By the Missoulian | Posted: Sunday, October 18, 2009 4:00 am
Wednesday, Oct. 21
7 p.m.
The (Mis)Education of Archilde Leon: The Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools
An examination of the experience of Indian Boarding Schools and the continuing impact on Native American communities. Moderated by Jodi Rave with Raymond Cross, Kathleen Little Leaf and Mary Jane Charlo. Missoula Public Library, large meeting room.
Thursday, Oct. 22
3 p.m.
"The Last Good Kiss": An Appreciation of James Crumley
Four internationally best-selling authors discuss the work of Montana mystery writer James Crumley and its impact on the mystery genre and literature as a whole. Moderated by Michael Koepf, with Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos, Laura Lippman and James Grady. Wilma Theatre.
4 p.m.
Reading
With Jamie Ford reading from "The Corner of Bitter & Sweet." Missoula Art Museum.
7:30 p.m.
Gala reading
With Dennis Lehane, Andrew Sean Greer and Maile Meloy. Wilma Theatre.
Friday, Oct. 23
11 a.m.
New Directions in the Study of Montana Writing
Contributors to the new anthology "All Our Stories Are Here" talk with editor Brady Harrison about their various approaches to the literature of the West. Featuring Jim Rains, Karl Olson, Nancy Cook and Alan Weltzien. Holiday Inn, Ballroom D.
The Essential Moment: The Short Story
What place does the short story hold for authors who commonly write in longer forms as well? How has the short story evolved from the era in which dozens of national magazines featured short fiction, through the decades of the MFA program and writing workshops, to the age of "flash fiction" and Twitter? Authors Maile Meloy, Kevin Canty, Phil Condon, Amanda Eyre Ward and Samuel Ligon weigh in. Holiday Inn, Ballroom A/B.
Teaching Creative Writing in the Classroom
The Missoula Writing Collaborative has been working in schools in western Montana for more than 15 years. MWC founder and artistic director Sheryl Noethe and teachers from the collaborative will discuss the benefits of bringing creative writing into the classroom and will demonstrate their program. Missoula Public Library.
1 p.m.
The View From Butte
Drumlummon publisher Rick Newby will moderate a panel featuring contributors to the recent volume of Drumlummon Views, which focused on the historic built environment and landscapes of Butte and Anaconda. Featuring the issue's editor, Patty Dean, and Ed Dobb, Brian Shovers and Nancy Voorman. Holiday Inn, Three Rivers Room.
The Virginia Woolf Writers' Workshop: Writing Lessons from Ms. Woolf
Author Danell Jones' ("The Virginia Woolf Writers' Workshop: Seven Lessons to Inspire Great Writing") creative writing workshop draws from the life and work of the British novelist and uses fun, hands-on exercises to get participants warmed up and writing. Missoula Public Library.
"The Far Side of Jericho"
A screening of the 2006 film "The Far Side of Jericho," co-written by James Crumley. Wilma Theatre.
2:30 p.m.
Locating the Novel
Some novels are "high concept." Some authors start out with a setting, a room, a landscape. And sometimes the story begins with the sound of a voice, a character. How does the "initiating impulse" affect the final product? And do some authors only hear voices while others always see visions? Featuring Rick Bass, Andrew Sean Greer, Peter Orner and Marianne Wiggins. Holiday Inn, Ballroom A/B.
The World of "The Surrounded"
One of the pre-eminent D'arcy McNickle scholars, Jim Rains, will discuss the author and his first work of fiction. Holiday Inn, Montana Boardroom.
Altered Books: Create an Art Object From Old Books
Create art from old books. The Missoula Public Library's Dana McMurray leads a workshop. Missoula Public Library.
3 p.m.
James Crumley: Screenwriter
The director of "The Far Side of Jericho," Tim Hunter, talks about James Crumley's work as a screenwriter with another Crumley collaborator, Roger Hedden, and filmmaker Andrew Smith. Wilma Theatre.
4 p.m.
The Work of Thomas Savage
Scholar O. Alan Weltzien leads a critical reappreciation of the Montana writer Thomas Savage, featuring Karl Olson and Sue Hart. Holiday Inn, Ballroom D.
