Aspen Summer Words Writing Conference and Literary Festival

The 47th annual Aspen Summer Words Writing Conference and Literary Festival was held from June 18 to June 23 at the Viewline, a resort in the mountain town of Snowmass, Colorado, around 15 minutes from downtown Aspen. The conference featured workshops, including a workshop on book editing, for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers; panels and craft talks; and readings; as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. The faculty included poet Major Jackson; fiction writers Katie Kitamura and Tom Perrotta; novelist and editor Michelle Wildgen; and memoirists Claire Dederer and Ashley C. Ford. Tuition was $1,700 for the poetry, fiction, and nonfiction workshops, and $1,875 for the book editing workshop, which includes access to all panels, breakout sessions, and some meals. A limited number of scholarships were available. Lodging was available at the Viewline Snowmass for $199 per night. To apply for a workshop, writers submitted a writing sample of up to 10 pages of poetry or prose (or up to 85,000 words of a manuscript alongside an author bio and book synopsis for the book editing workshop) with a $35 application fee by February 17. Visit the website for more information.

Accessibility accommodations included public transportation within 600 feet of the venue; elevators in all multilevel event spaces; accessible sidewalks, pathways, doorways, event spaces, and restrooms; and signage in Braille. E-mail reservations@viewlineresortsnowmass.com for additional accessibility details.