Welcome!
Is this your first writers’ conference? Or your first time attending Writers at Work? You may have some questions, some of which may not even occur until you are at the conference. So here is some information that may give you answers in advance.
What will happen at the conference?
When you first arrive, you will register and check in, receive your materials, and relax until the conference begins. Feel free to come early, chat with other early registrants, read your materials, check into your room, ask questions, and get settled. The Alta Lodge has a warm, community feel to it, and we want all of our writers to feel part of that community from the start.
You will receive an agenda which will tell you what, where, and when events will occur. If workshops, meetings with agents/editors, and consultations are not fully scheduled yet, you will have an opportunity to sign up. In addition, a sign-up sheet for the open readings will be available – sign up, and let us hear you read your work!
What is a Writers at Work “Workshop”?
Depending on the faculty member’s approach, a workshop can be one of several things.
The time may be spent, in part, reading and critiquing other attendee’s work, often submitted and shared in advance, sometimes 5-10 pages each. Sometimes a manuscript-critiquing workshop demands time in the evenings to read and critique.
Or the workshop may be a lecture format. In-class exercises, readings, handout materials, individual work, and/or group discussions may accompany it. Sometimes a leader may give a homework assignment that you complete in the evening.
What should I bring?
Alta Lodge is in the Utah mountains. In June, the weather will be mild during the day, but cold at night. So bring clothes for sunshine and rain and warm wraps for the evening. Don’t forget your hiking shoes – there are several wonderful hikes nearby, and early-risers often organize them among themselves. Don’t forget your swimsuit – there are two hot tubs, and registrants have been known to enjoy them well into the night!
Bring your computer or IPAD. We try to make a printer available, but, to be safe, print before you come. Work written at the conference can be read off of the computer to the workshop participants or to the full conference in the scheduled readings.
One of our Board members always takes an extension cord, and a 100 watt light bulb, we’re in Utah, so it isn’t as easy to get alcohol. There is a small store in the Lodge, where you can purchase wine and alcohol, but the supply is limited. You may want to stop in Salt Lake City for these purchases. Bring other amenities to make yourself comfortable, including snacks, your can’t-sleep-without-it pillow, and that rag-eared book of poems you love. And don’t forget to remember the lyrics to your favorite hot-tub sing-along songs.
What do we eat and drink?
The food at Alta Lodge is terrific. You will have a vegetarian choice at every meal. The Sunday buffet is out-of-this-world, and you may invite family or friends to join you.
Coffee, hot chocolate and tea are available most of the day.
Alcohol may be requested meals.
Is there a store nearby?
There is a small shop at the Lodge where you can get necessities (including a limited beer, wine, and alcohol selection.) Better still, shop in Salt Lake City on your way up to the Lodge.
Can I leave the Lodge and go into the big city?
Not conveniently. Salt Lake City is a forty-minute drive away, and the canyon road is curvy.
But not to worry! The place to be is at the Lodge! In the evenings, readings by the faculty, special guest appearances, and friendly gatherings are planned. One of the big advantages of this conference is that we are all there all the time! Conference participants get to know one another early on and have formed fast friendships, reading to each other into the night, critiquing, sharing stories, and going on evening walks.
If I think of a question, can I call you?
If you have any further questions (and there’s no such thing as a silly one!), please feel free to call Jennifer Atwood at 801-996-3313 or email Jennifer@writersatwork.org. We are there to answer your questions and let you know how welcome you are.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Writers@Work
Board of Directors
