The annual Kanab Writers Conference will be held Friday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 29, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Kanab Middle School. Courses in writing, photography, craft basics, graphic novels, children’s books, audiobooks, self-publishing, and accounting for authors will be available.
The 2016 event keynote speaker is Laura Wilson, an award-winning, Texas-based photographer and writer. She has published several photo-essay books, and her work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and GQ Magazine.
Wilson is currently working on two projects. “Writers” will become a book and exhibition for the Ransom Center at the University of Texas. It documents 35 distinguished writers who will have a lasting literary legacy. “Making Movies” documents directors, cinematographers, actors, and all those who contribute to moviemaking.
“A great program is planned and we are excited for Laura to join us in Kanab” said Kelly Stowell, director of the Center for Education, Business, and the Arts. “Laura is incredibly talented, and this year’s program is one not to miss.”
In addition to her keynote presentation, Wilson will teach a two-hour masterclass on how to create a photo book, and participants will have the opportunity to interface with her in a casual setting.
Other presenters at the conference include Liz Adair, C. David Belt, Laura Bingham, Rebecca Blevins, Shanae Branham, Steven J. Clark, Raven Chiong, Betty Colston, Valerie J. O. Gardner, Jared Garrett, Kevin Grew, Annette Lyon, Rod Miller, Janette Rallison, and Austin Soderquist. Speakers and local writers attending the conference will have their books for sale in the conference bookstore, located just inside the main door of Kanab Middle School. Authors will be present to sign books.
Registration is available online for $40 or at the door the day of the event for $50. Registration, conference times, and general information are available at kanabwritersconference.com. More information about Laura Wilson is available at laurawilsonphotography.com.
Sponsors of the event include Kane County, Kanab City, Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, Southwest Applied Technology College, Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Red Rock Writers, Kanab Arts Council, and CEBA.
