ETSU to present Buffalo Mountain Writers Workshop June 8-15

East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development will present the Buffalo Mountain Writers Workshop from June 8-15. The workshop theme is “Roots of Writing,” and courses will be taught by ETSU adjunct instructors Doris Wyatt and Cathy Whaley.Designed as an innovative experience in writing for all genres and for authors from beginners to experienced writers, the workshop features special speakers Dr. Jack Higgs, ETSU professor emeritus and author of works on Appalachian literature and sports; Dr. Don Johnson, ETSU professor and Poet-in-Residence who is credited with numerous articles on Appalachian and American literature as well as books of poetry; Laura Higgs Kappel, former editor of Aruba Today and recipient of the Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University of New Orleans; and Elizabeth Hunter, former reporter and columnist for the Johnson City Press and now a columnist for Blue Ridge Country in addition to writing several works on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Neil Isaacs will speak at the final event of the week during a reception open to the public on Tuesday, June 15.

Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Maryland, Isaacs is a sports writer for the Washington Post and the author of some 20 books on subjects ranging from Old and Middle English to Southern and modern American literature, film, gambling, contemporary sports and Harry Potter.

The workshops begin on Tuesday, June 8, at the Carnegie Library, Building 17, on the campus of the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center and run from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays.

A separate Teachers’ Writing Workshop, led by Kappel and Whaley, will take place on Saturday, June 12, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Continuing Education Units admissible for re-certification purposes are available. There are no sessions on Sunday, June 13.

The workshop has an early registration fee of $175 before May 15 and $225 thereafter. The Saturday Teachers’ Writing Workshop has a separate fee of $75. Online registration is available at http://etsuaw.etsu.edu/wconnect/ace/home.htm.

To register by phone, or for further information, call the ETSU Office of Professional Development at 800-222-3878 or e-mail Darla Dye at dyed@etsu.edu.