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2025 Summer Words
Writers Conference
June 22-27 in Snowmass Village, CO
Join us June 22-27, 2025 in Snowmass Village for inspiring workshops, readings and craft talks at the Viewline Resort Snowmass.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top literary gatherings, Summer Words is a six-day celebration of words, stories and ideas held annually in an idyllic Rocky Mountain setting.
Summer Words 2025 will return to Snowmass Village, Colorado, a vibrant community just 9 miles from Aspen, with incredible mountain vistas in addition to 2.8 million adjacent acres of wilderness open for activities and exploration. Snowmass is home to 30+ restaurants, shopping, unique special events and music.
Full faculty lineup and workshop descriptions will be announced in early 2025!
2025 Applications
Applications open in Jan. 2025
Applications for Summer Words 2025 juried workshops in fiction, memoir and sci-fi/fantasy will open in early 2025.
Details for non-juried workshops including Generative Writing, Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding and the 2025 Readers Retreat will also be announced in early 2025
Tuition
2025 tuition rates to be announced.
(For reference) 2024 rates were:
- 2024 5-Day Juried Workshops: $1,825
- 2024 5-Day Generative Writing: $1,825
- 2024 4-Day Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding: $1095
- 2024 3-Day Readers Retreat: $585
Tuition Includes:
- Faculty instruction and materials
- Access to all public panels throughout the week
- Breakfast and lunch at the Viewline Resort (Monday through Friday)
- Opening and closing receptions
- Discounted lodging rates at our conference site, the Viewline Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado.
- Two professional consultations with an agent and/or editor for most juried and author branding workshop participants (*generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will have two alternative activities instead of one-on-one consultations)
- Social activities such as guided hikes, open mics and informal gatherings.
Scholarships
General Scholarships: Aspen Words offers a limited number of partial and full tuition scholarships based on merit and financial need. General scholarships cover tuition only. Recipients are responsible for travel, lodging and meals (excluding breakfast and lunch). Please complete the financial aid section of the application to apply for a scholarship. Acceptance into a workshop does not necessarily mean an automatic scholarship.
Scholarships for Roaring Fork Valley Writers (Aspen to Parachute)
Thanks to the generosity of Arny and Anne Porath, these two merit-based scholarships cover tuition and lodging. Please indicate on your application that you would like to apply for this opportunity.
Emerging Writer Fellowships
Aspen Words provides Summer Words fellowships to emerging writers who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise. Candidates are nominated by writers, agents, editors and others associated with publishing. Fellows receive a full scholarship to the Summer Words conference, including tuition, airfare, shared lodging and some meals. If you are interested in being nominated, please have a colleague, teacher or mentor who is familiar with your work request the nomination form. Please email Ivy Chalmers (ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org) with questions.
In our commitment to support new literary voices, Aspen Words provides Summer Words fellowships to emerging writers who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise. Candidates are nominated by writers, agents, editors and others associated with publishing. We receive over 150 nominations annually. Fellows receive a full scholarship to the Summer Words conference, including tuition, airfare, shared lodging and some meals.
We do not accept self-nominations for the Emerging Writer Fellowship (EWF). If you are interested in being nominated, please have a colleague, teacher or mentor who is familiar with your work request the nomination form. Fellowship nominees will be notified of their acceptance prior to the deadline for the general application process (so that they will still have the opportunity to apply in the general round if not accepted for one of the fellowships).
The EWF program is designed to give exceptional writers at the early stages of their careers a boost in the literary community and the publishing world. Writers with books under contract, or who have already had a book-length work published prior to Summer Words by a major publisher or an independent press that publishes more than 10 books per year are not eligible for this scholarship. Applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement.
Applications for EWF opened Dec. 11, 2024 and closed Jan. 13, 2025. Please email Ivy Chalmers (ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org) with questions.
2025 fellowships are being offered for the following workshops
- Fiction with Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS)
- Fiction with Vanessa Chan (THE STORM WE MADE)
- Memoir with Héctor Tobar (OUR MIGRANT SOULS)
- Sci-fi/Fantasy with faculty to be announced
Applications for juried workshops are CLOSED for Summer Words 2024 and will open again in Early 2025.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by late April 2024.
Spots are still OPEN for non-juried workshops: Generative Writing, Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding and the Readers Retreat. Spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
JURIED WORKSHOPS
Fiction: Angie Kim
Fiction: Jim Shepard
Poetry: Mahogany L. Browne
Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Karen Lord
Memoir: Martha McPhee
Memoir: Peter Orner
Screenwriting: Kelly Fremon Craig
NON -JURIED WORKSHOPS
Generative Writing: Karen Shepard
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding: Lisa Sharkey
Readers Retreat: Will Schwalbe
All workshops will be held at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass (100 Elbert Lane Snowmass Village, CO).
*If you are interested in financial aid for the Generative Writing workshop, please contact ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org.
FICTION | Angie Kim
Angie Kim moved as a preteen from Seoul, South Korea, to the suburbs of Baltimore. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, she studied philosophy at Stanford University and attended Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Her debut novel, “Miracle Creek,” won the Edgar Award and the ITW Thriller Award, and was named one of the 100 best mysteries and thrillers of all time by Time, and one of the best books of the year by Time, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews and the Today show. “Happiness Falls,” her second novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and a book club pick for “Good Morning America,” Barnes & Noble, Belletrist and Book of the Month Club. She lives in northern Virginia with her family.
Workshop Description
This workshop focuses on structuring a novel or short story around a propulsive character arc, plot, or story concept that is truly satisfying for the reader. Each participant will workshop either a full story or an excerpt from a longer work, along with a one-line story premise. (Don’t worry; you’ll get guidance on how to come up with the premise.) We will read one another’s work deeply and generously to figure out what is working best in a particular piece, what makes it special, so that the writer can approach revision knowing what to intensify and magnify (rather than simply what’s not working). Although we will be emphasizing story structure, we will consider all elements of fiction—voice, point of view, language—in our workshop discussions. Finally, we will definitely save some time to discuss publishing strategies and tips for submitting to journals, querying agents, and beyond. The goal is to leave energized and motivated, with a story premise you can use to pitch your work and a firm plan to guide your writing/revision.
FICTION | Jim Shepard
Jim Shepard has written eight novels, including most recently “Phase Six” and “The Book of Aron,” which won the Sophie Brody Medal for Jewish Literature, the PEN/New England Award for Fiction, and the Clark Fiction Prize, and five story collections, including “Like You’d Understand, Anyway,” a finalist for the National Book Award and Story Prize winner. Seven of his stories have been chosen for the Best American Short Stories, two for the PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories, and two for Pushcart Prizes. He’s also won a Guggenheim Foundation Award, the Library of Congress/ Massachusetts Book Award for Fiction and the ALEX Award from the American Library Association. He teaches at Williams College.
Workshop Description
A workshop in close reading, and all that that entails. In order to improve as writers we have to improve as readers, so we’ll be working to hone our practice of the best sort of reading: figuring out how to make ourselves even more that ideal reader who is, in Louise Gluck’s formulation, consistently rigorous, fastidious and optimistic. A good workshop is at heart a dialogue about possibility, and we’ll be considering how many ways meaning can take shape on a page, to help us decide what our own path toward the fiction we want to write should look like. We’ll be breaking down as clearly and as comprehensively as possible what our fiction seems to want to be doing, and how it’s doing it. and how it’s doing it. For that reason, besides one or two exercises, the focus will be entirely on students’ work.
SCI-FI/FANTASY | Karen Lord
Barbadian author and editor Karen Lord has been a physics teacher, a diplomat, a part-time soldier and an academic at various times and in various countries. Her debut novel, “Redemption in Indigo,” won the 2008 Frank Collymore Literary Award, the 2010 Carl Brandon Parallax Award, the 2011 William L. Crawford Award, the 2011 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature and the 2012 Kitschies Golden Tentacle (Best Debut) and was longlisted for the 2011 Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. Is sequel, the crime-fantasy novel “Unraveling,” was published in 2019. Her second novel, “The Best of All Possible Worlds,” won the 2009 Frank Collymore Literary Award, and the 2013 RT Book Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. It’s sequel, “The Galaxy Game,” was published in 2015. She is the editor of the 2016 anthology “New World, Old Ways: Speculative Tales from the Caribbean.” Her latest book, “The Blue, Beautiful World,” was published in 2023.
She has been an instructor for Clarion West Writers Workshop (Seattle, 2018 and 2020) and the Clarion Workshop (San Diego, 2019); a co-facilitator or instructor for reading and writing workshops at the Bocas Lit Fest, the Bim Lit Fest and the Edinburgh International Book Festival; and a co-facilitator for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (2018) and mentor for the Commonwealth Writers Mentorship Programme (2019, 2020).
Workshop Description
The 2024 Aspen Words science fiction and fantasy workshop is for writers from all backgrounds (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and more) and with wide-ranging interests who wish to use invented worlds as a medium to illuminate and interrogate the real world. The week will be focused on critiques of participants’ work, either a complete short story or novel excerpt (excerpts may be accompanied by a single-page synopsis or story outline). We’ll begin each session with a brief discussion of craft and concepts in writing, with examples from published works. Topics will include worldbuilding and language; mindmapping for structuring plot; time, space, movement and the five senses; and perception, knowledge and belief. General information about the publishing industry, and specific advice about your writing goals, will be provided during class and in individual sessions. The goal is to leave Aspen with a path forward for your writing career, and a renewed appreciation of the power of literature to transform the way you, and your potential readers, see the world we live in.
POETRY | Mahogany L. Browne
Mahogany L. Browne, selected as Kennedy Center’s Next 50 and Weseleyan’s 2022-23 Distinguished Writer-in-Residence, the Executive Director of JustMedia, Artistic Director of Urban Word, a writer, playwright, organizer, & educator. Browne has received fellowships from Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research & Rauschenberg. She is the author of recent works: “Vinyl Moon,” “Chlorine Sky, “Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice,” “Woke Baby” & “Black Girl Magic.” Founder of the diverse lit initiative Woke Baby Book Fair, Browne’s latest poetry collection, “Chrome Valley,” is a promissory note to survival. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, and is the first ever poet-in-residence at Lincoln Center.
Workshop Description
Do Not Make Grief Your God
A generative writing workshop focused on grief-letting as a practice of literary meditation. Through a series of lecture-styled talks and writing prompts, this workshop invites you to recall the many phases of grief through a collection of poems.
MEMOIR | Martha McPhee
Martha McPhee is the author of the novels “An Elegant Woman,” “Dear Money,” “L’America,” “Gorgeous Lies” and “Bright Angel Time.” She is also the author of “Omega Farm,” a memoir. Her work has been honored with fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. In 2002 she was nominated for a National Book Award. Her novels have been Best Books of The Year on The New York Times, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune lists. Her essays and reviews have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Newark Star Ledger, Vogue, More, Harper’s Bazaar, Self, Traveler, Travel & Leisure, among many others. McPhee is a tenured member of the English Department at Hofstra University, where she teaches fiction. She lives in New York City with her children and husband, the poet and writer Mark Svenvold.
Workshop Description
Life Writing: A Memoir Workshop
Everybody has a story to tell, but how do we elevate that from the personal to the literary? Memoir lives between fiction and autobiography; in this classic creative writing workshop, students learn strategies to mine their life experiences while utilizing the novelist’s toolbox to turn their experiences into stories. We will also be exploring how memory works, how its depths are infinite if we train our attention toward recall–a surface strand of memory unspooling those hidden beneath the sediment of time. Using our stories, the stories we need to tell, we will focus on developing our narrative voices and writing techniques with the goal of exploring the material we are full of. The acclaimed American fiction writer John Updike wrote, “You are full of your material—your family, your friends, your region of the country, your generation—when it is fresh and seems urgently worth communicating to readers. No amount of learned skills can substitute for the feeling of having a lot to say, of bringing news. Memories, impressions, and emotions from your first 20 years on earth are most writers’ main material; little that comes afterward is quite so rich and resonant. By the age of 40, you have probably mined the purest veins of this precious lode; after that, continued creativity is a matter of sifting the leavings.”
Students will be encouraged to open themselves to critical analysis by their peers in order to learn what works and does not in their memoirs. Alongside close reading, we will understand editing and rewriting as integral parts of the creative process. Above all we will be exploring what makes for good memoir. The primary text for the class will be the students’ work, but we will also have time for in-class exercises and outside readings to inspire our imaginations and deepen our exploration of technique.
MEMOIR | Peter Orner
Chicago-born Peter Orner is the author of seven books, the memoirs/ essay collections, “Still No Word from You,” a finalist for the PEN Award for the Art of the Essay and “Am I Alone Here?”, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the story collection, “Maggie Brown and Others,” a New York Times Notable Book, and the novel, “Love and Shame and Love,” winner of a California Book Award. Other books include, “Last Car Over the Sagamore Bridge,” “The Second Coming of Mavala Shikongo” (finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award), and “Esther Stories,” (a finalist for the Pen/Hemingway Award). Peter is also the editor of three books of oral history for the McSweeney’s/ Voice of Witness series. His work has been awarded four Pushcart Prizes as well as the Rome Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Currently, Peter is chair of the English and Creative Writing Department at Dartmouth College and lives in Norwich, Vermont.
Workshop Description
As someone who often moves back and forth between fiction and memoir, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how the two often overlap. Is all my fiction made up? Is all my memoir absolutely true? Good prose is good prose, no matter what we call it, and yet what I find most exciting about memoir is that there’s a constraint on my imagination and this constraint forces, at times, a kind of reckoning. I can’t retreat into making stuff up. I’ve got to try and hold steady and make some stab at some truth. As a reader, I’m especially interested in memoir that is outward rather than inward looking. For instance, one of my favorite books is called “Danube” by the Italian writer, Claudio Magris. It’s essentially a tour of the Danube River through central Europe. Now I confess, I’ve got no special interest in this particular river, and yet “Danube” has become, for me, a kind of essential text. It’s not billed as a memoir and yet by the end of it I know Magris better than I know some members of my own family, not because he’s told me so much about himself, but because his curiosity about place, history, and people, gives me deep insight into a remarkably singular brain. In this memoir workshop, we’ll be reading and discussing our own works in progress with an eye toward finding that truthful reckoning — whatever it takes to get there. We’ll also be reading short excerpts by Magris, Zadie Smith, Joseph Mitchell, Janet Malcolm, Vievee Francis, Fernanda Melchor, Taylor Johnson and Virginia Woolf (her journals).
