©2007 Sirenland
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Sirenland Writers Conference Blog
We asked some of last years' Sirenland Attendees to write a few words about the conference if they felt moved to do so. Here's a sampling: (Sirenland 2010 will be open for applications from September 15 - October 31, 2009.)
"Dani is a truly great leader. Kind and generous and smart. She sets a tone of exploration and inquiry, and she addresses each piece with equal respect and consideration. And, above all, she is unfailingly tender - with the writer, the words and the intention. Also, Hannah, you're awesome. You have such a great, happy, light-touch with the your responsibilities through the week. Michael too. The feeling from the top is that this is a kind and fun place where real work can be accomplished. Sirenland is unparalleled in its generosity to writers and its gracious commitment to helping participants to excavate their truest voice. By exploring structure, tone, intention and impulse, the conference makes room for both craft and art with the backdrop of a stunning setting." —Tessa Blake “Fabulous!”— Melissa Van Hoosen
“Sirenland allowed me to be away and in the middle of a community at the same time. There’s something about the place that is like being on a magical deserted island—but not alone.” – Lauren Johnson
“I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the location would be fabulous, and assumed the participants would probably be sophisticated and maybe even fabulous, but much more than that the participants were funny, authentic, unique and generous—and people I don’t want to part company with. The instructors were unassuming and unique—and most of the writers were kind and clever (but mostly kind) and people I wanted to hang out with and get to know.”— Carol Richards “The conference exceeded my expectations in virtually every way and even fulfilled many I didn’t know I had (or should have!). From what Jim [Shepard]saw in any story to his critiquing and teaching methods as a whole, to all the great friends and colleagues I made, to of course the amazing surroundings, both outside and in, the conference was a joy.”— Eric Grunwald “Sirenland is well named for I was lured to this place and these beautiful people. This is hard-working and intensive in a way that engages all your senses and sensibilities. Prepare to work hard. Prepare! I was challenged by the exacting demands of Jim Shepard’s class and richly rewarded by his with, literary insight and unique teaching style. Dani, Michael and Hannah were bountiful in generosity of spirit and inspiration. I loved every breath here and every segment of this beautifully conceived and orchestrated writer’s workshop.” – Jane H. Percy “Sirenland is one of the two best workshops experiences I’ve had in eleven years since I attended my first workshop. In both cases, this was entirely because of the workshop instructor and his approach to how writing should be taught and how a writing student (and we are all students in some sense, however long we’ve been doing this) should be treated—seriously, with respect and consideration.”— Vivian Dorsel “This experience, in an extraordinary vertical setting, inspires me to continue climbing toward my goals. The supportive and constructive nature of the workshop, its leaders and participants, feels life-altering.” – Jennie Reeves
“I left Sirenland feeling it is less of a place than a concept, created by a small group of gifted artists who understand writing as a calling, and that those among us who must heed the song crave a safe and beautiful haven, enchantment, community and nurturance. Sirenland gives us this and so much more. It feeds the soul, and like a dream you want to return to, it lingers.” — Adele Bertei
Michael
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