This spring, the UND Writers Conference celebrates its 43rd anniversary.   In 1970, the late John Little, a professor in UND’s English Department, was missing some of his literary friends from the South.  He decided to invite them to share their words here in North Dakota, and thus a rich artistic tradition began.  Since that first conference, some of the most laudable names in literature have visited the UND campus, including Allen Ginsberg, Truman Capote,  Edward Albee,  Louise Erdrich, Thomas McGrath,  Sherman Alexie, Jon Hassler, Alice Walker as well as 2008 attendee, Sir Salman Rushdie.  A full listing is available at http://www.undwritersconference.org/wc-authorsA_Z.html.

More than 2000 lovers of literature from all over North Dakota, as well as beyond our borders descend on the campus to listen to panel discussions, readings, and ask their questions of nationally and internationally prominent authors. 

So . . . wouldn’t it be nice if everyone who attended had read the authors’ books?  Go on, admit it:  you went to the talks, loved the authors, bought their books – even had them signed – and then you just never got around to reading them.  They sit on your bookshelf taunting you, daring you to buy one more book before you read them first.

Writers Conference 101 is designed to assuage the guilt over unread books.  It’s also designed to get you acquainted with some of the authors whom you might not know.  Even the most voracious reader may not be familiar with the work of some of these award winning writers.  In fact, conference planners frequently receive praise for introducing readers to writing that challenges and inspires.  But, again, wouldn’t it be nice to be acquainted with the work before the author arrives?

Each session will begin with a brief overview of the author, followed by questions and discussion of the book title. Even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book selection yet, organizers encourage everyone to stop by for the discussion. 

Come discuss the writers who will be attending the 43rd Annual UND Writers Conference, March 27-March 31, 2012. All discussions are on Sundays, 2-3:30 pm. There’s no cost and no need to do homework. In fact, everyone who attends gets an “A+” whether they’re familiar with the author’s work or not.

SCHEDULE:
All Writers Conference 101 Sessions will be held at the UND Bookstore - Cafe and begin at 2 p.m.

• Jan 22: Discussion of Lee Ann Roripaugh's On the Cusp of a Dangerous Year with Heidi Czerwiec, Associate Professor of English/Co-Director UND Writers Conference.
• Jan 29: Discussion of Hal Herzog's Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat with Sherry O'Donnell, Professor of English.
• Feb 12: Discussion of Mark Doty's Dog Years with Sara Dupree, PhD student in English.
• Feb 19: Discussion of Jane Smiley's Horse Heaven with Sherry O'Donnell, Professor of English.
• Feb 26: Discussion of Pam Houston's Cowboys Are My Weakness with Crystal Alberts, Assistant Professor of English/Co-Director UND Writers Conference.
• Mar 4: Discussion of Brenda Miller's Listening Against the Stone with Meghan Brown, graduate of the English program.
• Mar 18: Discussion of Aaron Poochigian's Aratus' Phaenomena with Eric Ross, Assistant Professor of History -- Classics.

Books for the 2012 Writers Conference are currently on sale at the UND Bookstore.

Questions?

Contact:
Heidi Czerwiec
Co-director, UND Writers Conference
777-2768
heidi.czerwiec@email.und.edu

or

Crystal Alberts
Co-director, UND Writers Conference
777-2393
crystal.alberts@email.und.edu