SCREENWRITING | Kelly Fremon Craig
Kelly Fremon Craig is a film director, screenwriter and producer, known for writing and directing the 2023 film adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” named as one of Time Magazine’s Ten Best Movies of 2023, and garnering multiple awards and nominations for its cast. In 2016, she made her directorial debut with the film “The Edge of Seventeen,” which received widespread critical praise and numerous accolades, including a Directors Guild of America Nomination for Outstanding Achievement of a First Time Filmmaker, the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best First Film, three Critics’ Choice Award nominations, and a Golden Globe® nomination for the film’s lead actress. Kelly grew up in Orange County, California, and graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in English Literature. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and young son.
Workshop Description – New for 2024
In this screenwriting class, we will explore the art and craft of cinematic storytelling: creating compelling characters and emotional arcs, understanding the 3-act structure, constructing dynamic scenes, and breaking down the elements of a great film. In a warm and supportive environment, we will read and workshop each other’s screenplays, offer productive feedback, discuss and develop story ideas, and help each participant hone their unique writing voice and advance their creative work. There will be assigned reading, in-class exercises, and after-class assignments. Consider this an intensive but fun screenwriting bootcamp to jumpstart your creativity, increase your confidence on the page, and help you find a clear sense of direction on your project.
NON-JURIED WORKSHOPS
GENERATIVE WRITING | Karen Shepard
Karen Shepard is a Chinese-American born and raised in New York City. She is the author of four novels, “An Empire of Women,” “The Bad Boy’s Wife,”
Don’t I Know You?”, and “The Celestials,” which was short-listed for the Massachusetts Book Award and the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Her most recent book is a collection of short stories, “Kiss Me Someone,” which was shortlisted for the Story Prize. Her short fiction has been published in The Atlantic Monthly, Tin House, One Story, and Ploughshares, among others. Her nonfiction has appeared in O Magazine, Buzzfeed, More, Self, USA Today, and The Boston Globe, among others. She has received the William Goyen-Doris Roberts Fellowship for Fiction, was a National Magazine Award Finalist, and was a recipient of a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant. She teaches writing and literature at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.
Workshop Description
A stranger is sitting on a stool at a bar, minding her own business. You approach and say, “Can I tell you a story?” The stranger gives you a look and says, warily, “Okay.” How do you keep that stranger on the barstool? In this generative workshop, we’ll spend five mornings discussing short published work as examples of how others have solved some of the challenges we’re all facing, and then we’ll practice some of the skills necessary to meet those challenges through in-class writing prompts followed by discussion. Writers will leave with new work and new strategies to pursue as well as a better understanding of how to identify and articulate what we’re doing on the page. Some brief (and wonderful) advance reading required.
INSIDE THE WORLD OF BOOK PUBLISHING & AUTHOR BRANDING | Lisa Sharkey
Lisa Sharkey, SVP and Director of Creative Development at Harper Collins Publishers, was recently described by one of her authors, number one bestseller Congressman Jamie Raskin as a “clairvoyant publishing wizard,” Following more than two decades producing, writing and developing Emmy award-winning network and syndicated television news, Lisa made the switch into books because of her love for literature, storytelling, and going deep.
Sharkey is a champion of powerful, poignant, and persuasive storytelling. More than 75 of the books she has published have become New York Times bestsellers, selling millions of copies in multiple languages across the globe over the past 15 years. Her authors have accomplished extraordinary things and changed the world by telling their stories. Sharkey publishes books in the categories of politics, journalism, true crime, music, sports, medicine, self-help, cooking, mindfulness, science, religion, military life, and inspirational memoir. Sharkey is a mother of three, a yoga teacher, and a mentor of military veterans who are transitioning into civilian life.
She lives in one of New York’s first ever eco houses that she designed along with her architect husband who co-authored their book “Dreaming Green.”
Workshop Description – New for 2024
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding
Explore the intricacies of book publishing from concept to publication and discover how to develop your unique author brand. In this engaging 3-hour daily workshop, Monday through Thursday, you’ll gain insights into the publishing process and receive personalized guidance to enhance your author identity. With homework assignments tailored to each participant, you’ll learn to navigate the dynamic publishing landscape.
READERS RETREAT | Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe is the author of “The End of Your Life Book Club,” which was a #1 Indie Next pick, an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year, and spent nine weeks on the New York Timesbestseller list. He has worked in digital media; in book publishing; and as a journalist, writing for various publications, including the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. He is also the author of “Send” (co-written with David Shipley) and “Books for Living.” His most recent book, “We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship,” was published in February 2023. Will lives in New York City.
Note: The Readers Retreat meets Monday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The welcome dinner on Sunday evening as well as breakfasts and lunches are included in your tuition.
Workshop Description
Will Schwalbe, author of the New York Times bestseller The End of Your Life Book Club, will lead discussions about the unique power of books to shape our lives in an era of constant connectivity, with special attention on the role that reading can play to help us make sense of the world, become better people, and find answers to the big (and small) questions we all face about how best to life our lives. Many of the selections are from writers whose work he explored in his book Books for Living and range from poetry to fiction to memoir and even cookbooks, each relating to questions and concerns we all share. Over the course of three days we’ll be discussing George Orwell, Edna Lewis, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Lin Yutang, Robert Benchley, Marie Howe, and a variety of other authors, while we celebrate reading for its own delights and as a way to help us live each day more fully.
Archives
If selected to attend Summer Words, you will submit up to two manuscripts during registration—one for workshop and one for consultations. The manuscripts may be taken from the same piece of writing, or from different pieces.
Workshop Manuscript (15 pages max)*
This is the manuscript that will be shared with your instructor and fellow workshop participants for review and critique at Summer Words. This does not have to be the same manuscript that you submitted with your application, but it can be, if you choose. We recommend submitting a sample that you feel can benefit most from the thoughts and feedback of the group, rather than a piece you feel is your strongest work. The manuscript you submit for workshop can also be different from your consultation manuscript. We will distribute workshop manuscripts to each class via email in late May. At that time, you may also receive course requirements, which include specific additional instructions from your faculty leader regarding workshop schedule and extracurricular reading, etc.
*Screenwriting workshop participants can submit up to 35 pages + a one page synopsis
*Generative writing and poetry participants do not need to submit a manuscript for this generative workshop.
Please send questions to ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org
Consultation Manuscript (10 pages max)
This is the manuscript you’ll share with the agent/editor of your choice. Your scheduled appointments will be sent to you in early June.
*Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will be offered two alternative programs in lieu of consultations.
Consultation Manuscript (10 pages max)
This is the manuscript you’ll share with the agent/editor of your choice. Your scheduled appointments will be sent to you in early June.
*Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will be offered two alternative programs in lieu of consultations.
Formatting Guidelines
Carefully read the following instructions:
- Both workshop and consultation manuscripts should be formatted as Word Documents (.doc or .docx), double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font. 1 -in (normal) margins.
- If it is an excerpt from a longer work, include a synopsis on the first page (synopsis may be single-spaced but should be included in the total page count).
- Put your name on the first page and number the pages.
- We will circulate your manuscripts to all relevant parties several weeks in advance of Summer Words to ensure everyone has sufficient time to carefully read your work.
WELCOME 2024 SUMMER WORDS PARTICIPANTS!
This portal contains important information that will help you plan your trip to Snowmass Village for Summer Words. Navigate through the various links on this page for details about travel, lodging and more. Please read this information carefully before completing your tuition payment form and submitting your manuscripts. Additional details will be communicated regarding the schedule and afternoon events as we get closer to June.
We look forward to welcoming you to Summer Words and to our beautiful town in the Rockies!
Tuition Payment
Please read these instructions carefully and ensure that you have prepared all requested materials before completing the form included in your acceptance email.
TUITION PAYMENT DEADLINE:
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
- 2024 5-Day Juried Workshops: $1,825
- 2024 5-Day Fundamentals of Creative Writing: $1,825
- 2024 4-Day World of Book Publishing/Author Branding: $1095
- 2024 3-Day Readers Retreat: $585
Tuition Includes:
- Faculty instruction and materials
- Access to all public panels throughout the week
- Breakfast and Lunch at the Viewline Resort (Monday through Friday)
- Opening and closing receptions
- Discounted lodging rates at our conference site, the Viewline Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado.
- Two professional consultations with an agent and/or editor for most juried and book branding workshop participants (*fundamentals of creative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will have two alternative activities instead of one-on-one consultations)
- Social activities such as guided hikes, open mics and informal gatherings.
If you need assistance with the online form, contact Ivy Chalmers: ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org or 970.925.3122 ext. 5.
Manuscripts
If selected to attend Summer Words, you will submit up to two manuscripts during registration—one for workshop and one for consultations. The manuscripts may be taken from the same piece of writing, or from different pieces.
Workshop Manuscript (15 pages max)*
This is the manuscript that will be shared with your instructor and fellow workshop participants for review and critique at Summer Words. This does not have to be the same manuscript that you submitted with your application, but it can be, if you choose. We recommend submitting a sample that you feel can benefit most from the thoughts and feedback of the group, rather than a piece you feel is your strongest work. The manuscript you submit for workshop can also be different from your consultation manuscript. We will distribute workshop manuscripts to each class via email in late May. At that time, you may also receive course requirements, which include specific additional instructions from your faculty leader regarding workshop schedule and extracurricular reading, etc.
*Screenwriting workshop participants can submit up to 35 pages + a one page synopsis
*Generative writing and poetry participants do not need to submit a manuscript for this generative workshop.
Please send questions to ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org
Consultation Manuscript (10 pages max)
This is the manuscript you’ll share with the agent/editor of your choice. Your scheduled appointments will be sent to you in early June.
*Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will be offered two alternative programs in lieu of consultations.
Consultations
Professional consultations provide you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with literary agents and editors, hear about the industry, ask for advice, and get feedback on your manuscript. The meetings are meant to enhance your conference experience by exposing you to the business side of publishing. Please know that while occasionally students are selected by agents at Summer Words, it is better to think of these meetings as introductions and a first step in the longer process of finding literary representation.
Juried workshop participants in fiction, memoir, science fiction/fantasy as well as book branding participants are guaranteed two private 15-minute meetings with a literary agent or editor. Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting participants will have two exclusive breakouts activities in lieu of consultations.
The consultation fee is included in the price of tuition. Consultations are assigned through a lottery process prior to Summer Words.
LODGING and TRAVEL
LODGING
- All workshops, panel discussions, faculty readings, craft talks and lunches will take place at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado.
- A room block has been reserved for Aspen Summer Words participants with a discounted rate of $209 plus resort fees and taxes.
- If you are in need of accessibility, please reach out directly to the Viewline Resort to further discuss accommodations. ADA guestrooms available upon request.
- The Viewline Resort Event Center is fully ADA compliant. To enter the event center, please use the main entrance on the right side. To access the 2nd and 3rd floors, there is an elevator down the hall and around the corner.
- Students accepted to Summer Words will be emailed a link to reserve a room in the Aspen Words block at the Viewline Hotel.
Travel
- Snowmass can be reached by air via the Aspen/Snowmass airport (officially known as the Pitkin County Airport), located 7 miles from the Viewline Resort. Guests at the Viewline can utilize the hotel’s free airport shuttle service. Other airport options include Eagle County Airport (2-hour drive), Grand Junction Regional Airport (2.5-hour drive) or Denver International Airport (4-hour drive). Please check ticket prices when you apply for Summer Words, to confirm estimated travel costs to the conference. Please also note that though the weather in Aspen/Snowmass is typically lovely in June, there can be unexpected travel delays when flying to/from the Pitkin County Airport.
Parking
- Parking is available for free in the numbered lots in Snowmass Village. Lot numbers 7-10 are the closest to the Viewline Resort
Ground Transportation
- The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) provides extensive free bus service from Snowmass to Aspen. Snowmass also has a free local shuttle service (Snowmass Village Shuttles) to all major activity areas in Snowmass Village. Shuttles depart every 10 minutes from the shuttle terminal located just below the Snowmass Mall on Daly Lane.www.gosnowmass.com/today
- Uber and Lyft services are limited in Snowmass and the surrounding area. High Mountain Taxi number
Restaurants & Activities
Dining
A light breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, are included with your tuition. The Viewline Resort’s executive chef prepares delicious, healthy, buffet-style meals with a variety of options. Also included in your tuition is a welcome BBQ at the Viewline Resort on June 23 and a closing reception with drinks and heavy apps.
For other meals, Stark’s Alpine Grill and the Viewline Resort lobby bar offer breakfast and dinners daily. First Chair Coffeehouse serves breakfast and lunch daily.
Explore more Snowmass dining options here.
Rooms at the Viewline Resort don’t have kitchens, so budget for daily food costs (dinner) that could range from $25-$75, depending on where you dine. A grocery store, Clark’s Market, is located 0.9 miles from the Viewline.
