This spring, the UND Writers Conference celebrates its 41st anniversary.   In 1970, the late John Little, a professor in UND’s English Department, was missing some of his literary friends from the South.  He decided to invite them to share their words here in North Dakota, and thus a rich artistic tradition began.  Since that first conference, some of the most laudable names in literature have visited the UND campus, including Allen Ginsberg, Truman Capote,  Edward Albee,  Louise Erdrich, Thomas McGrath,  Sherman Alexie, Jon Hassler, Alice Walker as well as 2008 attendee, Sir Salman Rushdie.  A full listing is available at http://writersconference.und.edu/wc-past.html.

More than 3000 lovers of literature from all over North Dakota, as well as beyond our borders descend on the campus to listen to panel discussions, readings, and ask their questions of nationally and internationally prominent authors. 

So . . . wouldn’t it be nice if everyone who attended had read the authors’ books?  Go on, admit it:  you went to the talks, loved the authors, bought their books – even had them signed – and then you just never got around to reading them.  They sit on your bookshelf taunting you, daring you to buy one more book before you read them first. 

Writers Conference 101 is designed to assuage the guilt over unread books.  It’s also designed to get you acquainted with some of the authors whom you might not know.  Even the most voracious reader may not be familiar with the work of some of these award winning writers.  In fact, conference planners frequently receive praise for introducing readers to writing that challenges and inspires.  But, again, wouldn’t it be nice to be acquainted with the work before the author arrives?

Conference planners think so, too.  Therefore, book discussions will be held in the months preceding the 41st UND Writers Conference.  Writers Conference 101 will be held on selected Sundays from 2:00-3:30 at the UND Bookstore, next to the Englestad Arena. 

Each session will begin with a brief overview of the author, followed by questions and discussion of the book title. Even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book selection yet, organizers encourage everyone to stop by for the discussion. 

Contact:
Kathy Coudle King
UND Writers Conference, Administrative Coordinator
777-2787 or 330-1627
kathleen_king@und.nodak.edu