Filmmaker Smith
heads Maui Writers
conference

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By Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.com

Kevin Smith, aka Silent Bob, writer/director of hit films "Chasing Amy," "Clerks" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," opening here Friday, heads the list of notable speakers at this Labor Day weekend's (Aug. 31 to Sept. 3) Maui Writers Conference.

He'll speak about "The Wit and Wisdom of Kevin Smith" on Sept. 2, show clips from his film, and offer insider tips on selling a script without selling out.

MAUI WRITERS CONFERENCE Dates: Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 Place: Outrigger Wailea Cost: $695 Information: Call (800) 367-5320 Web site: http://www.mauiwriters.com

Other noted writers include Anne Siddons ("Peachtree Road," "Colony"); Stephen Coonts, author of eight New York Times best-selling novels; and Marianne Williamson ("A Return to Love").

Lalita Tademy, who left a vice president's position at a Fortune 500 Co. to write the saga of her family in "Cane River," will be a keynote speaker Sept. 1, with Marianne Williamson.

Other notables:

>> Leslie Dixon, writer and producer of "Pay it Forward" and "It Takes a Thief," will explain the process of taking a book to the screen;

>> Allen Estrin, who writes for "The Practice," will discuss screenwriting;

>> Elizabeth Lindsey Buyers of the television show "Byrds of Paradise" will discuss screenwriting and producing;

>> Phil Rosenthal, executive producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond," will speak on trends in television and the big screen;

>> Paula Danziger ("The Cat Ate My Gym Suit") will head up a segment on children's books;

>> Cookbook writing will be explored by Bev Gannon ("The Hali'imaile Cookbook"), Ui Goldsberry (Sam Choy cookbooks); Diana von Welanentz Wentworth ("Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook") and Joe Ortiz ("The Village Baker").

Returning writers include John Saul, Elizabeth George, Terry Brooks, Jack Canfield and Bryce Courtenay.

The three winners of the Maui Writers Conference's "Clippings Contest" for year 2000 -- Frank Severson of Placerville, Calif.; Debra Ryll of Princeville, Kauai; and John Wythe White of Haleiwa -- will be recognized at the event.

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calendars and events.