Activities
Snowmass Village has a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy while you are at the conference. We encourage you to get out and about in the afternoons and evenings. See a list of all activities here.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Founded in 1966, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a premier destination for art making and critical dialog in the contemporary art world, bringing together aspiring and internationally renowned artists to discuss and further their work in a stimulating environment. With a campus that is free and open to the public and an extensive array of in-person and online offerings, Anderson Ranch is a hub of creative energy and activity for adults and children alike, with a host of virtual and interactive art workshops, lectures by today’s most influential artists and curators, weekend classes, children’s art workshops and more. www.andersonranch.org
Aspen Snowmass / Roaring Fork IMBA Gold-Level Ride
Center
Snowmass, along with the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley, is the first IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center™ in Colorado, as designated by the International Mountain Biking Association. The IMBA Gold-Level designation, the top award for mountain biking destinations, offers mountain bike enthusiasts more than 300 miles of high quality singletrack from Aspen and Snowmass to Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. Guests riding in Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley can take their pick of adventure, from lift-served gravity trails in the Snowmass Bike Park and expert-only long rides, to family-friendly trails and backcountry adventures. The Aspen Snowmass / Roaring Fork IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center is the first Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado, only the fifth in United States, and among seven in the world. Rides vary for all age and skill levels. www.bikesnowmass.com
Blazing Adventures
With 44 years of experience specializing in outdoor activities in Colorado, Blazing Adventures coordinates winter activities such as hot balloon rides, dog sledding tours, backcountry powder tours, scenic drive tours, winter fly-fishing in Gold Medal rivers, snowmobiling up to the Maroon Bells, backcountry snowshoe tours, and much more. www.blazingadventures.com
The Collective Snowmass
The Collective Snowmass, the hub for community events in Snowmass. Offerings are free and ticketed, depending on the event. For more information, please visit thecollectivesnowmass.com
Fly-Fishing
The 70-mile Roaring Fork River offers the largest stretch of Colorado’s Gold Medal waters, ideal for fly-fishing. The Frying Pan River, which originates east of Snowmass, also boasts Gold Medal status and is a haven for those looking to catch Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout. www.gosnowmass.com/activity/fly-fishing/
Hiking
Snowmass has 90+ miles of hiking trails, and 2.8 million acres of adjacent wilderness to be explored, providing accessible and scenic hiking for all abilities. Visit www.hikesnowmass.com to plan a curated hike for any ability.
Lost Forest
The Lost Forest isn’t hard to find — it’s just hard to see. Tucked in among the trees and rocks at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola are the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, Treeline Trial Challenge Course, Canopy Run Zipline, and Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall. In addition, the Lost Forest operates as a home base for fishing, hiking, and disc golf. www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/lost-forest
The Rink
The Rink, located in the core of Snowmass Base Village, transforms into a summer activity lawn, complete with free family fun games and pop-up kids’ fountain flowing into small pools. www.thecollectivesnowmass.com
Shopping & Dining
With 40 restaurants and 40 shops in Snowmass Village, Snowmass offers something for every taste and style.
Snowmass Mountain Mission
The Snowmass Mountain Mission is an app based, village-wide scavenger hunt designed to challenge creativity, test Snowmass knowledge, and enhance selfie skills. Download the free Eventzee app from the App Store, enter an email, username and password, and the event code: Snowmass. Hit different point thresholds to win fun Snowmass prizes. www.gosnowmass.com/snowmass-mountain-mission
Snowmass Recreation Center
The 18,000-square-feet recreation facility offers unique programming for adults and children, year-round outdoor saline pools, a state-of-the-art cardio and weight room, an indoor gymnasium, aerobics classes, climbing & bouldering walls, and more. www.snowmassrecreation.com
Spa Time
The Viewline Resort Snowmass includes the new Ayurvedic focused Lupine Spa, featuring Sundri products during massages, facials, and signature treatments. The luxurious 7,000-square-foot Spa at the Viceroy Snowmass offers selection of holistic wellness experiences, from Ute Indian-inspired therapies to contemporary beauty rituals. Alux Spalon in Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall offers treatments for hair, nails, facials and waxing. www.gosnowmass.com/things-to-do/retail-services
Sunset Tuesdays
Enjoy beautiful summer evenings at Elk Camp with complimentary gondola rides up the mountain, Lost Forest and other outdoor family activities. https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/activities/summer/sunset-tuesdays-at-elk-camp
Thursday Free Concerts
This long-standing summer tradition and local favorite returns to Fanny Hill every Thursday evening. This may be the best way to enjoy some of the country’s best live bands in a relaxed atmosphere with a spectacular mountain backdrop. https://www.gosnowmass.com/activity/summer-music-series/
Wild West Rodeo
Celebrating its 50th season in 2024, the Snowmass Rodeo is the longest running rodeo in Colorado. This authentic western event takes place every Wednesday evening in the summers through mid-August. Visitors can check out exciting competitions like saddle bronc and bull riding, team roping, and barrel racing. Children can participate in the Calf Scramble and Mutton Busting. http://www.snowmassrodeo.org/
Whitewater Rafting
The nearby Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers offer easy access to Class I to Class IV river experiences – from whitewater rafting to kayaking to stand up paddle boarding. www.gosnowmass.com/activity/whitewater-rafting/
Schedule
Summer Words Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
5:00 p.m.: Summer Words begins with an all-conference orientation session, welcome dinner + faculty readings!
MONDAY, JUNE 24-THURSDAY, JUNE 27
MORNING
7:00-8:00 a.m. Yoga
8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served at the Viewline Resort
9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Daily workshops*
*Author branding, generative writing and readers retreat meet from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
LUNCH
12:00-1 p.m.: Lunch is served at the Viewline Resort
AFTERNOON
1:00-3:30 p.m.: Publishing consultations (Tuesday through Thursday)
Craft Talks + Panel Discussions:
Monday, June 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Publishing Pathways: Understanding the Industry
Speakers: Michelle Brower, Sophie Cudd, Dawn Davis, Aram Fox
Moderator: Lisa Sharkey
Tuesday, June 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
How Stories Stand: Crafting Narrative Architecture through Structure, POV, and Time
Speakers: Karen Lord, Will Schwalbe, Jim Shepard
Moderator: Regina Brooks
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: From Life to Page: Harnessing Experience to Inform Your Writing (no matter the genre)
Speaker: Martha McPhee
Wednesday, June 26, 4:10-4:40 p.m.
Craft Talk: Conversation in Motion: Dialogue & Gesture in Character Development
Speaker: Peter Orner
Thursday, June 27 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: The Plot Thickens: Creating Narratives that Hook Readers
Speakers: Kelly Fremon Craig, Angie Kim
Thursday, June 27 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Drawing to a Close: Sustaining Inspiration Beyond the Conference
Speakers: Mahogany Browne, Angie Kim, Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard
Moderator: Adrienne Brodeur
Social Activities:
June 24, 3:30-5:00 p.m.: Hike
June 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Game night
June 25, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Farm-to-table dinner @ Elk Camp
June 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Open mic night
June 27, 5:45-6:40 p.m.: Closing reception
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
8-11 a.m.: Workshop
Conference concludes after workshops. Safe travels!
Covid-19 Health & Safety Standards
Covid Policy
By registering and participating in Summer Words, you understand there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present, and you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all those who attend Summer Words to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the CDC. Masks are welcome but not required. If you need a mask, we can provide one to you. Instructors may request participants wear masks during workshops.
Please note that these protocols are subject to change, based on revised guidance from the CDC as this pandemic evolves, and/or from the local jurisdictions in which events are being held.
Aspen Words will update you with specific information you may need should our standards change, including any additional enhancements to our standard protocols or modifications selected for that event.
Community Agreement
Community Agreement
The Aspen Institute is dedicated to advancing a free, just and equitable society. Consistent with that mission, the Institute is committed to creating a safe and vibrant community that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming to people from all different backgrounds and across the world. We recognize people will have different viewpoints and perspectives. However, only when we treat people with mutual respect and dignity can we truly come together to share a free and open exchange of ideas. So we offer this Community Agreement as a code of conduct to help stakeholders understand what we expect for them when they are engaging with the Institute community, as well as to guide them on what does not belong. If we all follow this Community Agreement, we can ensure everyone feels empowered to participate and further promote intellectual growth and curiosity. In addition, Aspen Words offers Summer Words Principles that provides additional information and expectations for all participants.
FAQS FOR STUDENTS
Whether this is your first time at Summer Words, or you make the pilgrimage each year, this is the place to find answers to the many questions that might pop up while planning your trip. If you don’t find the answer to your question here please email Ivy Chalmers: ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org or call 970.925.3122 ext. 5.
Q. Should I fly into Denver or Aspen/Snowmass? How far is Denver?
A. The Aspen/Snowmass airport is 7 miles from Snowmass Village and the conference site.
- Since flights into the Aspen airport can be costly, you might also consider flying into Eagle County airport (2-hour drive to Snowmass Village), Grand Junction airport (2.5-hour drive to Snowmass Village), or the Denver airport (4-hour drive to Snowmass Village).
Please be sure to check the cost of flights when applying and note that although the weather in Aspen/Snowmass is typically beautiful in June, there can be weather-related delays when traveling to and from the Pitkin County Airport. Visit our Lodging and Travel page for more details
Q. Where is the Viewline Resort?
A. The Viewline Resort is located at 100 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village, CO 81615.
Q. Where should I stay?
A. All conference activities including workshops, lunches and panels will take place at the Viewline Resort. We recommend staying at the Viewline in order to be close to other participants, faculty and events. A room block has been reserved for Summer Words participants with a discounted rate of $209 plus resort fee and taxes.
Q. Where should I eat?
A. A light breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, are included with your tuition. The Viewline Resort’s executive chef prepares delicious, healthy, buffet-style meals with a variety of options. Also included in your tuition is a welcome BBQ at the Viewline Resort on June 23 as well as a closing reception with drinks and heavy apps. For other meals, Stark’s Alpine Grill and the Viewline Resort lobby bar offer breakfast and dinners daily. First Chair Coffeehouse serves breakfast and lunch daily. Explore the more dining options here.
Q. Where will my workshop meet?
A. All workshops will meet at the Viewline Resort. The exact location of your workshop will be included in your registration materials.
Q. Will I need my computer?
A. You do not need to bring a laptop to your workshop, but you are welcome to if you prefer to make notes on a computer rather than a notebook. You may want your laptop for writing in the hours outside of your workshop, or to access some of your work while you are here.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Summer Words is casual. Jeans and informal attire are appropriate for workshops, receptions, panels and other events. Summer mornings and evenings can be quite cool in Snowmass Village, while the days are typically around 70-75 degrees. We suggest packing lots of layers, including a jacket, as cool weather is always a possibility.
Q. What should I do about altitude sickness?
A. Snowmass Village is 8,000 feet above sea level. Please remember to drink plenty of water as your body will be more dehydrated. Be careful when drinking alcohol as the combination of altitude and dehydration can cause alcohol to act faster. Apply plenty of sunscreen and lip balm. It’s common for visitors coming from sea level to experience headaches and shortness of breath the first couple of days at high elevation. You can find some great advice on dealing with altitude here.
Q. What are Aspen Words’ health and safety standards for conference attendees?
A. By registering and participating in Aspen Summer Words, you understand that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present and you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all those who attend Aspen Summer Words to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the CDC. Masks are welcome but not required. If you need a mask, we can provide one to you. Instructors may request participants wear masks during workshops.
Please note that these protocols are subject to change, based on revised guidance from the CDC as this pandemic evolves, and/or from the local jurisdictions in which events are being held.
Aspen Words will update you with specific information you may need should our standards change, including any additional enhancements to our standard protocols or modifications selected for that event.
Q. Will I have time to write/hike/explore on my own or with family/friends?
A. Write: Yes! All afternoon and evening activities are optional, and you are welcome to use this time to write.
Hike: Yes! We will have at least two guided hiking opportunities. In addition, Snowmass has 90+ miles of hiking trails, and 2.8 million acres of adjacent wilderness to be explored, providing accessible and scenic hiking for all abilities. Visit www.hikesnowmass.com to plan a curated hike for any ability.
Explore: Yes! Snowmass offers a lot to see and do and we encourage you to take advantage. Please visit our Activities page for more information.
Q. Can I bring my spouse/partner/friend/child?
A. You are welcome to bring friends or family to join you on your trip to Snowmass. While you are in your morning workshop, they will find plenty to do: mountain biking, hiking, reading by the pool, etc. Your friends and family are also welcome to join us for the afternoon panels and can purchase a public pass on our website in mid-May. A complete list of public events and ticket information will be available then. Opening Night diner and lunches are open to Summer Words students only.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel, we will refund half of the workshop tuition until May 20. We cannot refund cancellations after May 20.
Should a faculty member cancel for Aspen Summer Words, Aspen Words is committed to finding a replacement faculty member who meets our high standard for both teaching expertise, as well as writing acclaim. No refunds will be extended following May 20 due to changes to the faculty roster.
Financial Aid
General Scholarships: Aspen Words offers a limited number of partial and full tuition scholarships based on merit and financial need. General scholarships cover tuition only. Recipients are responsible for travel, lodging and meals (excluding breakfast and lunch). Please complete the financial aid section of the application to apply for a scholarship. Acceptance into a workshop does not necessarily mean an automatic scholarship.
Scholarships for Roaring Fork Valley Writers (Aspen to Parachute)
Thanks to the generosity of Arny and Anne Porath, these two merit-based scholarships cover tuition and lodging. Please indicate on your application that you would like to apply for this opportunity.
Emerging Writer Fellowships:
In its commitment to support new literary voices, Aspen Words provides Summer Words fellowships to emerging writers who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise. Candidates are nominated by writers, agents, editors and others associated with publishing. Last year, we received over 150 nominations. Fellows receive a full scholarship to the Summer Words conference, including tuition, airfare, lodging and some meals.
We do not accept self-nominations. If you are interested in being nominated, please have a colleague, teacher or mentor who is familiar with your work request the nomination form. Fellowship nominees will be notified of their acceptance prior to the deadline for the general application process (so that they will still have the opportunity to apply in the general round if not accepted for one of the ten fellowships).
Note: Our Emerging Writer Fellowship program is designed to give exceptional writers at the early stages of their careers a boost in the literary community and the publishing world. Writers with books under contract, or who have already had a book-length work published prior to Summer Words by a major publisher or an independent press that publishes more than 10 books per year are not eligible for this scholarship. Applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement. Please email Ivy Chalmers at ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org with questions.
Outside funding:
Please check with your educational institution or employer for additional grant or professional development funding options to attend Summer Words.
Summer Words 2024 Schedule (For Reference)
Summer Words Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
5:00 p.m.: Summer Words begins with an all-conference orientation session, welcome dinner + faculty readings!
