Scholarships Available to Santa Fe Writers Workshop with Karen Blomain

Santa Fe, New Mexico, August 19, 2006 ——Four Scholarships to the Karen Blomain Writers Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 15-17, 2006 are available, according to workshop sponsors, BelleCora Press & Writers Workshops. The scholarships will provide 50% off the workshop fees and expenses for two adults and fully paid fees for two high school students.

Titled Personal Writing: Memoir and Poetry, this writers workshop is described by internationally respected poet and writing instructor, Karen Blomain, as “a relaxed format workshop for writers at all levels of accomplishment, from the novice wishing to try her hand at writing, to the seasoned writer who needs to nudge the muse for a new project, to those wishing to challenge themselves in a different art form or genre. The focus of the workshop will be on jump-starting the imagination to generate new work. Workshops will include prompts, craft discussions, and an opportunity for participants to read from their work.” More information on this workshop is available at www.BelleCora.com/Workshops.html.

Blomain has inspired writers across the U.S. and globally, teaching writers workshops and poetry workshops in Russia, Ireland, France, Austria and Mexico, as well as across the United States.“ Karen’s workshop style is unique and very nurturing, but she also is tough. She doesn’t allow you to talk yourself out of doing the work,” said a student in a recent workshop conducted by Blomain in Eyeries, Ireland.

A graduate of the writing program of Columbia University with an MFA in Creative Writing, Karen has been a member of the faculty at Kutztown University, department of English and Professional Writing since September 1990, primarily teaching creative writing on the undergraduate and graduate level. She is a frequent guest speaker on university campuses in the United States and abroad and is a consultant to the Geraldine F. Dodge Poetry Project.

Karen’s diversity as a writer is reflected in her body of published work. She has published two chapbooks of poetry and two full-length collections. Many of her poems as well as, numerous stories and essays have been published in periodicals and anthologies. A Trick of Light, her published novel, caught the attention of Barbara Streisand’s production company and they purchased the screen rights. A second novel is nearing publication. She has edited an anthology of poetry and co-translated a number of poems by Russian writer, Inna Lisnanskaya. Two short stories have been broadcast on National Public Radio. Read an example of Karen’s work, a poem, Old Broads, and more about her at www.BelleCora.com/Writers.html.

High School students interested in the two full scholarships must live in New Mexico within driving distance of Santa Fe. The high school level scholarships do not provide housing, but do provide two meals on Friday and Saturday and one meal on Sunday. For more information email us at workshop@BelleCora.com.

Adults interested in the two partial scholarships should also write to us at workshop@BelleCora.com and include a brief summary of your interest in writing. “You do not have to be a published or skilled writer to qualify for a 50% discount on fees and expenses; just a passionate one,” according to a BelleCora spokesperson.