The 29th Annual Kentucky Women Writers Conference: Celebrating the Words of Women

Sponsored by the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Women Writers Conference will be held on September 11 - 13, 2008 in locations throughout the UK campus and the city of Lexington.

"Come to a place where the skylines move like creek-beds, where people understand craft as a way of life. One weekend the best women artists from around the world venture to this place to exchange ideas, process, performance-calling us to newly imagine what it means to be a writer." This quote graces the home page to the website for the conference. It is a most beautiful statement of the purpose of the event.

This writers conference is the longest running of its kind in the state of Kentucky. 2008 will mark its 29th celebration. There are readings, workshops, master classes, panel discussions, and Q and A sessions. It is one of the finest literary events that Kentucky has to offer.

This year, UK is pleased to welcome Joyce Carol Oates as guest speaker. She will be hosting a poetry master class with Lisa Williams. She will also give a free reading of her work during the days of the conference.

In preparation for her visit at the conference, the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning- in conjunction with the Friends of the Kentucky Women Writers Conference- are hosting a series of book discussion groups entitled "5 Writers to Know for the 2008 Kentucky Women Writers Conference". These discussions will take place at the Carnegie Center (http://www.carnegieliteracy.org) and are free and open to the public. The following books will be discussed:

THURSDAY JUNE 19, 7:00-8:30 pm: discussing "The Gravedigger's Daughter" by Joyce Carol Oates. Discussion leader: Jan Isenhour, Carnegie Center Director.

THURSDAY JULY 10, 7:00-8:30 pm: discussing "Inventing Niagara" by Ginger Strand. Discussion leader: Julie Wrinn, Director of the Kentucky Women Writers Conference.

THURSDAY JULY 31, 7:00-8:30 pm: discussing "Native Guard" by Natasha Trethewey and selections from "Woman Reading to the Sea" by Lisa Williams. Discussion leader: Carrie Green.