What better way to spend a few days than on our lovely, lush Kingston Campus being inspired by talented writers and poets? URI will host its popular Ocean State Summer Writing Conference this year on June 24, 25, and 26.

“This is a great opportunity for writers of all ages and talents to enjoy a weekend of lively interaction with professional fiction and non-fiction writers and poets of local, national, and international renown,” said prize-winning poet Peter Covino, assistant professor of English and conference director.

“Our conference continues to have a non-threatening and easygoing, accessible energy,” he continued. “Writing and publishing books is important, of course, but creating a community to help sustain your work and read your books is even more crucial. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with others and develop a network of support.”

A $7,500 grant awarded this January by the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts will go a long way toward building that community. In addition, the Citizens Bank Foundation has provided a $1,000 grant, as part of a larger grant supporting the arts at URI, to help underwrite the conference.

The conference features readings, panels, seminars, and workshops in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and publishing. Attendees can also reserve a mentorship session with visiting writers that will allow them to discuss and review their manuscript one-on-one. Special workshops provide participants with the opportunity to hone their skills in small, intimate settings. In-class writing exercises, reading, and generous feedback from a professional in the field are part of the mix.

Interested? Contact the URI English Department at 401.874.5931 or learn more aturi.edu/artsci/eng/. For more information, click uri.edu/summerwriting/ and facebook.com/URIsummerwriting.