Every November, avid readers and writers get the chance to rub elbows with accomplished authors, editors and agents at the Sanibel Island Writers Conference.
They leave the gathering presented by FGCU with tips on improving their skills, tactics for getting published and inspiration that fuels what can be a daunting creative process.
“Sitting alone in a room with a pen and legal pad for multiple hours every day is isolating and can lead to uncomfortable realizations about your values, beliefs, fears, doubts, vices and limitations,” says conference director Tom DeMarchi, an instructor in the Department of Language and Literature. “This kind of undistracted self-exploration, while a necessary part of the creative process, can be deeply unsettling. So surrounding yourself with others who have similar goals, sensibilities and habits makes you feel less alone, less isolated, less crazy. I wonder if that would work as a marketing slogan? ‘Come to the Sanibel Island Writers Conference to Feel Less Alone, Less Isolated, Less Crazy.’”
So far, the gathering has attracted plenty of renowned presenters and eager students of the craft without resorting to an offbeat marketing slogan. The conference celebrates its 10th anniversary Nov. 5-8.
Keynote speaker Edwidge Danticat, John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and celebrated singer-songwriter-author Dan Bern headline the conference, which includes workshops, readings, panel discussions and concerts at Sanibel’s BIG Arts and the Sanibel Public Library.
Danticat is the acclaimed author of “Breath, Eyes, Memory,” an Oprah Book Club selection, “Krik? Krak!,” a National Book Award finalist and “The Farming of Bones,” an American Book Award-winner. Her memoir, “Brother, I’m Dying,” was a 2007 finalist for the National Book Award and a 2008 winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. She was a 2009 MacArthur “Genius” fellow. Her address is free and open to the public; it’s at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 in Schein Hall at BIG Arts, 900 Dunlop Road.
See the website for a full schedule of events and registration information.
FGCU360 editor Drew Sterwald wrote a few questions, which DeMarchi kindly found time to respond to.
As you celebrate the conference’s 10th anniversary, what are your thoughts about how it has grown and evolved and where it’s going?
Steve Almond, a member of the core faculty and a guy who presents at a lot of conferences all over the country, wrote a gorgeous, deeply personal intro for this year’s program. These lines are a perfect lead-in to answering your question:
“It’s the only conference I’ve ever been to that manages to become larger and more intimate over time. And it’s the only one where something magical happens every year.”
Part of that intimacy and magic has to do with Sanibel itself. Something about being on an island — maybe it’s the salt air or the sound of the waves or the lack of billboards — has a calming, restorative effect that allows people to tap into their creativity. Part of it has to do with the mix of personalities we attract. The presenters are humble and welcoming and accessible, which puts the participants at ease. The participants are hungry to learn and open to new ideas, and the presenters feed off of that enthusiasm.
So the group as a whole really gels into a community by the end of the first day, and that connection only strengthens throughout the weekend. This kind of connection and community is super important for everyone involved.
Anything new this year you especially want to highlight?
Every year offers something new, whether a workshop topic or an appetizer during cocktail hours. I’m curious to see how John Darnielle from The Mountain Goats uses tabletop gaming traditions to help students develop characters. Andrea Askowitz, founder of Lip Service, is running a workshop on telling stories aloud, which is something I do in my classes. I’m sure I can learn a lot from her.
For someone unfamiliar with Edwidge Danticat, how would you introduce her?
By using the words “genius,” “talented” and “hard-working.”
Can you offer a few reading recommendations?
“Krik? Krak!” is probably her most well-known book. My class read and loved her gorgeous novel “Claire of the Sea Light” this semester. If their reaction is any measure, it’s required reading. For nonfiction fans, “Create Dangerously,” an exploration on the necessity for an artistic reaction to tragedy, will break your heart and give you hope.
She’s big time. How did you approach her about being the keynoter?
“Stalking” might be too strong a word, but I did ambush her three or four times at the Miami Book Fair. The first time was maybe seven or eight years ago, and I’ve been inviting her ever since. As you would expect, she’s in high demand and extremely busy. Luckily our schedules synched this year.
A friend of mine is particularly excited about seeing the Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle perform. Any other must-sees?
I’m with your friend. Lyrically, John Darnielle is hands-down one of the most interesting, innovative songwriters working today. Don’t take my word for it: There was a petition to make him the Poet Laureate of the United States! The New Yorker calls him “America’s best non-hip-hop lyricist” (whatever that means). His melodies and arrangements are infectious. His voice sounds like no one else. We’ve been going back and forth for five years to get him down here, and so — as with Danticat — I’m thrilled he’s finally available and interested.
That being said, I’m a fan of everyone on the bill, so it’s difficult for me to single out individuals. This isn’t an evasion. I really am thrilled about each and every presenter, whether they’re new to the conference or have been here multiple times before. Go to the conference website and look at the list of presenters. Pick a name, any name. That’s who I’m excited about.