MONDAY, JUNE 24-THURSDAY, JUNE 27
MORNING
7:00-8:00 a.m. Yoga
8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served at the Viewline Resort
9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Daily workshops*
*Author branding, generative writing and readers retreat meet from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
LUNCH
12:00-1 p.m.: Lunch is served at the Viewline Resort
AFTERNOON
1:00-3:30 p.m.: Publishing consultations (Tuesday through Thursday)
Craft Talks + Panel Discussions:
Monday, June 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Publishing Pathways: Understanding the Industry
Speakers: Michelle Brower, Sophie Cudd, Dawn Davis, Aram Fox
Moderator: Lisa Sharkey
Tuesday, June 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
How Stories Stand: Crafting Narrative Architecture through Structure, POV, and Time
Speakers: Karen Lord, Will Schwalbe, Jim Shepard
Moderator: Regina Brooks
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: From Life to Page: Harnessing Experience to Inform Your Writing (no matter the genre)
Speaker: Martha McPhee
Wednesday, June 26, 4:10-4:40 p.m.
Craft Talk: Conversation in Motion: Dialogue & Gesture in Character Development
Speaker: Peter Orner
Thursday, June 27 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: The Plot Thickens: Creating Narratives that Hook Readers
Speakers: Kelly Fremon Craig, Angie Kim
Thursday, June 27 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Drawing to a Close: Sustaining Inspiration Beyond the Conference
Speakers: Mahogany Browne, Angie Kim, Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard
Moderator: Adrienne Brodeur
Social Activities:
June 24, 3:30-5:00 p.m.: Hike
June 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Game night
June 25, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Farm-to-table dinner @ Elk Camp
June 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Open mic night
June 27, 5:45-6:40 p.m.: Closing reception
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
8-11 a.m.: Workshop
Conference concludes after workshops. Safe travels!
NON -JURIED WORKSHOPS
Generative Writing: Karen Shepard
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding: Lisa Sharkey
Readers Retreat: Will Schwalbe
All workshops will be held at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass (100 Elbert Lane Snowmass Village, CO).
*If you are interested in financial aid for the Generative Writing workshop, please contact ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org.
NON-JURIED WORKSHOPS
GENERATIVE WRITING | Karen Shepard
Karen Shepard
Karen Shepard is a Chinese-American born and raised in New York City. She is the author of four novels, “An Empire of Women,” “The Bad Boy’s Wife,”
Don’t I Know You?”, and “The Celestials,” which was short-listed for the Massachusetts Book Award and the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Her most recent book is a collection of short stories, “Kiss Me Someone,” which was shortlisted for the Story Prize. Her short fiction has been published in The Atlantic Monthly, Tin House, One Story, and Ploughshares, among others. Her nonfiction has appeared in O Magazine, Buzzfeed, More, Self, USA Today, and The Boston Globe, among others. She has received the William Goyen-Doris Roberts Fellowship for Fiction, was a National Magazine Award Finalist, and was a recipient of a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant. She teaches writing and literature at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.
Workshop Description
A stranger is sitting on a stool at a bar, minding her own business. You approach and say, “Can I tell you a story?” The stranger gives you a look and says, warily, “Okay.” How do you keep that stranger on the barstool? In this generative workshop, we’ll spend five mornings discussing short published work as examples of how others have solved some of the challenges we’re all facing, and then we’ll practice some of the skills necessary to meet those challenges through in-class writing prompts followed by discussion. Writers will leave with new work and new strategies to pursue as well as a better understanding of how to identify and articulate what we’re doing on the page. Some brief (and wonderful) advance reading required.
INSIDE THE WORLD OF BOOK PUBLISHING & AUTHOR BRANDING | Lisa Sharkey
Lisa Sharkey
Lisa Sharkey, SVP and Director of Creative Development at Harper Collins Publishers, was recently described by one of her authors, number one bestseller Congressman Jamie Raskin as a “clairvoyant publishing wizard,” Following more than two decades producing, writing and developing Emmy award-winning network and syndicated television news, Lisa made the switch into books because of her love for literature, storytelling, and going deep.
Sharkey is a champion of powerful, poignant, and persuasive storytelling. More than 75 of the books she has published have become New York Times bestsellers, selling millions of copies in multiple languages across the globe over the past 15 years. Her authors have accomplished extraordinary things and changed the world by telling their stories. Sharkey publishes books in the categories of politics, journalism, true crime, music, sports, medicine, self-help, cooking, mindfulness, science, religion, military life, and inspirational memoir. Sharkey is a mother of three, a yoga teacher, and a mentor of military veterans who are transitioning into civilian life.
She lives in one of New York’s first ever eco houses that she designed along with her architect husband who co-authored their book “Dreaming Green.”
Workshop Description – New for 2024
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding
Explore the intricacies of book publishing from concept to publication and discover how to develop your unique author brand. In this engaging 3-hour daily workshop, Monday through Thursday, you’ll gain insights into the publishing process and receive personalized guidance to enhance your author identity. With homework assignments tailored to each participant, you’ll learn to navigate the dynamic publishing landscape.
READERS RETREAT | Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe is the author of “The End of Your Life Book Club,” which was a #1 Indie Next pick, an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year, and spent nine weeks on the New York Timesbestseller list. He has worked in digital media; in book publishing; and as a journalist, writing for various publications, including the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. He is also the author of “Send” (co-written with David Shipley) and “Books for Living.” His most recent book, “We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship,” was published in February 2023. Will lives in New York City.
Note: The Readers Retreat meets Monday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The welcome dinner on Sunday evening as well as breakfasts and lunches are included in your tuition.
Workshop Description
Will Schwalbe, author of the New York Times bestseller The End of Your Life Book Club, will lead discussions about the unique power of books to shape our lives in an era of constant connectivity, with special attention on the role that reading can play to help us make sense of the world, become better people, and find answers to the big (and small) questions we all face about how best to life our lives. Many of the selections are from writers whose work he explored in his book Books for Living and range from poetry to fiction to memoir and even cookbooks, each relating to questions and concerns we all share. Over the course of three days we’ll be discussing George Orwell, Edna Lewis, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Lin Yutang, Robert Benchley, Marie Howe, and a variety of other authors, while we celebrate reading for its own delights and as a way to help us live each day more fully.
Archives
Professional consultations provide you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with literary agents and editors, hear about the industry, ask for advice, and get feedback on your manuscript. The meetings are meant to enhance your conference experience by exposing you to the business side of publishing. Please know that while occasionally students are selected by agents at Summer Words, it is better to think of these meetings as introductions and a first step in the longer process of finding literary representation.
Juried workshop participants in fiction, memoir, science fiction/fantasy as well as book branding participants are guaranteed two private 15-minute meetings with a literary agent or editor. Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting participants will have two exclusive breakouts activities in lieu of consultations.
AGENT | Regina Brooks
Ms. Regina Brooks is the founder and president of Serendipity Literary Agency in New York, New York. Her agency is the largest African American owned agency in the country and has represented and established a diverse base of award-winning clients in adult and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. Her authors have appeared in USA Today, the New York Times, and the Washington Post as well as on Oprah, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, MSBNC, TV One, BET, and a host of others. In 2015, Publishers Weekly nominated Regina Brooks as a PW Star Watch Finalist, and she was honored with a Stevie Award in Business. Writer’s Digest Magazine named Serendipity Literary Agency as one of the top 25 literary agencies. She is currently the Vice President of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and co-chair of its Communications Committee, a founding member and board member of Literary Agents of Change (LAOC), and a board member of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). Formerly, she held senior editorial positions at John Wiley and Sons (where she was not only the youngest but also the first African American editor in their college division) and McGraw-Hill.
Prior to her publishing career, she worked as an aerospace engineer and made history as the first African American woman to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University. She is a graduate of The School of the Arts High School in Rochester, NY.
She is the author of Essence Magazine’s quick pick children’s book, Never Finished, Never Done (Scholastic), Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Getting Published, 2e (Sourcebooks), and You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir (St. Martin’s Press) and is a well-received blogger for the Huffington Post. Brooks is also on the faculty of the Harvard University publishing program, Western Connecticut MFA low residency programs, and Writer’s Digest University and teaches annually at more than twenty worldwide conferences. She has been highlighted in several national and international magazines and periodicals, including Publishers Weekly, Forbes, Media Bistro, Writers and Poets, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Jet, Women on Writing, Writer’s Digest Magazine, The Writer, The Network Journal, and Rolling Out.
She was named Woman of the Year by The National Association of Professional Women, A New York Urban League Rising Star Award winner, and a finalist for the StevieTM Award for Women Entrepreneurs. Regina Brooks is featured in books such as Guide to Literary Agents and the NAACP-nominated Down to Business: The First 10 Steps for Women Entrepreneurs, How to Build a Platform, and Bill Duke’s Dark Girls. She is also listed in International Who’s Who under the categories of Professional Management, Technology, Entrepreneurs, and Engineering. In 2010, Brooks partnered with Marie Brown of Marie Brown and Associates and Marva Allen of Hue Man Bookstore to launch a new publishing imprint with Johnny Temple’s Akashic Books called Open Lens.
Further, Possibiliteas is the brainchild of the literary agent and tea enthusiast, Regina Brooks, who believed that tea—the world’s oldest performance-enhancing beverage—could have a beneficial effect on her clients—writers, artists, and other creative professionals who were looking for fuel for their creative fire.
She is a pilot and cofounder of Brooklyn Aviation as well as a member of New York Women in Film and Television.
Ms. Brooks is the founder and Co-Executive Director of Y.B. Literary Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization designed to kindle a passion for literature within high school students and an appreciation for the possibilities and opportunities that reading can provide.
When Regina’s not agenting, she’s gardening, fishing, and flying her own plane (always in a dress).
AGENT | Michelle Brower
Michelle Brower co-founded Trellis Literary Management in 2021 in order to better serve and support her authors and create an agency with a lasting positive impact in the world of publishing. She has spent over fifteen years as an agent, first at Wendy Sherman Associates, as a Senior Vice President at Folio Literary Management, and as a partner at Aevitas Creative Management.
Her list spans the spectrum of literary and commercial fiction, from thought-provoking story collections to page-turning thrillers. She is primarily interested in work that focuses on storytelling and emotional connection, rather than formal experimentation, and believes that the best reading experience engages both the heart and the head. She is looking for book club novels (a commercial idea with a literary execution), literary fiction, literary suspense, genre fiction for a non-genre audience, and upmarket women’s fiction. In non-fiction, she is looking for a personal story that illuminates a greater subject. In all of these areas, she is looking to support underrepresented voices.
Michelle is honored to work with books that have received a variety of accolades, including NY Times Bestsellers, National Book Award finalists and winners, and Read with Jenna, Target, Barnes and Noble, Reese’s Book Club, and Good Morning America book club selections. Her authors have received recognition from the Whiting Awards, the Rona Jaffe Foundation, MacDowell, the Steinbeck Fellow Program, the Sewanee Writers Conference as well as from many other organizations.
Michelle received her Masters degree in British and American Literature from New York University. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Seattle with her family.
AGENT | Sophie Cudd
Sophie Cudd joined The Book Group as Associate Agent in 2023, after nearly four years at William Morris Endeavor. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Sophie has a degree in English Literature from Southern Methodist University, studied Shakespeare at the University of Oxford, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
In fiction, Sophie loves compelling, high-stakes tales of love, loss, mystery and belonging. She is drawn to accessible and deeply resonant characters, plot-driven stories with a strong sense of time and place, and is a sucker for a twist she never saw coming. In nonfiction, Sophie’s interests are wide-ranging, but she is particularly interested in moving and introspective memoirs, food writing, essay collections, and well-researched narrative nonfiction.
Sophie splits her time between Nashville and NYC. When she’s not reading, Sophie can be found haunting an art museum, hiking Nashville’s Percy Warner park, or making her favorite Ottolenghi saffron pasta.
EDITOR | Dawn Davis
The Poets & Writers 2019 Editor of the Year, Dawn Davis is the founding publisher of 37 INK, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. She has edited many prize-winning and New York Times bestselling books, including one of the 2023 New York Times’ 10 Best Books of the Year, Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo; How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair; The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan; Never Caught, a finalist for the National Book Award, by Erica Armstrong Dunbar; The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton; The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, by Issa Rae; Tough Love by Ambassador Susan Rice; I Can’t Make this Up by Kevin Hart, and various books by weight loss expert JJ Smith, including the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse.
In 2020, Davis was named Editor in Chief of the Condé Nast magazines, Bon Appétit and Epicurious. She returned to Simon & Schuster in 2023.
Prior to first joining Simon & Schuster, Davis was publisher of Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins, where she edited The Known World by Edward P. Jones, which won the Pulitzer Prize; Steve Harvey’s Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, which was one of the best-selling books of the decade; and The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner.
She lives in New York City.
AGENT | Aram Fox
Aram Fox is a literary agent at Massie & McQuilkin. He represents fiction that puts immersive storytelling front and center, deeply reported narrative nonfiction, mission-driven activists, and eye-opening writing about science, technology and natural history. Aram started in film/TV, working in the Story Department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists. From there, he went to Warner Books/Little Brown and at age 26, Aram founded a book scouting agency where for 20+ years he represented international publishers and American film/TV companies, guiding his publisher and film/TV clients to acquire a Who’s Who of prize-winning and bestselling writers, including: Anthony Doerr, Brit Bennett, Peter Godfrey-Smith, Lauren Oyler, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Bill Gates, George Saunders, Angela Duckworth, Patrick Radden Keefe, Dave Grohl, Lena Dunham, Emma Cline, Harlan Coben, Jeff VanderMeer, Alex Honnold and Andy Weir among many others.
AGENT | Sarah Fuentes
Sarah Fuentes joined UTA in 2023 with a decade of experience, most recently with Fletcher & Company where she spent seven years building her list after beginning her career at The Wylie Agency. She represents both literary and upmarket fiction and a range of nonfiction, and her clients include Keri Blakinger, Jake Bittle, Julia Rosen, Sarah Everts, Claire Kohda, and A. Natasha Joukovsky.Archives
ARCHIVES
The 2020 conference was held virtually.
- Emerging Writer Fellowships
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In our commitment to support new literary voices, Aspen Words provides Summer Words fellowships to emerging writers who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise. Candidates are nominated by writers, agents, editors and others associated with publishing. We receive over 150 nominations annually. Fellows receive a full scholarship to the Summer Words conference, including tuition, airfare, shared lodging and some meals.
