The annual Wilson College Creative Writing Colloquium welcomes writers of all levels to a day of immersive learning, insightful discussions, and inspiring connections. Hosted by the Wilson College English and Master’s in Humanities programs, this event will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics and Technology Center. The Colloquium is free and includes lunch. All attendees are required to register by February 7 at https://www.wilson.edu/CWC-registration

This year, Alicia Drumgoole, , will present the keynote address. Writing under the pen name Agnes Jayne, she is the author of two novels, “The Problem with Power” and “Premonition,” and short stories published in the anthologies “Last Writes: Haunting Tales from the Mountain Scribes” and “The Appalachian Compilation.” 

Morning sessions will feature workshops in fiction and poetry on the following topics:

• Action and Emotion: Balancing Intensity and Introspection in Writing

  Explore how to craft powerful action scenes that balance physical tension with emotional depth. Presented by author and entrepreneur Kirsten Hubbard, who published her debut novel “Milwaukee Deep: An Ambrose Nobel Novel” in 2023 under her pen name Kirstie Croga. She will release the audiobook and sequel “One White Mule” later this year.

• The Fiction of Jeffrey Bardwell

  A look at selections from the work of the late Jeffrey Bardwell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Wilson, who presented a session on newsletters at the 2024 colloquium. Bardwell was the author of several epic fantasy novels with elements of darkness, steampunk, and romance. Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Wilson College and a good friend of Bardwell, will share insights on his work and she encourages attendees to bring samples of their own writing for the discussion. 

• Public Health as Muse

  The subtle but powerful approaches to creative writing that incorporate public health. Presented by Katy Giebenhain, author of “Sharps Cabaret” from Mercer University Press, who also co-hosts the First Friday poetry series at The Ragged Edge Coffeehouse in Gettysburg. 

• Revision in Theory and Practice

  A session to address reasons the revision process can be challenging and several techniques to help. Presented by Noel Sloboda, Ph.D., professor of English and creative writing at Penn State York and the author of two poetry collections, seven chapbooks, and published works in journals, edited volumes, and periodicals. 

The Wilson College Creative Writing Colloquium receives support from the Arts for All grant opportunity of the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. 

For more information, visit https://www.wilson.edu/CWC

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