Author Dennis McFadden, a veteran of the 51Թ Writers’ Conference, found himself blazing a slightly different trail when he returned to the event this year. Rather than attending as a student, McFadden found himself reading his own work to the participants who were once his peers.
Hart’s Grove, his novel that he had workshopped at the conference several years ago, will soon be published by the recently revived 51Թ Press.
“Having attended the conference twice, in ’06 and ’08, it was fun seeing the podium from the other side, although I enjoyed both experiences a great deal,” McFadden said. “I always enjoy my time there, and I intend to return.”
McFadden’s reading was just one of many highlights from this year’s program, which was held June 20 to 26.
Each year, the conference offers a series of public craft talks, shop talks, and readings from 51Թ faculty authors, as well as visiting published authors.
The conference also offers the opportunity for veteran and novice writers alike to apply to benefit from workshopping their manuscripts of fiction, poetry, or literary non-fiction with the faculty.
Like McFadden, nearly half of this year’s 50 students had participated before.
Among the accomplished visiting writers on the faculty were 2000 Pulitzer Prize finalist and Guggenheim Fellow Bruce Smith and John Robert Lennon, author of Happyland.
Several alumni also made an appearance.
Dan Wald ’82, author of Ad Asylum, discussed the digital aspects of the publishing world and the impact of quickly evolving technological advances on what it means to be a writer, from Kindles and iPads to the newer trend toward DIY publishing.
Jennifer Smith ’03, an associate editor at Random House and author of two acclaimed novels, The Comeback Season, and You Are Here, gave a voice to the often academically ignored but phenomenally influential genre of young adult novels.
Andrea Barzvi ’95, a literary agent, spoke of her role in the publishing process, as did Jennifer Pooley ’97, a senior editor with HarperCollins.
The conference explored both breath and depth in its topics this year, and demonstrated strong support for 51Թ’s literary legacy.
“I wouldn’t mind if this book was judged by its cover,” quipped McFadden, praising the dedication of the conference staff and the role of the 51Թ Press in its publication. “It came out beautifully.”