Wyoming Writers, Inc. conference good time for all

About 80 writers attended the annual Wyoming Writers, Inc. conference that took place in Casper at the Ramada Inn.

Manuscript pitches were made to Katie Dublinski of Gray Wolf Press and New York agent Peter Steinberg, and many writers were asked to send something along. That's always great to hear.

Poetry editor Chris Fishbach was there from Coffee House Press.

Keynote speaker at the Saturday night banquet was Lucia St. Clair Robson, historical fiction author, who was witty and entertaining.

There were some great readings at both open mike sessions.

The booksigning room was stocked with authors busily signing their books. Casper's "Run With the Herd" marathon, check-in was based at the Ramada, was also taking place, and a few runners visited the booksigning event.

Tom Empey closed the session on Sunday with a talk about written words and how they spark and give life to the performing arts. He had gathered several moving quotes for his theme, "Someone wrote those words."

Plans are in the works for next year's conference which will again take place in Casper.

A couple of rather new and interesting Wyoming magazines to mention.
The Wyoming Woman Magazine, based in Casper, was conceptualized by four young women -- Nettie H. Francis, Beth Worthen, Alicia Blevins and Amanda Helm. Their mission: "to connect the women of Wyoming through ideas, information, and inspiration." They accept submissions and ideas for articles and pay for the different features in the magazine. One of the nice features is the "Women at Work Directory," a list of women who are advertising their businesses -- anything from catering to travel tours. It's very reasonable to advertise there. Website: http://thewyomingwoman.com/

Wyoming's 307 Magazine, published by Celtic Media, LLC and also based in Casper, features articles and photos of Wyoming's great activities and spaces. Articles in the Winter 2011 issue: The Winter Angler, Detours (about the Continental Divide snowbile trail system), The Wiinter Time Hunting Blues, Saratoga, Cool Gear, Flint What? (about arrowheads), Mush (about the Wyoming International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race), an article on Corvettes, Born in New Jersy, Raised in Wyoming, Snowshoeing.
Website: http://www.307magonline.com/