NetWest Writers Conference Course Descriptions

The NetWest Writers Conference, which will be held May 10, in Sylva, NC, is shaping up to be an exceptional day as seen by the course descriptions below. From memories to history to poetry to learning how to update your writing techniques, there will be something for everyone. 

Click here for complete information, including the fees and a registration form.

10:15 - 10:55: Keynote Address by Judy Goldman 

Using Details From Your Life In Fiction, Poetry, and Memoir

The choreographer, Judith Jamison, said, "If something is tugging at your life, you use it." Judy will show how she's used memories -- the things that really happened, the things that really mattered -- to create poetry, fiction, and memoir. She'll give tips for choosing the form that matches your sensibilities -- because, as writers, we must find what we do well and play it to the hilt.

11:10 - 12:00: Gary Carden and Newton Smith

History and Writing: the Cowee Tunnel Tragedy

Gary Carden, the winner of the 2013 Governor's Award for Literature, will begin the program by explaining how important local history is to writers and briefly talk about how it contributed to NC drama as well as fiction and poetry. He will give examples of how he used history in the process of developing some of his previous play and will recite lines from three of his historically based plays. He and Newton Smith, Chair of the Board of the Liars Bench, will then talk about the Cowee Tunnel tragedy and how history forgot the incident until the Liars Bench began its exploration. Gary is currently writing a play based on the incident and will describe where he is with its progress and recite sample lines."Tuckasegee Rising" is based on an historic disaster: the drowning of 19 chain-gang prisoners in the Tuckasegee River in 1882. Then Newton will read a couple of his poems also based on the incident and together they will talk about an anticipated anthology of writings inspired by the incident and other regional railroad stories.

1:00 - 1:45: Nancy Simpson and Kathryn Stripling Byer

Building A Readership For Your Poetry

The idea of building a readership for one’s poetry has not been discussed widely among poets. “Building a Readership” may be a task that does not come natural to poets, many of whom find it impossible to self promote their own poems. Two of our practicing Netwest poets known for their longevity, Kathryn Stripling Byer and Nancy Simpson, will get to the heart of the matter, sharing ideas that will help you get your poems out there and keep them out there in a number of different ways from the beginning of your poetry career to the end.

2:00 - 3:45: Workshops

Second Floor Conference Room: Judy Goldman 

What I Wish I'd Known Before I Wrote a Memoir 

In this workshop, geared to both beginning and experienced writers, Judy will explain how to find the focus for your memoir, how to use the techniques of fiction to make your memoir come alive, how to write a beginning that gives the reader goose bumps, how to use reflection, how to understand the difference between scene and exposition, and how to deal with loved ones who might have a problem with what you write. She will do one in-class exercise to help you find your most engaging material. 

First Floor Conference Room: Susan Snowden 

Brighten Your Writing

Whether you write fiction or creative nonfiction, this workshop will help you hone your skills. Author and veteran book editor Susan Snowden will discuss creating strong characters, writing believable dialogue, self-editing, and more. Come with pen, paper, and your questions for the Q&A period at the end of the session.