51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Craft talks and literary readings open to public

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The annual 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Writers’ Conference returns to campus from June 17– 23, and that brings many opportunities to listen in and engage with professional writers as well as those who are learning the craft. 

The week includes public craft talks and readings, as well as the intensive workshops designed for the 40 participants who have come to focus on their genre of choice.

A number of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s own writing faculty will be on hand. Peter Balakian, Greg Ames, and Jennifer Brice will lead workshops in poetry, short fiction, and memoir respectively. Phillip Richards is on Thursday evening’s reading roster.

The impressive slate of visiting writers includes Bruce Smith, author of Devotions, a top five poetry choice from the National Book Award; Dana Spiotta, whose Stone Arabia was called one of the year’s 10 best books of fiction by the Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times; and Tessa Hadley, author of The London Train, which earned a spot on the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2011.

Also participating are: Justin Cronin, author of The Passage; Jennifer Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight; and Jennifer Vanderbes, whose most recent novel is Strangers at the Feast.

Craft talks will be held daily at 9 a.m. and evening readings begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. All events take place in the Meyerhoff Auditorium, Room 101 in the Ho Science Center.

Visit the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Writers’ Conference for writer bios, and .