We do not accept self-nominations for the Emerging Writer Fellowship (EWF). If you are interested in being nominated, please have a colleague, teacher or mentor who is familiar with your work request the nomination form. Fellowship nominees will be notified of their acceptance prior to the deadline for the general application process (so that they will still have the opportunity to apply in the general round if not accepted for one of the fellowships).
The EWF program is designed to give exceptional writers at the early stages of their careers a boost in the literary community and the publishing world. Writers with books under contract, or who have already had a book-length work published prior to Summer Words by a major publisher or an independent press that publishes more than 10 books per year are not eligible for this scholarship. Applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement.
Applications for EWF opened Dec. 11, 2024 and closed Jan. 13, 2025. Please email Ivy Chalmers (ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org) with questions.
2025 fellowships are being offered for the following workshops
- Fiction with Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS)
- Fiction with Vanessa Chan (THE STORM WE MADE)
- Memoir with Héctor Tobar (OUR MIGRANT SOULS)
- Sci-fi/Fantasy with faculty to be announced
- Faculty + Workshops
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Applications for juried workshops are CLOSED for Summer Words 2024 and will open again in Early 2025.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by late April 2024.
Spots are still OPEN for non-juried workshops: Generative Writing, Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding and the Readers Retreat. Spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
JURIED WORKSHOPS
Fiction: Angie Kim
Fiction: Jim Shepard
Poetry: Mahogany L. Browne
Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Karen Lord
Memoir: Martha McPhee
Memoir: Peter Orner
Screenwriting: Kelly Fremon CraigNON -JURIED WORKSHOPS
Generative Writing: Karen Shepard
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding: Lisa Sharkey
Readers Retreat: Will SchwalbeAll workshops will be held at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass (100 Elbert Lane Snowmass Village, CO).
*If you are interested in financial aid for the Generative Writing workshop, please contact ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org.
FICTION | Angie Kim
Angie Kim moved as a preteen from Seoul, South Korea, to the suburbs of Baltimore. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, she studied philosophy at Stanford University and attended Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. Her debut novel, “Miracle Creek,” won the Edgar Award and the ITW Thriller Award, and was named one of the 100 best mysteries and thrillers of all time by Time, and one of the best books of the year by Time, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews and the Today show. “Happiness Falls,” her second novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and a book club pick for “Good Morning America,” Barnes & Noble, Belletrist and Book of the Month Club. She lives in northern Virginia with her family.
Workshop Description
This workshop focuses on structuring a novel or short story around a propulsive character arc, plot, or story concept that is truly satisfying for the reader. Each participant will workshop either a full story or an excerpt from a longer work, along with a one-line story premise. (Don’t worry; you’ll get guidance on how to come up with the premise.) We will read one another’s work deeply and generously to figure out what is working best in a particular piece, what makes it special, so that the writer can approach revision knowing what to intensify and magnify (rather than simply what’s not working). Although we will be emphasizing story structure, we will consider all elements of fiction—voice, point of view, language—in our workshop discussions. Finally, we will definitely save some time to discuss publishing strategies and tips for submitting to journals, querying agents, and beyond. The goal is to leave energized and motivated, with a story premise you can use to pitch your work and a firm plan to guide your writing/revision.
FICTION | Jim Shepard
Jim Shepard has written eight novels, including most recently “Phase Six” and “The Book of Aron,” which won the Sophie Brody Medal for Jewish Literature, the PEN/New England Award for Fiction, and the Clark Fiction Prize, and five story collections, including “Like You’d Understand, Anyway,” a finalist for the National Book Award and Story Prize winner. Seven of his stories have been chosen for the Best American Short Stories, two for the PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories, and two for Pushcart Prizes. He’s also won a Guggenheim Foundation Award, the Library of Congress/ Massachusetts Book Award for Fiction and the ALEX Award from the American Library Association. He teaches at Williams College.
Workshop Description
A workshop in close reading, and all that that entails. In order to improve as writers we have to improve as readers, so we’ll be working to hone our practice of the best sort of reading: figuring out how to make ourselves even more that ideal reader who is, in Louise Gluck’s formulation, consistently rigorous, fastidious and optimistic. A good workshop is at heart a dialogue about possibility, and we’ll be considering how many ways meaning can take shape on a page, to help us decide what our own path toward the fiction we want to write should look like. We’ll be breaking down as clearly and as comprehensively as possible what our fiction seems to want to be doing, and how it’s doing it. and how it’s doing it. For that reason, besides one or two exercises, the focus will be entirely on students’ work.
SCI-FI/FANTASY | Karen Lord
Barbadian author and editor Karen Lord has been a physics teacher, a diplomat, a part-time soldier and an academic at various times and in various countries. Her debut novel, “Redemption in Indigo,” won the 2008 Frank Collymore Literary Award, the 2010 Carl Brandon Parallax Award, the 2011 William L. Crawford Award, the 2011 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature and the 2012 Kitschies Golden Tentacle (Best Debut) and was longlisted for the 2011 Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. Is sequel, the crime-fantasy novel “Unraveling,” was published in 2019. Her second novel, “The Best of All Possible Worlds,” won the 2009 Frank Collymore Literary Award, and the 2013 RT Book Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. It’s sequel, “The Galaxy Game,” was published in 2015. She is the editor of the 2016 anthology “New World, Old Ways: Speculative Tales from the Caribbean.” Her latest book, “The Blue, Beautiful World,” was published in 2023.
She has been an instructor for Clarion West Writers Workshop (Seattle, 2018 and 2020) and the Clarion Workshop (San Diego, 2019); a co-facilitator or instructor for reading and writing workshops at the Bocas Lit Fest, the Bim Lit Fest and the Edinburgh International Book Festival; and a co-facilitator for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (2018) and mentor for the Commonwealth Writers Mentorship Programme (2019, 2020).
Workshop Description
The 2024 Aspen Words science fiction and fantasy workshop is for writers from all backgrounds (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and more) and with wide-ranging interests who wish to use invented worlds as a medium to illuminate and interrogate the real world. The week will be focused on critiques of participants’ work, either a complete short story or novel excerpt (excerpts may be accompanied by a single-page synopsis or story outline). We’ll begin each session with a brief discussion of craft and concepts in writing, with examples from published works. Topics will include worldbuilding and language; mindmapping for structuring plot; time, space, movement and the five senses; and perception, knowledge and belief. General information about the publishing industry, and specific advice about your writing goals, will be provided during class and in individual sessions. The goal is to leave Aspen with a path forward for your writing career, and a renewed appreciation of the power of literature to transform the way you, and your potential readers, see the world we live in.
POETRY | Mahogany L. Browne
Mahogany L. Browne, selected as Kennedy Center’s Next 50 and Weseleyan’s 2022-23 Distinguished Writer-in-Residence, the Executive Director of JustMedia, Artistic Director of Urban Word, a writer, playwright, organizer, & educator. Browne has received fellowships from Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research & Rauschenberg. She is the author of recent works: “Vinyl Moon,” “Chlorine Sky, “Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice,” “Woke Baby” & “Black Girl Magic.” Founder of the diverse lit initiative Woke Baby Book Fair, Browne’s latest poetry collection, “Chrome Valley,” is a promissory note to survival. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, and is the first ever poet-in-residence at Lincoln Center.
Workshop Description
Do Not Make Grief Your God
A generative writing workshop focused on grief-letting as a practice of literary meditation. Through a series of lecture-styled talks and writing prompts, this workshop invites you to recall the many phases of grief through a collection of poems.
MEMOIR | Martha McPhee
Martha McPhee is the author of the novels “An Elegant Woman,” “Dear Money,” “L’America,” “Gorgeous Lies” and “Bright Angel Time.” She is also the author of “Omega Farm,” a memoir. Her work has been honored with fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. In 2002 she was nominated for a National Book Award. Her novels have been Best Books of The Year on The New York Times, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune lists. Her essays and reviews have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Newark Star Ledger, Vogue, More, Harper’s Bazaar, Self, Traveler, Travel & Leisure, among many others. McPhee is a tenured member of the English Department at Hofstra University, where she teaches fiction. She lives in New York City with her children and husband, the poet and writer Mark Svenvold.
Workshop Description
Life Writing: A Memoir Workshop
Everybody has a story to tell, but how do we elevate that from the personal to the literary? Memoir lives between fiction and autobiography; in this classic creative writing workshop, students learn strategies to mine their life experiences while utilizing the novelist’s toolbox to turn their experiences into stories. We will also be exploring how memory works, how its depths are infinite if we train our attention toward recall–a surface strand of memory unspooling those hidden beneath the sediment of time. Using our stories, the stories we need to tell, we will focus on developing our narrative voices and writing techniques with the goal of exploring the material we are full of. The acclaimed American fiction writer John Updike wrote, “You are full of your material—your family, your friends, your region of the country, your generation—when it is fresh and seems urgently worth communicating to readers. No amount of learned skills can substitute for the feeling of having a lot to say, of bringing news. Memories, impressions, and emotions from your first 20 years on earth are most writers’ main material; little that comes afterward is quite so rich and resonant. By the age of 40, you have probably mined the purest veins of this precious lode; after that, continued creativity is a matter of sifting the leavings.”
Students will be encouraged to open themselves to critical analysis by their peers in order to learn what works and does not in their memoirs. Alongside close reading, we will understand editing and rewriting as integral parts of the creative process. Above all we will be exploring what makes for good memoir. The primary text for the class will be the students’ work, but we will also have time for in-class exercises and outside readings to inspire our imaginations and deepen our exploration of technique.
MEMOIR | Peter Orner
Chicago-born Peter Orner is the author of seven books, the memoirs/ essay collections, “Still No Word from You,” a finalist for the PEN Award for the Art of the Essay and “Am I Alone Here?”, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the story collection, “Maggie Brown and Others,” a New York Times Notable Book, and the novel, “Love and Shame and Love,” winner of a California Book Award. Other books include, “Last Car Over the Sagamore Bridge,” “The Second Coming of Mavala Shikongo” (finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award), and “Esther Stories,” (a finalist for the Pen/Hemingway Award). Peter is also the editor of three books of oral history for the McSweeney’s/ Voice of Witness series. His work has been awarded four Pushcart Prizes as well as the Rome Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Currently, Peter is chair of the English and Creative Writing Department at Dartmouth College and lives in Norwich, Vermont.
Workshop Description
As someone who often moves back and forth between fiction and memoir, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how the two often overlap. Is all my fiction made up? Is all my memoir absolutely true? Good prose is good prose, no matter what we call it, and yet what I find most exciting about memoir is that there’s a constraint on my imagination and this constraint forces, at times, a kind of reckoning. I can’t retreat into making stuff up. I’ve got to try and hold steady and make some stab at some truth. As a reader, I’m especially interested in memoir that is outward rather than inward looking. For instance, one of my favorite books is called “Danube” by the Italian writer, Claudio Magris. It’s essentially a tour of the Danube River through central Europe. Now I confess, I’ve got no special interest in this particular river, and yet “Danube” has become, for me, a kind of essential text. It’s not billed as a memoir and yet by the end of it I know Magris better than I know some members of my own family, not because he’s told me so much about himself, but because his curiosity about place, history, and people, gives me deep insight into a remarkably singular brain. In this memoir workshop, we’ll be reading and discussing our own works in progress with an eye toward finding that truthful reckoning — whatever it takes to get there. We’ll also be reading short excerpts by Magris, Zadie Smith, Joseph Mitchell, Janet Malcolm, Vievee Francis, Fernanda Melchor, Taylor Johnson and Virginia Woolf (her journals).
SCREENWRITING | Kelly Fremon Craig
Kelly Fremon Craig is a film director, screenwriter and producer, known for writing and directing the 2023 film adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” named as one of Time Magazine’s Ten Best Movies of 2023, and garnering multiple awards and nominations for its cast. In 2016, she made her directorial debut with the film “The Edge of Seventeen,” which received widespread critical praise and numerous accolades, including a Directors Guild of America Nomination for Outstanding Achievement of a First Time Filmmaker, the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best First Film, three Critics’ Choice Award nominations, and a Golden Globe® nomination for the film’s lead actress. Kelly grew up in Orange County, California, and graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in English Literature. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and young son.
Workshop Description – New for 2024
In this screenwriting class, we will explore the art and craft of cinematic storytelling: creating compelling characters and emotional arcs, understanding the 3-act structure, constructing dynamic scenes, and breaking down the elements of a great film. In a warm and supportive environment, we will read and workshop each other’s screenplays, offer productive feedback, discuss and develop story ideas, and help each participant hone their unique writing voice and advance their creative work. There will be assigned reading, in-class exercises, and after-class assignments. Consider this an intensive but fun screenwriting bootcamp to jumpstart your creativity, increase your confidence on the page, and help you find a clear sense of direction on your project.
NON-JURIED WORKSHOPS
GENERATIVE WRITING | Karen Shepard
Karen Shepard is a Chinese-American born and raised in New York City. She is the author of four novels, “An Empire of Women,” “The Bad Boy’s Wife,”
Don’t I Know You?”, and “The Celestials,” which was short-listed for the Massachusetts Book Award and the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Her most recent book is a collection of short stories, “Kiss Me Someone,” which was shortlisted for the Story Prize. Her short fiction has been published in The Atlantic Monthly, Tin House, One Story, and Ploughshares, among others. Her nonfiction has appeared in O Magazine, Buzzfeed, More, Self, USA Today, and The Boston Globe, among others. She has received the William Goyen-Doris Roberts Fellowship for Fiction, was a National Magazine Award Finalist, and was a recipient of a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant. She teaches writing and literature at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.Workshop Description
A stranger is sitting on a stool at a bar, minding her own business. You approach and say, “Can I tell you a story?” The stranger gives you a look and says, warily, “Okay.” How do you keep that stranger on the barstool? In this generative workshop, we’ll spend five mornings discussing short published work as examples of how others have solved some of the challenges we’re all facing, and then we’ll practice some of the skills necessary to meet those challenges through in-class writing prompts followed by discussion. Writers will leave with new work and new strategies to pursue as well as a better understanding of how to identify and articulate what we’re doing on the page. Some brief (and wonderful) advance reading required.
