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Sirenland Writers Conference Blog
When I realized that the time had rolled around for writers to apply to the Sirenland 2010 Conference, I felt a little bereft - it's not the lot of the Fellow to return - and also felt a desire to encourage everyone for whom it seems like it might be possible to go, to apply, because of the unique quality of the work that happens there.
I'll admit that when I learned last January that I had been selected as the 2009 Fellow, my initial focus was on the trip-to-Italy-week-in-a-super-deluxe-hotel-in-Positano aspect of the award. When you're used to gatherings of writers that include unnervingly suspect sheets slipping off plastic mattresses and meals that require a certain transcendent attitude just to ingest them, it's a little tough not to see the promise of five-star luxuries as the defining feature of Sirenland. It's true that during my initial phone call with Dani Shapiro, she said impressive things about the focus being on the work and about the care that goes into the selection of both participants and faculty, but have you SEEN the website for the hotel Le Sirenuse?
I'm not going to lie. It's even more gorgeous in person. Fantasize about a lovely setting, now double the beauty, triple the hospitality, add exquisite food, have a few drinks if that's your pleasure and you begin to have a sense of the physical delights. But it's by no means only the surroundings that set this conference apart or, ultimately, that give it the quality it has.
As the Fellow, I was in Dani's workshop and I can honestly say that it was among the very few finest workshops in which I've ever participated. The diverse nature of the works presented was such that not only did each participant receive excellent readings of his or her own piece, but the week as a whole became a kind of mini-course on structure - in the contexts of both fiction and memoir. There was none of the all too common workshop bloodletting that goes on, but for anyone who assumes that a cushy surrounding comes with cushy critiques as well, not a chance. The questions asked and suggestions offered were serious and incisive while also being consistently grounded in the apparent intent of the author. And I heard much the same from the participants in the workshops led by Jim Shepard and Peter Cameron - with an important assist for all three from Hannah Tinti.
One of my favorite things about the conference was the way in which the conversation through the week, over meals, over drinks, in odd corners of the hotel, became less and less about how lovely the view, how delicious the food, and more and more the odd, awkward sort one often sees among writers. One person is talking about their plans for revision, the other is frowning, half lsitening, half realizing she ought to add another scene to her story. And then often, at some point, both realize that there's a way in which their individual musings relate, that by discussing the revision, the added scene, together, they can help one another. Day by day, you could hear the work taking up more and more space in everyone's thoughts, see a hotel full of guests become a community of writers.
There are more things to praise - the readings, the individual meetings, the presentations on publishing and screenwriting, the parties, the parties, the parties - but my main point here is just that while you're poring over the website for Le Sirenuse, admiring the exquisite marble bathrooms and candlelit dining room, keep in mind that if you're lucky enough to attend, at some point, all that elegance and all that beauty will magically become wonderful, welcome side-benefits of a conference that itself, most of all, will benefit your work.
robin black
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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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Sirenlanders have hit a late summer publishing jackpot. Here are a list of some recent publications.
Teresa Burns Gunther has published a number of pieces, including her story “Lilies,” which was published in Stones Throw Magazine. Her interview with Hannah Tinti appeared on the Bookslut blog. Also keep an eye out for her story “Dream Boy” forthcoming in the Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 issue of The Storyteller Magazine. Her story “Magic Fingers” is forthcoming in the Pen and Brush, Inc 2009 Anthology. Her interview with Said Sayrafiezadeh is forthcoming in Glimmertrain’s “Writers Ask.”
Bob Natiello's short story, Dog Fight won the New York Press Summer fiction contest this year. Now Bob informs us that his essay “How Jiminy Cricket Helped Me” will be featured in the 2009 Arizona Literary Magazine. Bob, of course, credits all of his success to his time at Sirenland.
And finally, the irrepressible Jonathan Woods needs no plugging from me since he's plugged himself just below. Read all about it.
Michael
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