Climate change, war narratives, and the woman’s voice in nature writing are among the topics covered in a series of afternoon panel discussions at the Elk River Writers Workshop, taking place during the week of August 8, at Chico Hot Springs in Paradise Valley. Evenings during the week will feature readings by workshop faculty and staff. Presenters for these events are among the nation’s premiere ecology and social justice writers.
On Monday, Aug. 8, Mary Clare and Gary Ferguson will moderate a live recording of their podcast, “How It Looks from Here,” with Camille Dungy, Drew Lanham, Beth Piatote, and Pamela Uschuk discussing their experiences with concern, courage, inspiration, and sources of comfort in times of climate change. 1 – 3 p.m.
On Tuesday, Aug. 9, Clare, Dungy, Piatote, and Laura Pritchett will discuss the unique ways nature factors into their writing and why the female voice is so important in the conversations being had about climate, policy, and ecological justice. Moderated by workshop director CMarie Fuhrman. 1:30 – 3 p.m.
On Wednesday, Aug. 10, writers and veterans Doug Peacock and Elliott Woods are joined by correspondent and radio pioneer Scott Carrier to discuss the ways they write about war from an ethical place, including the unique moral responsibilities the job demands. Moderated by novelist Jamie Harrison Potenberg. 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Faculty and staff readings will be held each of these evenings, from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday will feature Laura Pritchett, Camille Dungy, and Elise Atchison. Tuesday’s authors are Beth Piatote, Sean Hill, and Marc Beaudin. On Wednesday, Gary Ferguson, Mary Clare, and J. Drew Lanham will read.
The discussions and readings are free and open to the public. Books by presenters will be available for sale, and authors will be on hand for signings.
Elk River Arts & Lectures is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and celebrating the literary arts in Park County. For more information, visit elkriverarts.org.