Emotions for Gummies: A Young Adult Graphic Novel Workshop
Graphic novelist Debby Florence leads a workshop for young adults. Missoula Public Library.
The History of Japanese Internment Camps in the West
Join Teresa Tamura, photographer; Carol Van Valkenburg, chair of UM's Department of Print Journalism; and Diane Sands, development director at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, as they discuss the world of the Japanese internees during World World II at Fort Missoula and in Minidoka, Idaho, and its implications in today's world.
5:30 p.m.
Author Reception
Holiday Inn Downtown Ballroom. $25 covers appetizers, wine, beer, and soft drinks. No-host bar for mixed drinks.
8 p.m.
Poetry Slam
M.C. Tahj Bo leads the second annual competition, with a $100 first prize. The Badlander.
An Evening With David Sedaris
Ticketed reading at the Wilma Theatre. Sold out.
Saturday, Oct. 24
9:30 a.m.
Fairy Tales for Tots
Snow White, Grumpy and Clifford the Dog will be on hand to read stories. Holiday Inn, Montana Boardroom.
"Montana Place Names"
From Alzada to Zortman, this Montana Historical Society book tells the stories behind our towns' names. Featuring Rich Aarstad, Erin Arguimbau, Ellen Baumler, Brian Shovers and Charlene Porsild. Holiday Inn, Three Rivers Room.
Invent Your Own Action Figure
Karen Gonzales leads a workshop for kids 12 and up without parents. Younger children will require adult help. Missoula Public Library.
11 a.m.
Fun Stuff for Kids
Readings every half-hour by children's authors Janice Mineer, Ellen Baumler, Deborah Richie Oberbillig, Robert Rath, Donna Love, Franses Hermann and Nona Babcock.
The History of the University of Montana Creative Writing Program
Brady Harrison, the editor of "All Our Stories Are Here," talks with longtime UM Creative Writing Program director Lois Welch, as well as current faculty Robert Stubblefield and Debra Earling. Holiday Inn, Three Rivers Rooms.
1 p.m.
"Julius Seyler and the Blackfeet"
William Farr's new book focuses on the German Impressionist artist Julius Seyler, who spent the years 1913-14 painting Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet. Holiday Inn, Ballroom D.
"The Wire," An Interview
A conversation with the creator of "The Wire," David Simon, and one of the show's co-producers and writers, George Pelecanos, moderated by Roger Hedden. Holiday Inn, Ballroom A/B.
One Book Montana: "The Surrounded" Community Discussion
Native American literature scholar Dorothea Susag has been moderating a discussion of "The Surrounded" online for the past month. Now, Humanities Montana takes the conversation live. Missoula Public Library.
2:30 p.m.
Writing in the Public Interest
Ginny Merriam and Richard Manning, authors and erstwhile newspaper reporters, talk about the role journalists can continue to play in public life, post-reporting jobs, and about the role of serious journalism in our increasingly fragmented news media. Holiday Inn, Ballroom D.
Book Reviews: Who Assigns Them? Who Writes Them? Who Reads Them?
Kier Graff, author and book reviewer, demystifies the process. Holiday Inn, Yellowstone Glacier Room.
Kids' Writing Workshop: Grades 4-6
The Missoula Public Library's Joyce Doyle leads a writing workshop for tweens. Missoula Public Library.
3 p.m.
Poetry Salon: Advocating for Poetry in Montana
A gathering of poets and poetry advocates from around the state, including newly appointed Montana Poet Laureate Henry Real Bird, Roger Dunsmore, Victor Charlo, Tami Haaland, Lowell Jaeger, Rick Newby, Sheryl Noethe, Greg Pape, Lisa Simon and Corby Skinner. Florence Building, Governor's Room.
4 p.m.
The Writer's Reading List
What should writers read? Members of the Montana Writing Guild Nona Babcock, Kate Kronen, Franses Hermann, Kathleen Snow and Heidi Thomas have their say. Missoula Public Library.
7:30 p.m.
Gala reading
Featuring Kevin Canty, Marianne Wiggins and James Lee Burke. Wilma Theatre.