FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        June 8, 2009

CONTACT: HENRY DEUTSCH
driftlesswriters@gmail.com

608-637-7624

2009 Driftless Writers Workshop
September 18-20

            VIROQUA, WI – Members of the Driftless Writers Workshop announced today that they will hold their annual workshop on Friday, September 18 in Viroqua and Saturday through Sunday September 19-20 at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI.  The Driftless Writers’ Workshop began as the Viroqua Writers’ Workshop in 2007.  New this year is the addition of Writer’s Camp at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI.
The theme of the Sept. 18-20 workshop, The People of the Place: Developing Literary Characters, will build on the previous years’ workshops that have focused on a variety of story subjects from Wisconsin’s Driftless Area.
Sessions include presentations from authors of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry including a special keynote workshop and discussion with David Rhodes, author of Driftless on Friday, September 18.
Writers of any experience level are invited and welcome.
“We have already filled over half of the available space with pre-registration,” noted organizer and two time participant Lisa Criste.  “This year we are offering a one-day option, so you can attend only Friday in Viroqua or Saturday at Sugar Creek.  We know that folks are excited about the opportunity to workshop with David Rhodes and to participate in the weekend writing sessions in a beautiful retreat setting.  Our goal is to make the workshop accessible to anyone who is interested.”
A registration fee of $80 per day or $150 for three days is required to offset the workshop expenses. 
“The change in name to the Driftless Writers’ Workshop illustrates both the broadening of our geographical focus and also our commitment to local writers, local issues, and local color,” Criste added.
In addition to the workshop with Rhodes, presenters will include Joe Orso, columnist for the La Crosse Tribune and staff member at the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse; Kay Rutherford, Ph.D., private therapist, writer and teacher, La Crosse; Gay Davidson-Zielske, educator and poet, UW-Whitewater; Charlene Elderkin, Marketing & Communication Manager for the Viroqua Food Cooperative, and former editor/publisher of In The Light magazine, and noted author and speaker Mary Kay Shanley of Des Moines.
Program and registration materials are available via email at driftlesswriters@gmail.com

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