Authors Bring Fantasy and Science Fiction to Oregon Writers Conference

Authors Bring Fantasy and Science Fiction to Oregon Writers Conference

This year's South Coast Writers Conference weighs in on the side of fantasy and science fiction with award winning authors. Jayel Gibson, Leslie What and Timothy Zahn to present workshops.

Gold Beach, OR: January 9, 2009 -- The South Coast Writers Conference is an eclectic gathering of writers of various genres, novice and published authors; returning and first-time attendees. It is our goal that participants and presenters leave the conference inspired and renewed, with new insights and skills, and better connections to fellow writers and resources. Once again we have invited some of the Northwest's best writers to guide you in an exploration and celebration of the many facets of writing. This mid-sized Oregon conference is known for the quality of its presenters, and has included bestselling keynote speakers such as authors David Oliver Relin (Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time) and Larry Brooks (Bait and Switch).

This year's South Coast Writers Conference is no exception and weighs in on the side of fantasy and science fiction with award winning authors Jayel Gibson, Leslie What, and Timothy Zahn to present workshops.

In addition to a full time writing career, Jayel Gibson serves as an adjunct instructor at Southwestern Oregon Community College where she teaches writing for publication. She is a two time Teacher of the Year award recipient for her innovative use of technology and video gaming in the elementary classroom. She is an Amazon Celtic Mythology bestselling author, and her Ancient Mirrors fantasy series has received three USA Book News 'Best Books' Finalist Awards and the 2008 National Indie Excellence Award for fantasy and science fiction. Gibson is also the online book club moderator for Realms of Fantasy Magazine. Her articles on video gaming as an educational tool have appeared in Louisiana Parent's Magazine, Dallas Child Magazine, Education.com and Thefatherlife.com. She is a popular panelist and presenter at conventions and conferences.

Leslie What is an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction. She has performed commentaries on public radio, published two story collections and a novel, and written a humor and health column for an alternative weekly. She was the senior editor for the literary magazine Silk Road and has twice been invited to teach at the Clarion Writers Conference. She currently teaches writing at UCLA Extension. New works appear at Shape of a Box, Perigee, Asimov's, and Calyx.

Timothy Zahn has published over eighty short stories and novelettes, thirty-four novels, and four short fiction collections since leaving grad school in 1980. Along the way he has won a Hugo Award (for the novella Cascade Point, in 1984) and has been nominated twice more. He is best known for his eight Star Wars books: Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, Specter of the Past, Vision of the Future, Survivor's Quest, Outbound Flight, and Allegiance. Other books include the Quadrail series, the Cobra series, and the young-adult Dragonback series. Zahn's most recent books are Dragon and Liberator, the sixth Dragonback book, and The Third Lynx, the second of the Quadrail series.The third Quadrail book, Odd Girl Out, was published in November 2008.

Other presenters at this year's conference include: Linda Barnes, Robin Cody, Robert Hill, Elizabeth Lyon, Jim Malcolm, Elizabeth McKenzie, Elizabeth Rusch, and Floyd Skloot.

Along with all day workshops on Friday and Saturday, the Conference is hosting an 'Author Night' on Friday, February 13th from 7 pm to 10 pm. Join the Gold Beach community in this exciting and uplifting evening. Timothy Zahn will give the keynote presentation on: What in the World Are We Doing in This Crazy Business? Following his keynote address will be readings by the other conference presenters, as well as an opportunity to purchase autographed books. Free and open to the public, this event is held at the Curry Showcase on the Curry County Fairgrounds in Gold Beach, Oregon.

Participation in workshops is limited to 30 students or fewer, register early to secure a seat in the workshops you want.

The Conference is always scheduled on Presidents' Day weekend in the hopes that attendees will extend their stay to write and to explore the splendor of America's Wild Rivers Coast. Visit our miles of spectacular beaches, explore our many hiking trails, or spend time on the mighty Rogue River.

For more information on the Conference, contact the Gold Beach Center of Southwestern Oregon Community College (541) 247-2741 to request a brochure.

The 14th Annual South Coast Writers Conference is co-sponsored by Southwestern Oregon Community College and the Gold Beach Visitor Center.