INSIDE THE WORLD OF BOOK PUBLISHING & AUTHOR BRANDING | Lisa Sharkey
Lisa Sharkey, SVP and Director of Creative Development at Harper Collins Publishers, was recently described by one of her authors, number one bestseller Congressman Jamie Raskin as a “clairvoyant publishing wizard,” Following more than two decades producing, writing and developing Emmy award-winning network and syndicated television news, Lisa made the switch into books because of her love for literature, storytelling, and going deep. Sharkey is a champion of powerful, poignant, and persuasive storytelling. More than 75 of the books she has published have become New York Times bestsellers, selling millions of copies in multiple languages across the globe over the past 15 years. Her authors have accomplished extraordinary things and changed the world by telling their stories. Sharkey publishes books in the categories of politics, journalism, true crime, music, sports, medicine, self-help, cooking, mindfulness, science, religion, military life, and inspirational memoir. Sharkey is a mother of three, a yoga teacher, and a mentor of military veterans who are transitioning into civilian life.
She lives in one of New York’s first ever eco houses that she designed along with her architect husband who co-authored their book “Dreaming Green.”
Workshop Description – New for 2024
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding
Explore the intricacies of book publishing from concept to publication and discover how to develop your unique author brand. In this engaging 3-hour daily workshop, Monday through Thursday, you’ll gain insights into the publishing process and receive personalized guidance to enhance your author identity. With homework assignments tailored to each participant, you’ll learn to navigate the dynamic publishing landscape.
READERS RETREAT | Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe is the author of “The End of Your Life Book Club,” which was a #1 Indie Next pick, an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year, and spent nine weeks on the New York Timesbestseller list. He has worked in digital media; in book publishing; and as a journalist, writing for various publications, including the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. He is also the author of “Send” (co-written with David Shipley) and “Books for Living.” His most recent book, “We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship,” was published in February 2023. Will lives in New York City.
Note: The Readers Retreat meets Monday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The welcome dinner on Sunday evening as well as breakfasts and lunches are included in your tuition.
Workshop Description
Will Schwalbe, author of the New York Times bestseller The End of Your Life Book Club, will lead discussions about the unique power of books to shape our lives in an era of constant connectivity, with special attention on the role that reading can play to help us make sense of the world, become better people, and find answers to the big (and small) questions we all face about how best to life our lives. Many of the selections are from writers whose work he explored in his book Books for Living and range from poetry to fiction to memoir and even cookbooks, each relating to questions and concerns we all share. Over the course of three days we’ll be discussing George Orwell, Edna Lewis, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Lin Yutang, Robert Benchley, Marie Howe, and a variety of other authors, while we celebrate reading for its own delights and as a way to help us live each day more fully.
Archives
- Manuscripts
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If selected to attend Summer Words, you will submit up to two manuscripts during registration—one for workshop and one for consultations. The manuscripts may be taken from the same piece of writing, or from different pieces.
Workshop Manuscript (15 pages max)*
This is the manuscript that will be shared with your instructor and fellow workshop participants for review and critique at Summer Words. This does not have to be the same manuscript that you submitted with your application, but it can be, if you choose. We recommend submitting a sample that you feel can benefit most from the thoughts and feedback of the group, rather than a piece you feel is your strongest work. The manuscript you submit for workshop can also be different from your consultation manuscript. We will distribute workshop manuscripts to each class via email in late May. At that time, you may also receive course requirements, which include specific additional instructions from your faculty leader regarding workshop schedule and extracurricular reading, etc.
*Screenwriting workshop participants can submit up to 35 pages + a one page synopsis
*Generative writing and poetry participants do not need to submit a manuscript for this generative workshop.
Please send questions to ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org
Consultation Manuscript (10 pages max)
This is the manuscript you’ll share with the agent/editor of your choice. Your scheduled appointments will be sent to you in early June.
*Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will be offered two alternative programs in lieu of consultations.
Consultation Manuscript (10 pages max)
This is the manuscript you’ll share with the agent/editor of your choice. Your scheduled appointments will be sent to you in early June.
*Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will be offered two alternative programs in lieu of consultations.
Formatting Guidelines
Carefully read the following instructions:
- Both workshop and consultation manuscripts should be formatted as Word Documents (.doc or .docx), double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font. 1 -in (normal) margins.
- If it is an excerpt from a longer work, include a synopsis on the first page (synopsis may be single-spaced but should be included in the total page count).
- Put your name on the first page and number the pages.
- We will circulate your manuscripts to all relevant parties several weeks in advance of Summer Words to ensure everyone has sufficient time to carefully read your work.
- Student Portal
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WELCOME 2024 SUMMER WORDS PARTICIPANTS!
This portal contains important information that will help you plan your trip to Snowmass Village for Summer Words. Navigate through the various links on this page for details about travel, lodging and more. Please read this information carefully before completing your tuition payment form and submitting your manuscripts. Additional details will be communicated regarding the schedule and afternoon events as we get closer to June.
We look forward to welcoming you to Summer Words and to our beautiful town in the Rockies!Tuition Payment
Please read these instructions carefully and ensure that you have prepared all requested materials before completing the form included in your acceptance email.
TUITION PAYMENT DEADLINE:
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
- 2024 5-Day Juried Workshops: $1,825
- 2024 5-Day Fundamentals of Creative Writing: $1,825
- 2024 4-Day World of Book Publishing/Author Branding: $1095
- 2024 3-Day Readers Retreat: $585
Tuition Includes:
- Faculty instruction and materials
- Access to all public panels throughout the week
- Breakfast and Lunch at the Viewline Resort (Monday through Friday)
- Opening and closing receptions
- Discounted lodging rates at our conference site, the Viewline Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado.
- Two professional consultations with an agent and/or editor for most juried and book branding workshop participants (*fundamentals of creative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will have two alternative activities instead of one-on-one consultations)
- Social activities such as guided hikes, open mics and informal gatherings.
If you need assistance with the online form, contact Ivy Chalmers: ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org or 970.925.3122 ext. 5.
Manuscripts
If selected to attend Summer Words, you will submit up to two manuscripts during registration—one for workshop and one for consultations. The manuscripts may be taken from the same piece of writing, or from different pieces.
Workshop Manuscript (15 pages max)*
This is the manuscript that will be shared with your instructor and fellow workshop participants for review and critique at Summer Words. This does not have to be the same manuscript that you submitted with your application, but it can be, if you choose. We recommend submitting a sample that you feel can benefit most from the thoughts and feedback of the group, rather than a piece you feel is your strongest work. The manuscript you submit for workshop can also be different from your consultation manuscript. We will distribute workshop manuscripts to each class via email in late May. At that time, you may also receive course requirements, which include specific additional instructions from your faculty leader regarding workshop schedule and extracurricular reading, etc.
*Screenwriting workshop participants can submit up to 35 pages + a one page synopsis
*Generative writing and poetry participants do not need to submit a manuscript for this generative workshop.
Please send questions to ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org
Consultation Manuscript (10 pages max)
This is the manuscript you’ll share with the agent/editor of your choice. Your scheduled appointments will be sent to you in early June.
*Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting students will be offered two alternative programs in lieu of consultations.
Consultations
Professional consultations provide you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with literary agents and editors, hear about the industry, ask for advice, and get feedback on your manuscript. The meetings are meant to enhance your conference experience by exposing you to the business side of publishing. Please know that while occasionally students are selected by agents at Summer Words, it is better to think of these meetings as introductions and a first step in the longer process of finding literary representation.
Juried workshop participants in fiction, memoir, science fiction/fantasy as well as book branding participants are guaranteed two private 15-minute meetings with a literary agent or editor. Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting participants will have two exclusive breakouts activities in lieu of consultations.
The consultation fee is included in the price of tuition. Consultations are assigned through a lottery process prior to Summer Words.
LODGING and TRAVEL
LODGING
- All workshops, panel discussions, faculty readings, craft talks and lunches will take place at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado.
- A room block has been reserved for Aspen Summer Words participants with a discounted rate of $209 plus resort fees and taxes.
- If you are in need of accessibility, please reach out directly to the Viewline Resort to further discuss accommodations. ADA guestrooms available upon request.
- The Viewline Resort Event Center is fully ADA compliant. To enter the event center, please use the main entrance on the right side. To access the 2nd and 3rd floors, there is an elevator down the hall and around the corner.
- Students accepted to Summer Words will be emailed a link to reserve a room in the Aspen Words block at the Viewline Hotel.
Travel
- Snowmass can be reached by air via the Aspen/Snowmass airport (officially known as the Pitkin County Airport), located 7 miles from the Viewline Resort. Guests at the Viewline can utilize the hotel’s free airport shuttle service. Other airport options include Eagle County Airport (2-hour drive), Grand Junction Regional Airport (2.5-hour drive) or Denver International Airport (4-hour drive). Please check ticket prices when you apply for Summer Words, to confirm estimated travel costs to the conference. Please also note that though the weather in Aspen/Snowmass is typically lovely in June, there can be unexpected travel delays when flying to/from the Pitkin County Airport.
Parking
- Parking is available for free in the numbered lots in Snowmass Village. Lot numbers 7-10 are the closest to the Viewline Resort
Ground Transportation
- The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) provides extensive free bus service from Snowmass to Aspen. Snowmass also has a free local shuttle service (Snowmass Village Shuttles) to all major activity areas in Snowmass Village. Shuttles depart every 10 minutes from the shuttle terminal located just below the Snowmass Mall on Daly Lane.www.gosnowmass.com/today
- Uber and Lyft services are limited in Snowmass and the surrounding area. High Mountain Taxi number
Restaurants & Activities
Dining
A light breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, are included with your tuition. The Viewline Resort’s executive chef prepares delicious, healthy, buffet-style meals with a variety of options. Also included in your tuition is a welcome BBQ at the Viewline Resort on June 23 and a closing reception with drinks and heavy apps.
For other meals, Stark’s Alpine Grill and the Viewline Resort lobby bar offer breakfast and dinners daily. First Chair Coffeehouse serves breakfast and lunch daily.Explore more Snowmass dining options here.
Rooms at the Viewline Resort don’t have kitchens, so budget for daily food costs (dinner) that could range from $25-$75, depending on where you dine. A grocery store, Clark’s Market, is located 0.9 miles from the Viewline.
Activities
Snowmass Village has a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy while you are at the conference. We encourage you to get out and about in the afternoons and evenings. See a list of all activities here.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Founded in 1966, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a premier destination for art making and critical dialog in the contemporary art world, bringing together aspiring and internationally renowned artists to discuss and further their work in a stimulating environment. With a campus that is free and open to the public and an extensive array of in-person and online offerings, Anderson Ranch is a hub of creative energy and activity for adults and children alike, with a host of virtual and interactive art workshops, lectures by today’s most influential artists and curators, weekend classes, children’s art workshops and more. www.andersonranch.org
Aspen Snowmass / Roaring Fork IMBA Gold-Level Ride
Center
Snowmass, along with the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley, is the first IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center™ in Colorado, as designated by the International Mountain Biking Association. The IMBA Gold-Level designation, the top award for mountain biking destinations, offers mountain bike enthusiasts more than 300 miles of high quality singletrack from Aspen and Snowmass to Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. Guests riding in Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley can take their pick of adventure, from lift-served gravity trails in the Snowmass Bike Park and expert-only long rides, to family-friendly trails and backcountry adventures. The Aspen Snowmass / Roaring Fork IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center is the first Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado, only the fifth in United States, and among seven in the world. Rides vary for all age and skill levels. www.bikesnowmass.com
Blazing Adventures
With 44 years of experience specializing in outdoor activities in Colorado, Blazing Adventures coordinates winter activities such as hot balloon rides, dog sledding tours, backcountry powder tours, scenic drive tours, winter fly-fishing in Gold Medal rivers, snowmobiling up to the Maroon Bells, backcountry snowshoe tours, and much more. www.blazingadventures.com
The Collective Snowmass
The Collective Snowmass, the hub for community events in Snowmass. Offerings are free and ticketed, depending on the event. For more information, please visit thecollectivesnowmass.com
Fly-Fishing
The 70-mile Roaring Fork River offers the largest stretch of Colorado’s Gold Medal waters, ideal for fly-fishing. The Frying Pan River, which originates east of Snowmass, also boasts Gold Medal status and is a haven for those looking to catch Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout. www.gosnowmass.com/activity/fly-fishing/
Hiking
Snowmass has 90+ miles of hiking trails, and 2.8 million acres of adjacent wilderness to be explored, providing accessible and scenic hiking for all abilities. Visit www.hikesnowmass.com to plan a curated hike for any ability.
Lost Forest
The Lost Forest isn’t hard to find — it’s just hard to see. Tucked in among the trees and rocks at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola are the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, Treeline Trial Challenge Course, Canopy Run Zipline, and Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall. In addition, the Lost Forest operates as a home base for fishing, hiking, and disc golf. www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/lost-forest
The Rink
The Rink, located in the core of Snowmass Base Village, transforms into a summer activity lawn, complete with free family fun games and pop-up kids’ fountain flowing into small pools. www.thecollectivesnowmass.com
Shopping & Dining
With 40 restaurants and 40 shops in Snowmass Village, Snowmass offers something for every taste and style.
