great people, great places: the taos summer writers’ conference

I’m fresh off the experience of teaching at the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference, a seven-day rush of great words, wonderful people, and – certainly for me, and I’m hoping for the 25 writers (in two groups) who traipsed about Taos by my side – terrific visits to places that reveal the heart of this region. The week started with a five-day “Writing the Where of It” course, alternating days in the classroom with days in the field, and closed with a weekend workshop, “Writing Around Taos,” spent exclusively out and about. I got to hang around with a bunch of talented, interesting, exuberant, good-spirited people who share a love for writing and a curiosity about Taos. What could be better? Well, watching people’s ideas and images bloom on the page in real time – and that’s what the workshops afforded me: the real-time unfolding of beautiful work inspired by the question of place and by the real places we visited.

I’ve got a few people to thank for all the fun I had. First, hats off to Sharon Oard Warner, who launched the first Taos Summer Writers’ Conference eleven years ago on a wing and a prayer, and who must be crazy-proud to see it grow into such a tremendous success. She’s got a crackerjack team working with her. Barb van Buskirk has an infectious smile and a handle on every last detail, and the MFA student interns are smart, cheerful, and always a step ahead of any trouble, quick to head it off at the pass. Teddy Warner (sex and pumpernickel, Teddy? – well, you got us all to smile for the group photo) was everywhere and did everything that needed doing. And Sam Tetangco, Lucy Dupertuis, Robin Brontsema, and Bruce (what’s your last name, Bruce?) were each stellar in carrying out their duties as van drivers for the groups – and brilliant writers to boot.

And the participants? I don’t know how I got so lucky, but to a person both groups were filled with the most engaging, accomplished, good-hearted writers a teacher could ever hope to meet. Watching you guys get to know one another, loosen up in your writing, and enjoy this place I love so much was a true delight for me, and one I won’t forget soon. Sam, Linda, Nancy, Pintki, Ian, Dove, Susie, Valerie, Cathy, Allyson, Lucy, Anne, and Leslie in the first group, and David, Tom, Julia, Jan, Marjorie, Marie M., Marie R., Kim, Jeanne, Suzanne, Robin, and Bruce in the second – you guys rock. Write on, and write well. You’ve got what it takes.

Writing is such a lonely occupation, most of the time. We sit at our desks or draped in our armchairs, the pen poised or computer humming… and we rarely get the chance to exchange ideas with other writers, to talk shop or compose together, to offer our work or listen attentively to others. For one week in July, the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference changes all that. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.


12 Responses to “great people, great places: the taos summer writers’ conference”

  1. Tom Claffey Says:
    July 22nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    In response to Summer’s beautiful piece on the Taos Writers’ Conference, I’d like to share a few lines I wrote at the D.H. Lawrence Ranch on Saturday: “Between Two Crosses. Standing outside the Lawrence Memorial this late afternoon, I study the five foot wooden cross beside its entrance. Between this cross and the fifty foot bronze cross we saw this morning on the Taos Plaza, has been a day of inspiration, new friends and a communion of spirit among thirteen writers. It is a day I’ll never forget.”

  2. Maida Tilchen Says:
    July 22nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    Summer, the Taos writers conference sounds so great. Wish I could have been there! Thanks for your account of it. Maybe some of your students would post some of what they wrote on your blog?

  3. Summer Wood Says:
    July 23rd, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    Thanks, Tom! And thanks to Maida, too — I’ll be posting some of the participants’ writing on a password-protected page, but I’ll ask them if any would agree to make their work public. I’d love for thewhereofit to function as a forum for all kinds of writing on place.

  4. Bettejo Dux Says:
    July 28th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    I am a writer. I live on Kauai. I have a beautiful little cottage I would like to make available, by the month, to women writers. I will need help with this. I understand there are foundation which offer grant money for such a venture. if you are one please contact me. If you knnow of one please let me know. Sincerely, Bettejo

  5. Summer Wood Says:
    July 28th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    Sounds beautiful… I don’t know of anyone who offers funding for a project like this, but if any readers do, you can post the info here. Good luck!

  6. Bettejo Dux Says:
    July 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    We really need a writer’s colony here on Kauai. I do not have a large estate, it’s simple, country and a perfect place to write I think. I would like to arrange to leave my entire estate to such an endeaver. I’m sure it’s in the cards and could be arranged. Open for discussion. Help me help you. It’s a new world. Peace and love Bettejo

  7. the where of it » God’s in the (right) details: No frills New Mexico in “The Five Wounds” Says:
    July 29th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    [...] talked a lot in the workshop in Taos about ways writers reveal place, and I looked at this story with a special interest in how Quade [...]

  8. Kim Says:
    July 29th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    Summer – Thank you for an experience that gave us an appreciation of Taos and fresh perspectives with which to view our literal and figurative landscapes. Your workshop was inspiring and it was lovely to meet and write with you!
    Kim (Florida)

  9. Summer Wood Says:
    July 30th, 2009 at 5:44 am

    Kim, it was great to have you in the group! Hey, and thanks for sharing your birthday with us –
    Summer

  10. David Rachlin Says:
    July 30th, 2009 at 6:26 am

    Nothing could be more meaningful when writing about place than being in the chosen venue while drafting. Summer’s workshop couldn’t have been better for someone like me who always begins with place. I have been deeply moved by the landscapes we saw and have already begun writing about the experiences. My photography enhanced the experience and the two creative outlets are working together nicely. I can’t stop telling people about the two incredible meals we had. Talk about stimulating all five (six?) senses!

  11. Summer Wood Says:
    July 30th, 2009 at 8:04 am

    I’m honored, David — and glad the weekend worked for you. Best best luck with the writing AND the wonderful photographs — I saw some real beauties on your website!
    Summer

  12. Tom Claffey Says:
    July 30th, 2009 at 9:23 am

    Good morning, David – What is your website address? I’d love to see the photographs you took in Taos. All the best, Tom

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