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SIERRA VISTA — The ninth annual Cochise Community Creative Writing Celebration kicked off on Friday at the Ethel Berger Center as more than 70 aspiring writers attended a series of lectures and workshops given by esteemed authors from around the state.
“The presenters are wonderful, and there is such a commaraderie between the writers who have been in the business of publishing, and can share their knowledge,” said Leslie Clark, the co-chair for the event.
The day’s activities started with a keynote address titled “Poets Must Be Centaurs” by William Pitt Root, the first poet laureate of Tucson. Root explained that poets must have sensibility, take risks and speak from the soul. He also shared some of his favorite poems, some contemporary and some from other styles and eras.
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The afternoon session began with an hourlong panel discussion with all the guest-authors. It gave audience members an opportunity to interact and get their questions answered.
One eager writer asked the panel how childhood experiences affect future writing. In response, author Christina Nealson said, “Everything is materialized some day. It will be rich, and it will transform.”
The panel also discussed the complexities of publishing, and how authors can protect their work.
“It is sometimes difficult to decide at what point to start talking about what you are writing,” Nelson said. “But it’s more a decision about where to keep your energy for the piece — internal or external.”
Because of the high number of attendees — the highest since the conference started in 1999 — Clark said it was a great opportunity for local writers to interact and build connections. Clark herself met the guest-authors at workshops that she previously attended.
The honored guests are experts in several different areas, including poetry, creative nonfiction, children’s literature and screenwriting.
Writer Jennifer Ward, a former grade school teacher, gave an afternoon session on how to develop ideas in children’s literature. She discussed the basic processes of creating a picture book and how to improve writing techniques.
“Just know that you are writing an original story. Your voice is your voice. It’s unique,” she said.
Author Meg Files taught an afternoon workshop on how to achieve originality as a writer. As an active contest judge, she shared strategies on how to be creative, and get a work published.
Local author and teacher Diane Freund also gave an afternoon lecture about how to start a story, and the tools needed to move creatively through a work.
The Creative Writing Celebration includes a contest for local writers in the areas of poetry, short story and creative nonfiction. “I encourage all aspiring writers to participate,” Clark said. It’s not too late for people to join in the conference, which will continue through Saturday at Cochise College.
For Clark, networking with other writers is essential.
“Participants can get hands-on writing experience here. They read outloud, get critiqued and get feedback. The purpose is instruction. It’s really valuable,” she said.
FIONA DE YOUNG can be reached at 515-4682 or by e-mail at fiona.deyoung@svherald.com.
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