Calling All Writers…
If you’re a writer looking to hone your craft, or if you are interested in becoming a writer, join Florida Tech’s School of Arts and Communications March 16th-20th, 2014 at the Creative Writing Institute. Committee members are pleased to announce some exciting new changes to the Institute, which is now entering its sixth year. In order to provide a more intimate atmosphere for both attendees and instructors, the program has been moved to the classrooms at the Foosaner Art Museum in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District. Florida Tech’s campus will still be used for several events, one of which is a free cocktail hour to be held at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts on Tuesday, March 18th. Those in attendance will not only be able to view the museum’s new exhibit, Tying the Knot: Global Wedding Costume and Ritual, but they will also be treated to a special performance by Florida Tech music students.
This year, the Institute welcomes authors John Dufresne, Terri Witek, Ira Sukrungruang, and Audrey Colombe as its instructors. Dufresne, a returning author whose recent novel No Regrets, Coyote is receiving critical acclaim, will kick off the event with a keynote address on Sunday, March 16th at 2pm. He will also teach a course on how to write the first draft of a novel in six months. Terri Witek, a 2013 Florida Book Award Winner for her book Exit Island, will teach a course on poetry in which attendees will be encouraged to take and use photos to compliment one’s poems. Ira Sukrungruang, a professor in the MFA program at the University of South Florida and author of Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy, will lead a class on creative nonfiction. Finally, Audrey Colombe, a professor at the University of Tampa who specializes in American fiction, will offer a class on writing short stories.
Each day of the week, the Institute will offer free lunch and evening coffee hours hosted by our writers. Of special note is the noon coffee hour on Monday, March 17th, when Tom Barden, a folklorist from the University of Toledo and recipient of the 2012-2014 Phi Kappa Phi Scholar award, will present a special lecture. Other activities include a book fair on the opening day, an open mic night where one can read his or her work, jazz on the beach at The Crowne Hotel, and a closing ceremony on Thursday, March 20th.
Spaces for the program are limited, so participants are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible. Registration is available on our website at http://411.fit.edu/cwi, which is also where you can find more information about our authors and special events. A 25% discount is available for Florida Tech faculty and employees, and also those persons age 62 and over. For additional information, consult our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Creativewritinginstitute) or email us at cwi@fit.edu.