Snowmass Mountain Mission
The Snowmass Mountain Mission is an app based, village-wide scavenger hunt designed to challenge creativity, test Snowmass knowledge, and enhance selfie skills. Download the free Eventzee app from the App Store, enter an email, username and password, and the event code: Snowmass. Hit different point thresholds to win fun Snowmass prizes. www.gosnowmass.com/snowmass-mountain-mission
Snowmass Recreation Center
The 18,000-square-feet recreation facility offers unique programming for adults and children, year-round outdoor saline pools, a state-of-the-art cardio and weight room, an indoor gymnasium, aerobics classes, climbing & bouldering walls, and more. www.snowmassrecreation.com
Spa Time
The Viewline Resort Snowmass includes the new Ayurvedic focused Lupine Spa, featuring Sundri products during massages, facials, and signature treatments. The luxurious 7,000-square-foot Spa at the Viceroy Snowmass offers selection of holistic wellness experiences, from Ute Indian-inspired therapies to contemporary beauty rituals. Alux Spalon in Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall offers treatments for hair, nails, facials and waxing. www.gosnowmass.com/things-to-do/retail-services
Sunset Tuesdays
Enjoy beautiful summer evenings at Elk Camp with complimentary gondola rides up the mountain, Lost Forest and other outdoor family activities. https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/activities/summer/sunset-tuesdays-at-elk-camp
Thursday Free Concerts
This long-standing summer tradition and local favorite returns to Fanny Hill every Thursday evening. This may be the best way to enjoy some of the country’s best live bands in a relaxed atmosphere with a spectacular mountain backdrop. https://www.gosnowmass.com/activity/summer-music-series/
Wild West Rodeo
Celebrating its 50th season in 2024, the Snowmass Rodeo is the longest running rodeo in Colorado. This authentic western event takes place every Wednesday evening in the summers through mid-August. Visitors can check out exciting competitions like saddle bronc and bull riding, team roping, and barrel racing. Children can participate in the Calf Scramble and Mutton Busting. http://www.snowmassrodeo.org/
Whitewater Rafting
The nearby Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers offer easy access to Class I to Class IV river experiences – from whitewater rafting to kayaking to stand up paddle boarding. www.gosnowmass.com/activity/whitewater-rafting/
Schedule
Summer Words Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
5:00 p.m.: Summer Words begins with an all-conference orientation session, welcome dinner + faculty readings!
MONDAY, JUNE 24-THURSDAY, JUNE 27
MORNING
7:00-8:00 a.m. Yoga
Get Up and Glow: Yoga for Word Lovers*This will be outside– dress warm!Join us for “Get Up and Glow,” a unique yoga experience tailored for authors, editors and word enthusiasts at Aspen Words from Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27. This free 45-minute class at 7 am is designed to energize and rejuvenate, blending traditional yoga moves, dynamic workouts inspired by Jane Fonda, mindful guided meditation, invigorating jumps, energy work, and vocalization.No barrier to entry – everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level. This class will help with travel fatigue, digestion, breathing, overall fitness, and flexibility. For a complete experience, bring a yoga mat and a small bottle of essential oil, but don’t worry if you don’t have them – just come as you are and get ready to glow!The class is taught by Lisa Sharkey, a HarperCollins book publisher and certified yoga teacher who has been working with her body and helping others with theirs since the 1980s.8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served at the Viewline Resort
9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Daily workshops*
*Author branding, generative writing and readers retreat meet from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
LUNCH
12:00-1 p.m.: Lunch is served at the Viewline Resort
AFTERNOON
1:00-3:30 p.m.: Publishing consultations (Tuesday through Thursday)
Craft Talks + Panel Discussions:
Monday, June 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Publishing Pathways: Understanding the Industry
Speakers: Michelle Brower, Sophie Cudd, Dawn Davis, Aram Fox
Moderator: Lisa Sharkey
Tuesday, June 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
How Stories Stand: Crafting Narrative Architecture through Structure, POV, and Time
Speakers: Karen Lord, Will Schwalbe, Jim Shepard
Moderator: Regina Brooks
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: From Life to Page: Harnessing Experience to Inform Your Writing (no matter the genre)
Speaker: Martha McPhee
Wednesday, June 26, 4:10-4:40 p.m.
Craft Talk: Conversation in Motion: Dialogue & Gesture in Character Development
Speaker: Peter Orner
Thursday, June 27 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: The Plot Thickens: Creating Narratives that Hook Readers
Speakers: Kelly Fremon Craig, Angie Kim
Thursday, June 27 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Drawing to a Close: Sustaining Inspiration Beyond the Conference
Speakers: Mahogany Browne, Angie Kim, Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard
Moderator: Adrienne Brodeur
Social Activities:
June 24, 3:30-5:00 p.m.: Hike
June 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Game night
June 25, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Farm-to-table dinner @ Elk Camp
June 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Open mic night
June 27, 5:45-6:40 p.m.: Closing reception
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
8-11 a.m.: Workshop
Conference concludes after workshops. Safe travels!
Covid-19 Health & Safety Standards
Covid Policy
By registering and participating in Summer Words, you understand there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present, and you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all those who attend Summer Words to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the CDC. Masks are welcome but not required. If you need a mask, we can provide one to you. Instructors may request participants wear masks during workshops.
Please note that these protocols are subject to change, based on revised guidance from the CDC as this pandemic evolves, and/or from the local jurisdictions in which events are being held.
Aspen Words will update you with specific information you may need should our standards change, including any additional enhancements to our standard protocols or modifications selected for that event.Community Agreement
Community Agreement
The Aspen Institute is dedicated to advancing a free, just and equitable society. Consistent with that mission, the Institute is committed to creating a safe and vibrant community that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming to people from all different backgrounds and across the world. We recognize people will have different viewpoints and perspectives. However, only when we treat people with mutual respect and dignity can we truly come together to share a free and open exchange of ideas. So we offer this Community Agreement as a code of conduct to help stakeholders understand what we expect for them when they are engaging with the Institute community, as well as to guide them on what does not belong. If we all follow this Community Agreement, we can ensure everyone feels empowered to participate and further promote intellectual growth and curiosity. In addition, Aspen Words offers Summer Words Principles that provides additional information and expectations for all participants.
FAQS FOR STUDENTS
Whether this is your first time at Summer Words, or you make the pilgrimage each year, this is the place to find answers to the many questions that might pop up while planning your trip. If you don’t find the answer to your question here please email Ivy Chalmers: ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org or call 970.925.3122 ext. 5.
Q. Should I fly into Denver or Aspen/Snowmass? How far is Denver?
A. The Aspen/Snowmass airport is 7 miles from Snowmass Village and the conference site.
- Since flights into the Aspen airport can be costly, you might also consider flying into Eagle County airport (2-hour drive to Snowmass Village), Grand Junction airport (2.5-hour drive to Snowmass Village), or the Denver airport (4-hour drive to Snowmass Village).
Please be sure to check the cost of flights when applying and note that although the weather in Aspen/Snowmass is typically beautiful in June, there can be weather-related delays when traveling to and from the Pitkin County Airport. Visit our Lodging and Travel page for more details
Q. Where is the Viewline Resort?
A. The Viewline Resort is located at 100 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village, CO 81615.
Q. Where should I stay?
A. All conference activities including workshops, lunches and panels will take place at the Viewline Resort. We recommend staying at the Viewline in order to be close to other participants, faculty and events. A room block has been reserved for Summer Words participants with a discounted rate of $209 plus resort fee and taxes.
Q. Where should I eat?
A. A light breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, are included with your tuition. The Viewline Resort’s executive chef prepares delicious, healthy, buffet-style meals with a variety of options. Also included in your tuition is a welcome BBQ at the Viewline Resort on June 23 as well as a closing reception with drinks and heavy apps. For other meals, Stark’s Alpine Grill and the Viewline Resort lobby bar offer breakfast and dinners daily. First Chair Coffeehouse serves breakfast and lunch daily. Explore the more dining options here.
Q. Where will my workshop meet?
A. All workshops will meet at the Viewline Resort. The exact location of your workshop will be included in your registration materials.
Q. Will I need my computer?
A. You do not need to bring a laptop to your workshop, but you are welcome to if you prefer to make notes on a computer rather than a notebook. You may want your laptop for writing in the hours outside of your workshop, or to access some of your work while you are here.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Summer Words is casual. Jeans and informal attire are appropriate for workshops, receptions, panels and other events. Summer mornings and evenings can be quite cool in Snowmass Village, while the days are typically around 70-75 degrees. We suggest packing lots of layers, including a jacket, as cool weather is always a possibility.
Q. What should I do about altitude sickness?
A. Snowmass Village is 8,000 feet above sea level. Please remember to drink plenty of water as your body will be more dehydrated. Be careful when drinking alcohol as the combination of altitude and dehydration can cause alcohol to act faster. Apply plenty of sunscreen and lip balm. It’s common for visitors coming from sea level to experience headaches and shortness of breath the first couple of days at high elevation. You can find some great advice on dealing with altitude here.
Q. What are Aspen Words’ health and safety standards for conference attendees?
A. By registering and participating in Aspen Summer Words, you understand that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present and you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all those who attend Aspen Summer Words to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the CDC. Masks are welcome but not required. If you need a mask, we can provide one to you. Instructors may request participants wear masks during workshops.Please note that these protocols are subject to change, based on revised guidance from the CDC as this pandemic evolves, and/or from the local jurisdictions in which events are being held.
Aspen Words will update you with specific information you may need should our standards change, including any additional enhancements to our standard protocols or modifications selected for that event.Q. Will I have time to write/hike/explore on my own or with family/friends?
A. Write: Yes! All afternoon and evening activities are optional, and you are welcome to use this time to write.
Hike: Yes! We will have at least two guided hiking opportunities. In addition, Snowmass has 90+ miles of hiking trails, and 2.8 million acres of adjacent wilderness to be explored, providing accessible and scenic hiking for all abilities. Visit www.hikesnowmass.com to plan a curated hike for any ability.
Explore: Yes! Snowmass offers a lot to see and do and we encourage you to take advantage. Please visit our Activities page for more information.Q. Can I bring my spouse/partner/friend/child?
A. You are welcome to bring friends or family to join you on your trip to Snowmass. While you are in your morning workshop, they will find plenty to do: mountain biking, hiking, reading by the pool, etc. Your friends and family are also welcome to join us for the afternoon panels and can purchase a public pass on our website in mid-May. A complete list of public events and ticket information will be available then. Opening Night diner and lunches are open to Summer Words students only.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel, we will refund half of the workshop tuition until May 20. We cannot refund cancellations after May 20.
Should a faculty member cancel for Aspen Summer Words, Aspen Words is committed to finding a replacement faculty member who meets our high standard for both teaching expertise, as well as writing acclaim. No refunds will be extended following May 20 due to changes to the faculty roster. - Financial Aid
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Financial Aid
General Scholarships: Aspen Words offers a limited number of partial and full tuition scholarships based on merit and financial need. General scholarships cover tuition only. Recipients are responsible for travel, lodging and meals (excluding breakfast and lunch). Please complete the financial aid section of the application to apply for a scholarship. Acceptance into a workshop does not necessarily mean an automatic scholarship.
Scholarships for Roaring Fork Valley Writers (Aspen to Parachute)
Thanks to the generosity of Arny and Anne Porath, these two merit-based scholarships cover tuition and lodging. Please indicate on your application that you would like to apply for this opportunity.
Emerging Writer Fellowships:
In its commitment to support new literary voices, Aspen Words provides Summer Words fellowships to emerging writers who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise. Candidates are nominated by writers, agents, editors and others associated with publishing. Last year, we received over 150 nominations. Fellows receive a full scholarship to the Summer Words conference, including tuition, airfare, lodging and some meals.We do not accept self-nominations. If you are interested in being nominated, please have a colleague, teacher or mentor who is familiar with your work request the nomination form. Fellowship nominees will be notified of their acceptance prior to the deadline for the general application process (so that they will still have the opportunity to apply in the general round if not accepted for one of the ten fellowships).
Note: Our Emerging Writer Fellowship program is designed to give exceptional writers at the early stages of their careers a boost in the literary community and the publishing world. Writers with books under contract, or who have already had a book-length work published prior to Summer Words by a major publisher or an independent press that publishes more than 10 books per year are not eligible for this scholarship. Applicants may have had stories or novel excerpts published in magazines, literary journals or online, but this is not a requirement. Please email Ivy Chalmers at ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org with questions.
Outside funding:
Please check with your educational institution or employer for additional grant or professional development funding options to attend Summer Words. - Schedule
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Summer Words 2024 Schedule (For Reference)
Summer Words Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
5:00 p.m.: Summer Words begins with an all-conference orientation session, welcome dinner + faculty readings!
MONDAY, JUNE 24-THURSDAY, JUNE 27
MORNING
7:00-8:00 a.m. Yoga
Get Up and Glow: Yoga for Word Lovers*This will be outside– dress warm!Join us for “Get Up and Glow,” a unique yoga experience tailored for authors, editors and word enthusiasts at Aspen Words from Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27. This free 45-minute class at 7 am is designed to energize and rejuvenate, blending traditional yoga moves, dynamic workouts inspired by Jane Fonda, mindful guided meditation, invigorating jumps, energy work, and vocalization.No barrier to entry – everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level. This class will help with travel fatigue, digestion, breathing, overall fitness, and flexibility. For a complete experience, bring a yoga mat and a small bottle of essential oil, but don’t worry if you don’t have them – just come as you are and get ready to glow!The class is taught by Lisa Sharkey, a HarperCollins book publisher and certified yoga teacher who has been working with her body and helping others with theirs since the 1980s.8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served at the Viewline Resort
9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Daily workshops*
*Author branding, generative writing and readers retreat meet from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
LUNCH
12:00-1 p.m.: Lunch is served at the Viewline Resort
AFTERNOON
1:00-3:30 p.m.: Publishing consultations (Tuesday through Thursday)
Craft Talks + Panel Discussions:
Monday, June 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Publishing Pathways: Understanding the Industry
Speakers: Michelle Brower, Sophie Cudd, Dawn Davis, Aram Fox
Moderator: Lisa Sharkey
Tuesday, June 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
How Stories Stand: Crafting Narrative Architecture through Structure, POV, and Time
Speakers: Karen Lord, Will Schwalbe, Jim Shepard
Moderator: Regina Brooks
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: From Life to Page: Harnessing Experience to Inform Your Writing (no matter the genre)
Speaker: Martha McPhee
Wednesday, June 26, 4:10-4:40 p.m.
