Writers’ Conference Returns

Solomon Enos is the keynote speaker at the annual Words@ Manoa Creative Writing Conference, where he also will be leading a workshop on graphic novels ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO

If you’re looking to hone your writing skills, University of Hawaii at Manoa is offering a chance to do it under the guidance of a group of well-known local writers. Now in its third year, the Words@ Manoa Creative Writing Conference returns to UH Campus Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22.

Local writers, including graphic novelist Solomon Enos and playwright and novelist Victoria Kneubuhl, will lead sessions on everything from fiction to publishing your work. Attendees can choose two sessions in two time blocks (each block has a total of four options). These include youth sessions, which are open to aspiring writers age 17 and under.

“We wanted to make sure that we had something that would satisfy the needs of the community members and the students and everybody who would be attending — which is to have this broad palate: fiction, poetry, graphic novels,” explains Jeffery Long, the editor in chief of UH’s student-run literary journal Hawaii Review, which co-hosts the conference alongside the creative writing program.

The day also includes a book fair featuring works by local artists, readings and a keynote address by Enos. In addition, there will be breaks where participants can mingle.

“We really want to provide an opportunity where they can talk to each other and figure out why they are all there,” Long says. “It’s a way for people to support each other and help each other discover new opportunities.”

Overall, Long is hoping that the conference can help bolster the writing community and offer “inspiration, the drive to keep writing.”

“Really, we are just trying to inspire — and be inspired ourselves,” he says.

Registration is $10 for community members and $5 for students ($15 at the door); there is no fee for participants 17 and under. Coffee, refreshments and lunch are provided. For more information and to register, visit hawaiireview.org.