November 10-11, 2006 at Fort Lewis College
Registered participants in the Southwest Writers Institute will be able to attend two different craft sessions on Saturday, November 11, as well as the panels on Saturday (see the complete Institute schedule). There will be coffee and pastries available Saturday morning, each Craft Session will last approximately two hours, and lunch will be provided in between the morning and afternoon sessions. The following craft sessions will be offered (rooms TBA).

"Words, Mountains, and Spirit" with Peter Anderson

In just about every major religious tradition, mountains have been, in one way or another, a symbol of the sacred. In the literature of the mountain – from the psalms, to John Muir, to Jack Kerouac – many references have been made to the transcendental qualities of the mountain experience. In the Rocky Mountain West, we are fortunate to have access to some of the most remarkable mountain terrain in the world. Beginning with readings from a variety of literary sources, we’ll talk about mountain experiences as described by others. Then in conversation and by way of several writing exercises, we’ll explore some of the possibilities for identifying and telling about those mountain experiences that have been significant in our own lives.

"Examining the Native American within Literature: Place and Style" with Esther G. Belin

This workshop will examine four emerging Navajo poets: Esther Belin, Sherwin Bitsui, Orlando White and Venaya Yazzie. The workshop will begin with a brief discussion about the canon of Native American literature’s beginning to the contribution contemporary poetry plays in it and current topics/styles. The second half will be a mini-poetry writing session.

"The Mind of Your Story" with Lisa Lenard-Cook

The best fiction – one that grabs the reader and doesn't let go – has a mind of its own. This class explores time, pacing, and tense and tension, showing how once a writer grasps the subtleties of these aspects of fiction writing, s/he can use them to create works that keep readers turning pages.

 

"Wild Things of 2006: Writing for Children Now and Tomorrow" with Uma Krishnaswami

This workshop will begin with an overview of the wide range of forms that make up classic and contemporary children's literature, then lead you through exercises and writing prompts to a deeper understanding of your own creative process. Separate the story from your restless mind seeking to frame it. Learn when to banish and when to invite a potential audience into the work. This workshop offers unique, practical ways of reflecting on your writing process while learning how to harness it to craft story for young readers.

"Writing Effective Characters into the Literature of Place" with Steven J. Meyers

For many who write in this genre, “place” itself often becomes a character in the unfolding descriptive narrative. But the attributes of place are embodied in the people who live and work in the regions we write about. The effective use of carefully chosen characters can hugely amplify the reader’s experience and understanding of place through literature. This workshop will discuss the use of character in the literature of place and offer some exercises to help the writer develop well-drawn characters that can act as emblems of place within this wonderful non-fiction genre.

"Where Heart Is the Horse and Head the Rider, Poets Must Be Centaurs: Ways Passion and Technique Sustain Each Other in the Written Word" with William Pitt Root

In classical Greek times, centaurs were the teachers of heroes. This signified the epic power inherent in a balance between human intellect and inhuman passion. Poetry, even "free" verse, is just such a balance. From in-class examples of several prosodic techniques (such as imagery, rhythm, word music, allusion, juxtaposition) we'll generate quick exercises to learn how artifice forms and fortifies molten inspiritation. It's exciting, it's interesting, and it's a ticket to ride.

"Don't Keep it in the Holster: Wielding a Writer's Journal" with Ken Wright

In this hands-on “wordshop,” we will explore and play with the most fun and powerful tool of the trade: the omnipresent notebook. Participants will examine their own note-taking processes, and then strategize on ways to improve – and to more enjoy – this vital practice based on their own needs, goals, and circumstances. We will also experiment with a variety of techniques and devices to make the most of our note-taking time. Don’t forget to come armed.


Please visit the writers page for more information about the writers leading the craft sessions.