Mountain Writers Series

Columbia River Gorge Writers Conference

June 15 - 19, 2011

In 2009, Mountain Writers Series held its first Columbia River Gorge Writers Conference in June on the Indian Creek campus of Columbia Gorge Community College in Hood River, Oregon. The three-day conference featured readings and workshops by all of the participating writers and drew several hundred participants from around the region. Mountain Writers Series will offer this conference every two years – on the odd-numbered years – and will extend the length of its next conference to five days of readings, workshops and special sessions, including one on editing and publishing.

Among the writers who will visit the campus in Hood River again in June of 2011 are Annick Smith and William Kittredge, teaching nonfiction, fiction, memoir and screenwriting workshops; Northwest notables Barbara Drake and Vern Rutsala, teaching poetry; poet and editor Gerald Costanzo; and a half dozen other fine writers to be announced. See below for the biographical statements about last year’s featured writers and those who have committed to participating in 2011.

Plan now for the summer 2011 conference to work with nationally recognized poets, fiction writers, non-fiction writers, screenwriters and editors in this breathtaking setting in the Columbia Gorge. While here, take time to snow ski or snow board (yes, even in the spring and summer) on nearby Mt. Hood or windsurf on the Columbia. Recreational activities abound including world-class trout fishing on the Deschutes River or wine tasting at one of the region's many award-winning wineries. The natural beauty of the Gorge is sure to inspire you and your writing, so plan on extending your stay and your writing.

Watch our website for your enrollment invitation to join Mountain Writers Series for five days of intense writing in Hood River, Oregon. Experience readings and workshops with award-winning poets and prose writers; nature walks that culminate with medicinal tinctures, moving from field journals to polished narrative; and special sessions on editing and publishing taught by the director of one of the nation’s finest university presses.

Poetry: Vern Rutsala, Tom Crawford
Fiction: William Kittredge, Monica Drake
Creative Nonfiction & Nature Writing: Ceiridwen Terrill
Editing & Publishing: Gerald Costanzo
Memoir & Screenwriting: Annick Smith