This week marks the beginning of The 32^nd Annual Highland Summer Conference, held at Radford University.  It is a two-week lecture-seminar workshop that combines well-known Appalachian guest-writers with aspiring writers and students.  I took the class in 2007 and the instruction I received not only made me a better writer, but opened my mind to so many different thoughts and possibilities.   While it is too late to register for the class, it is not too late to take advantage of the true gem of the class—each Tuesday and Thursday of the 2 week class, there are readings and receptions by the visiting authors.  These take place from 7:30-9:30 in the McConnell Library on Radford’s campus and all are free and open to the public. 

The first week’s readings kick off tonight with Writer and RU professor, Jim Minick.  Minick is the author of two books of poetry, Her Secret Song and Burning Heaven. Also he has written a collection of essays, Finding a Clear Path, and edited All There Is to Keep by Rita Riddle. Currently he’s working on a memoir titled The Blueberry Years.

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