Courses & Events
The Tenth Annual Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise is scheduled for January 18-25, 2014. The information below refers to last year’s conference, but indicates the type of programming and events we will have at the 2014 conference. Authors and workshops change from year to year. Throughout the summer we will update this website, adding the names of 2014 faculty and workshop offerings. We will not accept applications until the 2014 workshop offerings are finalized. Thank you for your understanding and your patience as we work hard to put together our best conference yet.
To see the exceptional level of programming we offer – here is the conference schedule of events from 2013.
2013 Course Offerings
The 2013 Eckerd College Writers' Conference offers workshop classes in Nonfiction; Novel; Poetry; Short Story; and Young Adult. Working closely with our award-winning faculty, students will have stimulating opportunities to ask questions and learn valuable skills from fellow students and authors at the top of their form.
Nonfiction
This workshop explores several modes of creative nonfiction, including essays, cultural criticism, humor, and memoir. The boundaries between fiction and nonfiction will be explored as well as the narrative techniques that best convey the truths of a particular moment. Discussion will touch upon the process of structuring life experiences into a book length work.
Faculty: Les Standiford
Novel I, II, III
These workshops focus on the process of novel writing. Students will submit synopses of their novels as well as 25 pages of fiction. Structure, voice, characterization, point-of-view, plot, and imagery will be discussed. Some attention will be paid to publishing.
Faculty: Tom Franklin (I), Ann Hood (II), Laura Lippman (III)
Poetry
This workshop focuses on various poetic modes and on crafting and revision; discussion will touch upon the process of creating a chapbook.
Faculty: Beth Ann Fennelly
Short Story I and II
These workshops will focus on the art of the short story, including complex characterization, apt language (diction, mood, tone, and imagery), appropriate and accurately rendered setting, structural integrity, thematic complexity, and point-of-view appropriate to the characters and the action.
Faculty: Andre Dubus III (I), Stewart O'Nan (II)
Young Adult Writing
This workshop will focus on the art of writing fiction for teens, middle grades, and younger readers. All genres are welcome, from gritty realism to magical realism to science fiction/fantasy. Attention will be paid to plotting, mapping entire novels, and discussing the fundamentals of fiction: character, plot, setting, mood, theme, and epiphany–with an eye toward language and the development of conflict.
Faculty: David Yoo
IMPORTANT: Courses are subject to change and to availability. Workshop admission will be based on the quality of the applicant's writing sample. Workshop numbers I, II, or III do not indicate levels of accomplishment. Workshops are listed alphabetically by instructor's last name.
Workshop Schedule
Sunday, January 20 – 1:30-4:30 pm
Monday, January 21 – 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Tuesday, January 22 – 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Wednesday, January 23 – No workshops
Thursday, January 24 – 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Friday, January 25 – 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Saturday, January 26 – 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Email Coordinator for Schedule of Events
Individual Manuscript Consultations
Individual manuscript consultations with noted author, Sterling Watson, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to students registered in our workshops. Consultations lasting one half hour to one hour will be scheduled with Mr. Watson by registration day, will not interfere with morning sessions or afternoon workshops, and will be held on campus. This is an excellent chance to have a second piece of your writing evaluated by an established author and gifted teacher.
Consultations, available only to students accepted into the conference, will cost $200. Availability will be limited. To be considered for this unique opportunity, please check the manuscript consultation box on the application. Manuscripts for individual consultation will be due no later than December 12, 2012 (25 pages maximum, plus a two-page synopsis). (Accepted participants applying for an Individual Manuscript Consultation will be awarded a consultation based on the order in which their applications were received.)
Events
When you are accepted into the Eckerd College Writers' Conference, you will receive an updated schedule of events and a listing of event locations. Participants are welcome to bring guests to the book sales, wine and cheese receptions, readings, author signings and evening receptions. All other events are for participants only.
Some times and locations are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please consult the events schedule in your registration packet for any last minute changes. Daily updates and reminders will be given during morning Q&A sessions.
2013 Evening Reading Series
Readings will begin at 8:00 pm and will be followed by author signings. Books will be available for purchase. All readings will take place in Miller Auditorium at Eckerd College and include a wine and cheese reception in the Miller Auditorium lobby before each reading, 7:30-8:00 pm. The Eckerd College Writers' Conference Evening Reading Series events are free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required. For further information, contact Christine Koryta at 727-864-7994. Events are subject to change.
2013 Eckerd College Writers' Conference Evening Reading Series:
Saturday, January 19
Ann Patchett with Q&A moderated by Dennis Lehane
Sunday, January 20
Tracy Crow, Les Standiford and Sterling Watson
Monday, January 21
Beth Ann Fennelly and Peter Meinke
Tuesday, January 22
Dennis Lehane
Wednesday, January 23*
Daniel Woodrell with Q&A moderated by Michael Koryta
Thursday, January 24
Stewart O'Nan and David Yoo
Friday, January 25
Tom Franklin and Ann Hood
Saturday, January 26
Andre Dubus III and Laura Lippman
*The Daniel Woodrell reading on Wednesday, January 23, followed by a Q&A with Michael Koryta will be a College Program Series Event.