Fall GAships Announced

Creative Writing Program Director Julie Shigekuni writes in:

On behalf of the creative writing faculty, I want to thank everyone who applied for a creative writing program GAship and to announce awards as follows:

Works-in-Progress: Linda Rickert

Blue Mesa Review:
Sam Tetangco, Editor
Melanie Unruh, Associate Editor (f09)
Dan Darling, Associate Editor (sp10)

Program Director’s assistant: Erika Sanchez (f09); Nari Kirk (sp10)

Taos assistant: Jennifer Simpson

In addition, I’m pleased to announce a special award this year to be given to Lisa Gill in recognition of her extraordinary achievements and contribution to the creative writing program via publishing, the organization of events, and mentoring of students. I think we all appreciate Lisa’s talents and efforts. Please join me in congratulating Lisa on receiving this award.

And to everyone who has received a GAship, congratulations!

Julie

Taos Summer Writers Conference

I was first introduced to the University of New Mexico by way of the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference back in 2005.

I had just finished up one of the most challenging years of my life.  My dear Granddad died, my only sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, I turned 40, started a new job and moved…  (guess what my memoir is about!)

I  needed some time for me, so I signed up for the Taos Conference. I wanted to  recharge my batteries and learn about writing while vacationing in New Mexico.  I got that and so much  more…  I was able to gorge on the literary feast that is the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference.  From the keynote speaker (Tony Hillerman– he was a hoot!) to the panel discussions, open mics, faculty readings, not to mention Taos, I was able to nourish my literary soul.  As an added bonus I got the start of the aforementioned memoir, and a seed was planted that I might get an MFA in creative writing (but I’ll save that story for another post).

If you’ve googled New Mexico and writers and found this site  I encourage you to register for the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference. The workshops do fill up!

Wally Lamb, Keynote Speaker for 2009 Taos Summer Writers' Conference

BUT WAIT, THERES MORE….

This year’s keynote speaker is Wally Lamb, the number one best selling author and two-time pick of Oprah’s Book Club….  (read more over on the Taos Conference Blog).