Who Goes to a Writing Conference on a Saturday?
Since I have been an English/writing teacher my entire career, this is not a question I ask, but rather, I ask if there is a writing conference anywhere nearby on any day. And, since I did ask the question, I found one in the state of Minnesota, wonder of wonders!
When I went the first time, I did not know what to expect, of course, but soon was captivated by the excitement in the air and exuberance in people I met there. It was held in Sauk Centre, the birthplace of Sinclair Lewis. At the time I heard of this writing conference, I had not taught this author in my classes, so I was more than a little unprepared to discover all the scholarly work that had already been done and was ongoing. What a great tribute to a Minnesota author.
Another tribute is the fact that this particular conference is dedicated exclusively to Minnesota writers. I find this idea doubly attractive because, as an English teacher, I want my students to know there are published writers in Minnesota, both living and dead.
The Sinclair Lewis Writing Conference is held at the local high school and organized in such a way that every attendant gets to hear from each of the writers in attendance, besides hearing more about the home-grown writer. Over the years I have gleaned reams of writing tips and suggestions that I have used with my students and have also adapted for myself in my personal writing.
First, in the series of events on Saturday, a panel discussion about facets of Sinclair Lewis’ writing is conducted by the conference director and the writers-in-residence. I especially appreciate this discussion because I continue to learn more about Sinclair Lewis and can begin my acquaintance with the other writers I will be hearing later in the day.
At the conference on Saturday, October 4, I was delighted to see Leif Enger, the author of Peace Like a River—a book I loved when I read it years ago; Lillie Gardner, an author/writer/screen writer I was meeting for the first time; Brenda Hudson, another author I have not yet read; and Danny Klecko, a poet I have not heard about or read any of his work. Another advantage for any writer is hearing other writers speak about their craft.
After this initial event, we gathered for lunch together, a chance to become acquainted with one another. This happens naturally as people choose their food and their places in the cafeteria. Sometimes I have chosen to attend this conference with a friend and enjoy lunch together or with others. It is a very informal, friendly time.
Lunch is followed by a keynote address by one of the other writers. This year it was Danny Klecko, a bread baker and a poet. He delivered the keynote entitled “Arrowsmith vs. Gatsby.” It was a marvelous comparison between Lewis and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The last two sessions of the day were each an approximately one-hour workshop led by one of the other writers. I loved the workshop led by Brenda Hudson. She published the book Story by Story: 15 Projects to Write your Family Legacy. I liked the writing prompts she gave us. At first, she had us write as soon as we heard her three prompts. She spoke especially about the fact that many people like to write about their own lives and have some difficulty getting started. That was true for me, so she fit into my needs at this time. I loved her opening prompt, “I remember…” because it threw me right into my life. Her second prompt, “I cannot remember…” did the same thing. Wonderful!
The remaining writers gifted us with various tips as well. So, when we met for the last event at the local Palmer House, a mainstay of Sinclair Lewis’ hometown, to drink a toast to this great writer, I won a door prize! Of course, it was another book! Now I am ready to start reading and studying the latest poet in my repertoire, Danny Klecko!
What a great gift for me to continue my great interest and love in literature and writing. I keep praying to God that I can read and write as long as I live!
Mary Jane Berger, OSB
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash.
