Chester College Hosts Seacoast Writers Spring Conference

Chester College of New England is pleased to host the annual Spring Writers Conference of the Seacoast Writers Association, Saturday, May 16, in Wadleigh Library.

The conference begins with registration and a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and the morning session will recognize the winners in the SWA 2009 Writers’ Contest. First place winners will read their winning entries. Former NH State Poetry Laureate Marie Harris will present the keynote address, "In Service to Language, A Writer's Trust."

Following a buffet lunch, the afternoon session offers a choice of one of four two-hour workshops.

Children’s book author and former librarian Michael Sullivan offers motivational techniques for story telling in “Writing for Kids Who Won’t Read.” He writes the Escapade Johnson series and the Bard series of books for school-age children.

Poet and teacher Kimberly Cloutier Green introduces participants to the four-word-line poem in “Contents Under Pressure.” She is author of the chapbook What Becomes of Words.

Mystery and non-fiction writer Vicki Stiefel shows techniques for writing a compelling narrative in “How Disastrous is Your Adventure?” Co-director with her husband, novelist William Tapply, of the Writers Studio at Chickadee Farm, she is author of four novels of suspense featuring homicide counselor Tally Whyte.

Award-winning film author and director Alfred Thomas Catalfo will show his latest short film, “Ear Whacks,” and take participants through the steps of writing and producing the short film. All conference participants are invited to view “The Norman Rockwell Code,” his award-winning spoof of “The DaVinci Code,” which was selected for the Library of Congress film collection.

Registrations postmarked by May 1 are $40 for first-time conference participants; $45 Early Registration (SWA member); and $60 Early Registration (nonmember). Registrations postmarked after May 1 are $55 for SWA members and $70 for non-members. Fees include a continental breakfast and the buffet lunch. Participants needing assistance may bring an aide for the cost of lunch, $18.

For further information and a registration form, go to www.seacoastwritersassociation.org or contact registrar, Michael Wade by email or by phone, 603-778-8182.