and work of writing. Each keynoter focuses on a different genre, but will suit a broad audience of writers and readers.
There are also readings by accomplished local writers, conference faculty members, and not-to-be-missed readings after the Friday night reception dinner. Conference Part I (Workshop) participants have the chance to read their own work to an audience of their peers on Saturday afternoon.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
•   Workshops in fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry
•   Master Classes
•   Craft Seminars
•   Sessions on "The Writing Life" and Publishing
•   One-on-one Consultation and Manuscript Evaluation
•   Networking Opportunities

The University of Rhode Island offers unique educational opportunities, introducing a wider range of visitors to our area, noted the South County Tourism Council.
“We hope the visiting writers venture outside the URI campus, to our beaches, historical sites, parks and see all the area has to offer, and perhaps be inspired by our natural beauty,” said Myrna George, SCTC president and CEO.
Registration deadline is June 16. Complete details and online registration is at www.uri.edu/summerwriting/2011/

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South County Tourism Council is a non-profit organization promoting Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich, and Westerly as a leisure travel destination.