Joy Harjo Wins USA Fellows Grant

Poet and musician Joy Harjo has been both a keynote speaker and a special musical guest for the Taos Summer Writers' Conference. We are pleased to say that recently she won a grant from the United States Artists (USA). Congratulations Joy!

http://www.unitedstatesartists.org

An Interview with Sharon Oard Warner

Sharon Oard Warner, the Founding Director of the Conference has an interview up on the web. You'll find it linked on this page: http://www.culturalenergy.org/somos.htm .

Participant Feedback about the 2008 Conference

“Loved and was inspired by Joy Harjo and the Arrow Dynamics band.”

“The sessions with Jeff were spectacular. He was patient and encouraging. I hadn’t done yoga before.”

“This Conference is so well organized and offers such opportunities for building a writing community while you are here.”

“The Tao Summer Conference was a wonderful experience... My workshop group became very close over the two days. Even now we are sharing thoughts and memories from our experiences in Taos. I enjoyed all the social events and the hotel was beautiful and comfortable. I am already planning on returning next year... Again, my thanks for a magical experience in Taos!" Amy Block Joy

“The writers in my seminar were witty, funny, warm, kind, and intensely eager to learn. We were hot! The vibrant community of writers there, including both faculty and students, was a beautiful thing.” Priscilla Long

“I just wanted to tell you how much a blessing you and your wonderfully inspiring conference has been in my life. Not only did I benefit from having an insightful and funny teacher (Lisa Tucker) but the whole experience has made me a more confident and better writer.” Colette Gehr

“This was the first writing conference for me, and you’ve set the bar high.” Janet Elder

“I had an absolutely wonderful time with Dana and my workshop group, at the readings and meals. The program was beautifully organized and had a terrific “vibe.”... Thank you for this incredible experience in beautiful, beautiful Taos.” Nancy Pagh

An Interview with Dana Levin

Conference faculty member Dana Levin has an interview published with the Kenyon Review. Check it out here: http://www.kenyonreview.org/kro/levin_interview.php

2009 Conference Faculty

Here at the Conference office things are hopping as we get ready for registration to open on December 1st. Our list of faculty for the 2009 Conference has been finalized. We are excited by this year's lineup; what a great group!


Weeklong Workshops
Robert Boswell – Fiction
Jeff Davis – Yoga and Writing (All Levels)
Minrose Gwin – Memoir (Intermediate)
Pam Houston – Fiction (Advanced)
Jesse Lee Kercheval – Multi-Genre
Dana Levin – Poetry
Priscilla Long – Prose Style
Barbara Robinette Moss – Memoir (Beginning)
Daniel Mueller - Short Fiction (Beginning)
Antonya Nelson – Fiction
Elizabeth Strout – Fiction
Mark Sundeen – Creative Nonfiction

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Weeklong Master Classes
Jonis Agee – Novel
John Dufresne – Novel
Valerie Martinez – Poetry
Rob Wilder – Memoir

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Weekend Workshops
Ana Baca – Fiction
Rus Bradburd – Memoir
Charlene Geiss – Creative Journaling
Elizabeth Hadis – Publishing
Carol Moldaw – Poetry
Sean Murphy – Fiction
Connie Voisine – Poetry