The Nature of Words is the annual literary event (coming up November 1st through 4th) that focuses on writers and poets that focus on the Western landscape. They offer a variety of author readings, workshops, and panel discussions for participants over the weekend.

I figure any event supporting writing and literary work is a worthwhile cause, so I’m posting the most recent press release that was sent to me.

Read on for the full Press Release

Children’s and Young Adult Author Heather Vogel Frederick is New Addition to The Nature of Words 2007

Oregon Book Award Winner to Lead Workshops Focused on Popular Genre

Bend, Ore. September 12, 2007. Do you keep dreaming about a children’s book idea? Or have a yen to write a story for young adults? Come to Heather Vogel Frederick’s workshops at The Nature of Words and learn about the art of developing characters that appeal to this specialized audience. Though not a featured reader at November’s annual literary celebration, Frederick will join the seven featured authors in offering a workshop.

As an Oregon Book Award winner and widely published author for young readers, Frederick will share her insights for creating memorable characters and great stories. The Nature of Words, Central Oregon’s premier literary festival, runs October 31-November 4, 2007 in Bend, Oregon. Frederick joins a stellar roster of guest authors in genres including poetry, short stories and full-length fiction and literary nonfiction.

"We are delighted to welcome Heather to The Nature of Words," said Executive Director Ellen Waterston. "Her expertise in writing for young readers adds a new facet to the event. Feedback indicates there is strong interest in a workshop designed to help aspiring writers hone their craft for younger audiences."

Frederick is the author of a number of novels for young readers, including The Mother-Daughter Book Club, the Spy Mice series, and The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed. Her work has been honored by the American Library Association and the New York Public Library, and she was a finalist for the Ottakar’s Children’s Book Prize (UK) and a winner of the Oregon Book Award. Frederick is a former staff writer and children’s book review editor for The Christian Science Monitor, and has also written for The New York Times, Family Life, Child, and Publishers Weekly, where she was a contributing editor for many years.

In addition to Frederick, The Nature of Words guest author list includes literary nonfiction authors Timothy Egan and Kathleen Dean Moore; fiction authors Debra Magpie Earling, Craig Johnson and Benjamin Percy; and poets Ted Kooser and Pattiann Rogers.

The Nature of Words includes two nights of guest author readings, a VIP reception, two days of guest author-led workshops, a dinner and panel discussion, the Rising Star Creative Writing Competition Awards for young writers, and an Open Mic for workshop participants.

For more information about The Nature of Words, visit www.thenatureofwords.org, email info@thenatureofwords.org or call 541.330.4381 or 541.480.3933.