Writers conference
has Pacific focus

Star-Bulletin

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gary Snyder, Maori writer Patricia Grace and novelist Ruthanne Lum McCunn will be among the participants in the Pacific Writers Institute Conference Sunday through July 3 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

The fee to attend all conference events is $150, $125 for students registered in UHM Summer Session courses. Some sessions are available for a $50 a day fee. Call 956-7221 or see Web site, http://www.summer.hawaii.edu for more information.

Events will take place in Yukiyoshi Room 012 except where otherwise noted.

Sunday

"Finding Your Inspiration," 5 p.m. New Zealand fiction award winner Patricia Grace gives the conference's opening remarks on her sources of inspiration.

Monday

"The Writer's Voice," 10 a.m. Informal discussion with Grace,

"Transforming Narrative: Prose to Film," 1 p.m. Grace discusses the transformation of her novel, "Cousins," into a screenplay.

"A Conversation Among Poets," 7 p.m. With poet Alan Soldofsky and others.

Tuesday

"Children's Literature in Hawaii," 10 a.m. Eric Chock and Elaine Masters will lead a discussion about content in Hawaii children's literature and its relevance in a multi-ethnic society.

"Writing for Children and Young Adults, " 1 p.m. Grace and Hawaii writer Ku'ualoha Meyer explore writing for diverse ages.

"Relationships: The Writer, Editor and Publisher," 7 p.m. Panel discussion features local publishers of Bamboo Ridge Press, Bess Press and 'Oiwi.

Wednesday

"Poet as Poacher," 10 a.m. Alan Soldofsky discusses contemporary poets' approach to indigenous poetic forms.

"Writing Historical Fiction: Challenges and Responsibilities," 1 p.m. Ruthanne Lum McCunn discusses researching.

"Writing History," 7:30 p.m. Sterling Professor of History at Yale University Jonathan Spence gives a free talk.

Thursday

"Cross-currents," 10 a.m. Grace and Gary Snyder, discuss the interaction between contemporary writing and ancient traditions.

"Wooden Fish Songs," 8 p.m. Ruthanne Lum McCunn gives a reading from her novel, a true story about a Chinese immigrant who changed Florida's citrus industry. Orvis Auditorium.

July 3

"Conference Wrap-Up," 1 p.m. Discussion with Snyder, Soldofsky, Frank Stewart and others, 1 to 4 p.m.

"A Poetry Reading with Gary Snyder," 7 p.m. The author of 16 books of poetry and prose is known for linking spirituality and environmental concerns into his aesthetic vision.