Craft Talk: Conversation in Motion: Dialogue & Gesture in Character Development
Speaker: Peter Orner
Thursday, June 27 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Craft Talk: The Plot Thickens: Creating Narratives that Hook Readers
Speakers: Kelly Fremon Craig, Angie Kim
Thursday, June 27 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Drawing to a Close: Sustaining Inspiration Beyond the Conference
Speakers: Mahogany Browne, Angie Kim, Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard
Moderator: Adrienne Brodeur
Social Activities:
June 24, 3:30-5:00 p.m.: Hike
June 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Game night
June 25, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Farm-to-table dinner @ Elk Camp
June 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Open mic night
June 27, 5:45-6:40 p.m.: Closing reception
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
8-11 a.m.: Workshop
Conference concludes after workshops. Safe travels!
- Gallery
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- Non-Juried Workshops
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NON -JURIED WORKSHOPS
Generative Writing: Karen Shepard
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding: Lisa Sharkey
Readers Retreat: Will SchwalbeAll workshops will be held at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass (100 Elbert Lane Snowmass Village, CO).
*If you are interested in financial aid for the Generative Writing workshop, please contact ivy.chalmers@aspeninstitute.org.
NON-JURIED WORKSHOPS
GENERATIVE WRITING | Karen Shepard
Karen Shepard
Karen Shepard is a Chinese-American born and raised in New York City. She is the author of four novels, “An Empire of Women,” “The Bad Boy’s Wife,”
Don’t I Know You?”, and “The Celestials,” which was short-listed for the Massachusetts Book Award and the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Her most recent book is a collection of short stories, “Kiss Me Someone,” which was shortlisted for the Story Prize. Her short fiction has been published in The Atlantic Monthly, Tin House, One Story, and Ploughshares, among others. Her nonfiction has appeared in O Magazine, Buzzfeed, More, Self, USA Today, and The Boston Globe, among others. She has received the William Goyen-Doris Roberts Fellowship for Fiction, was a National Magazine Award Finalist, and was a recipient of a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant. She teaches writing and literature at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.Workshop Description
A stranger is sitting on a stool at a bar, minding her own business. You approach and say, “Can I tell you a story?” The stranger gives you a look and says, warily, “Okay.” How do you keep that stranger on the barstool? In this generative workshop, we’ll spend five mornings discussing short published work as examples of how others have solved some of the challenges we’re all facing, and then we’ll practice some of the skills necessary to meet those challenges through in-class writing prompts followed by discussion. Writers will leave with new work and new strategies to pursue as well as a better understanding of how to identify and articulate what we’re doing on the page. Some brief (and wonderful) advance reading required.
INSIDE THE WORLD OF BOOK PUBLISHING & AUTHOR BRANDING | Lisa Sharkey
Lisa Sharkey
Lisa Sharkey, SVP and Director of Creative Development at Harper Collins Publishers, was recently described by one of her authors, number one bestseller Congressman Jamie Raskin as a “clairvoyant publishing wizard,” Following more than two decades producing, writing and developing Emmy award-winning network and syndicated television news, Lisa made the switch into books because of her love for literature, storytelling, and going deep.
Sharkey is a champion of powerful, poignant, and persuasive storytelling. More than 75 of the books she has published have become New York Times bestsellers, selling millions of copies in multiple languages across the globe over the past 15 years. Her authors have accomplished extraordinary things and changed the world by telling their stories. Sharkey publishes books in the categories of politics, journalism, true crime, music, sports, medicine, self-help, cooking, mindfulness, science, religion, military life, and inspirational memoir. Sharkey is a mother of three, a yoga teacher, and a mentor of military veterans who are transitioning into civilian life.
She lives in one of New York’s first ever eco houses that she designed along with her architect husband who co-authored their book “Dreaming Green.”
Workshop Description – New for 2024
Inside the World of Book Publishing & Author Branding
Explore the intricacies of book publishing from concept to publication and discover how to develop your unique author brand. In this engaging 3-hour daily workshop, Monday through Thursday, you’ll gain insights into the publishing process and receive personalized guidance to enhance your author identity. With homework assignments tailored to each participant, you’ll learn to navigate the dynamic publishing landscape.
READERS RETREAT | Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe
Will Schwalbe is the author of “The End of Your Life Book Club,” which was a #1 Indie Next pick, an Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Year, and spent nine weeks on the New York Timesbestseller list. He has worked in digital media; in book publishing; and as a journalist, writing for various publications, including the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. He is also the author of “Send” (co-written with David Shipley) and “Books for Living.” His most recent book, “We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship,” was published in February 2023. Will lives in New York City.
Note: The Readers Retreat meets Monday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The welcome dinner on Sunday evening as well as breakfasts and lunches are included in your tuition.
Workshop Description
Will Schwalbe, author of the New York Times bestseller The End of Your Life Book Club, will lead discussions about the unique power of books to shape our lives in an era of constant connectivity, with special attention on the role that reading can play to help us make sense of the world, become better people, and find answers to the big (and small) questions we all face about how best to life our lives. Many of the selections are from writers whose work he explored in his book Books for Living and range from poetry to fiction to memoir and even cookbooks, each relating to questions and concerns we all share. Over the course of three days we’ll be discussing George Orwell, Edna Lewis, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Lin Yutang, Robert Benchley, Marie Howe, and a variety of other authors, while we celebrate reading for its own delights and as a way to help us live each day more fully.
Archives
- 2024 Agents + Editors
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Professional consultations provide you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with literary agents and editors, hear about the industry, ask for advice, and get feedback on your manuscript. The meetings are meant to enhance your conference experience by exposing you to the business side of publishing. Please know that while occasionally students are selected by agents at Summer Words, it is better to think of these meetings as introductions and a first step in the longer process of finding literary representation.
Juried workshop participants in fiction, memoir, science fiction/fantasy as well as book branding participants are guaranteed two private 15-minute meetings with a literary agent or editor. Generative writing, poetry and screenwriting participants will have two exclusive breakouts activities in lieu of consultations.
AGENT | Regina Brooks
Regina-Brooks Ms. Regina Brooks is the founder and president of Serendipity Literary Agency in New York, New York. Her agency is the largest African American owned agency in the country and has represented and established a diverse base of award-winning clients in adult and young adult fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. Her authors have appeared in USA Today, the New York Times, and the Washington Post as well as on Oprah, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, MSBNC, TV One, BET, and a host of others. In 2015, Publishers Weekly nominated Regina Brooks as a PW Star Watch Finalist, and she was honored with a Stevie Award in Business. Writer’s Digest Magazine named Serendipity Literary Agency as one of the top 25 literary agencies. She is currently the Vice President of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and co-chair of its Communications Committee, a founding member and board member of Literary Agents of Change (LAOC), and a board member of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). Formerly, she held senior editorial positions at John Wiley and Sons (where she was not only the youngest but also the first African American editor in their college division) and McGraw-Hill.
Prior to her publishing career, she worked as an aerospace engineer and made history as the first African American woman to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from The Ohio State University. She is a graduate of The School of the Arts High School in Rochester, NY.
She is the author of Essence Magazine’s quick pick children’s book, Never Finished, Never Done (Scholastic), Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Getting Published, 2e (Sourcebooks), and You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir (St. Martin’s Press) and is a well-received blogger for the Huffington Post. Brooks is also on the faculty of the Harvard University publishing program, Western Connecticut MFA low residency programs, and Writer’s Digest University and teaches annually at more than twenty worldwide conferences. She has been highlighted in several national and international magazines and periodicals, including Publishers Weekly, Forbes, Media Bistro, Writers and Poets, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Jet, Women on Writing, Writer’s Digest Magazine, The Writer, The Network Journal, and Rolling Out.
She was named Woman of the Year by The National Association of Professional Women, A New York Urban League Rising Star Award winner, and a finalist for the StevieTM Award for Women Entrepreneurs. Regina Brooks is featured in books such as Guide to Literary Agents and the NAACP-nominated Down to Business: The First 10 Steps for Women Entrepreneurs, How to Build a Platform, and Bill Duke’s Dark Girls. She is also listed in International Who’s Who under the categories of Professional Management, Technology, Entrepreneurs, and Engineering. In 2010, Brooks partnered with Marie Brown of Marie Brown and Associates and Marva Allen of Hue Man Bookstore to launch a new publishing imprint with Johnny Temple’s Akashic Books called Open Lens.
Further, Possibiliteas is the brainchild of the literary agent and tea enthusiast, Regina Brooks, who believed that tea—the world’s oldest performance-enhancing beverage—could have a beneficial effect on her clients—writers, artists, and other creative professionals who were looking for fuel for their creative fire.
She is a pilot and cofounder of Brooklyn Aviation as well as a member of New York Women in Film and Television.
Ms. Brooks is the founder and Co-Executive Director of Y.B. Literary Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization designed to kindle a passion for literature within high school students and an appreciation for the possibilities and opportunities that reading can provide.
When Regina’s not agenting, she’s gardening, fishing, and flying her own plane (always in a dress).
AGENT | Michelle Brower
Michelle Brower co-founded Trellis Literary Management in 2021 in order to better serve and support her authors and create an agency with a lasting positive impact in the world of publishing. She has spent over fifteen years as an agent, first at Wendy Sherman Associates, as a Senior Vice President at Folio Literary Management, and as a partner at Aevitas Creative Management.
Her list spans the spectrum of literary and commercial fiction, from thought-provoking story collections to page-turning thrillers. She is primarily interested in work that focuses on storytelling and emotional connection, rather than formal experimentation, and believes that the best reading experience engages both the heart and the head. She is looking for book club novels (a commercial idea with a literary execution), literary fiction, literary suspense, genre fiction for a non-genre audience, and upmarket women’s fiction. In non-fiction, she is looking for a personal story that illuminates a greater subject. In all of these areas, she is looking to support underrepresented voices.
Michelle is honored to work with books that have received a variety of accolades, including NY Times Bestsellers, National Book Award finalists and winners, and Read with Jenna, Target, Barnes and Noble, Reese’s Book Club, and Good Morning America book club selections. Her authors have received recognition from the Whiting Awards, the Rona Jaffe Foundation, MacDowell, the Steinbeck Fellow Program, the Sewanee Writers Conference as well as from many other organizations.
Michelle received her Masters degree in British and American Literature from New York University. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Seattle with her family.
AGENT | Sophie Cudd
Sophie Cudd joined The Book Group as Associate Agent in 2023, after nearly four years at William Morris Endeavor. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Sophie has a degree in English Literature from Southern Methodist University, studied Shakespeare at the University of Oxford, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
In fiction, Sophie loves compelling, high-stakes tales of love, loss, mystery and belonging. She is drawn to accessible and deeply resonant characters, plot-driven stories with a strong sense of time and place, and is a sucker for a twist she never saw coming. In nonfiction, Sophie’s interests are wide-ranging, but she is particularly interested in moving and introspective memoirs, food writing, essay collections, and well-researched narrative nonfiction.
Sophie splits her time between Nashville and NYC. When she’s not reading, Sophie can be found haunting an art museum, hiking Nashville’s Percy Warner park, or making her favorite Ottolenghi saffron pasta.
EDITOR | Dawn Davis
The Poets & Writers 2019 Editor of the Year, Dawn Davis is the founding publisher of 37 INK, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. She has edited many prize-winning and New York Times bestselling books, including one of the 2023 New York Times’ 10 Best Books of the Year, Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo; How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair; The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan; Never Caught, a finalist for the National Book Award, by Erica Armstrong Dunbar; The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton; The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, by Issa Rae; Tough Love by Ambassador Susan Rice; I Can’t Make this Up by Kevin Hart, and various books by weight loss expert JJ Smith, including the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse.
In 2020, Davis was named Editor in Chief of the Condé Nast magazines, Bon Appétit and Epicurious. She returned to Simon & Schuster in 2023.
Prior to first joining Simon & Schuster, Davis was publisher of Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins, where she edited The Known World by Edward P. Jones, which won the Pulitzer Prize; Steve Harvey’s Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, which was one of the best-selling books of the decade; and The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner.
She lives in New York City.
AGENT | Aram Fox
Aram Fox is a literary agent at Massie & McQuilkin. He represents fiction that puts immersive storytelling front and center, deeply reported narrative nonfiction, mission-driven activists, and eye-opening writing about science, technology and natural history. Aram started in film/TV, working in the Story Department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists. From there, he went to Warner Books/Little Brown and at age 26, Aram founded a book scouting agency where for 20+ years he represented international publishers and American film/TV companies, guiding his publisher and film/TV clients to acquire a Who’s Who of prize-winning and bestselling writers, including: Anthony Doerr, Brit Bennett, Peter Godfrey-Smith, Lauren Oyler, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Bill Gates, George Saunders, Angela Duckworth, Patrick Radden Keefe, Dave Grohl, Lena Dunham, Emma Cline, Harlan Coben, Jeff VanderMeer, Alex Honnold and Andy Weir among many others.AGENT | Sarah Fuentes
Sarah Fuentes joined UTA in 2023 with a decade of experience, most recently with Fletcher & Company where she spent seven years building her list after beginning her career at The Wylie Agency. She represents both literary and upmarket fiction and a range of nonfiction, and her clients include Keri Blakinger, Jake Bittle, Julia Rosen, Sarah Everts, Claire Kohda, and A. Natasha Joukovsky.Across genres she is looking for sharp and distinct contemporary voices, compelling prose, and singular points of view. In fiction, she’s interested in novels that dig into the complicated inner workings of relationships and bring readers deep in the messy minds of their characters. She’s after intimacy but also intensity and stakes that keep you turning the page. In terms of story, she gravitates to work that wrestles with class, sexuality, gender, technology, and power in all its forms. And she loves a twist of humor, a dark bent, and a speculative or uncanny edge. Some of her favorite non-client authors are Miranda July, Julia Armfield, Rachel Yoder, Jen Beagin, Katie Kitamura, Hilary Leichter, Raven Leilani, Ling Ma, and Norman Rush.In nonfiction, she’s drawn to idea-driven narratives that help explain how we see and construct the world around us or that bring some hidden architecture into view. Her interests span literary memoir, popular science, investigative journalism, history (social, intellectual, and overlooked histories in particular), and cultural criticism and essays.Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to New York to study literature and art history at Vassar College and now lives in Brooklyn.Archives
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The 2020 conference was held virtually.
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