Gus Lee, the author of China Boy and the forthcoming book, Chasing Hepburn, will deliver the opening address.

Lee Gutkind, founder and editor of Creative Nonfiction Journal and the author of several books, will deliver the Friday keynote and lead two workshops.

The conference features a wide array of workshop choices in fiction and nonfiction areas, including children's books, mysteries, literary fiction, sci fi and fantasy, freelance writing and publishing, poetry, and screenwriting. Craft topics cover both writing and marketing, and include "The Tension Between Research and the Needs of Story," "The Magic of Metaphor," "Mastering the Art of the Interview," and "How to Develop a Strong Narrative Voice."

Gus Lee's workshops include "Writing, Chu-ming (Insight), and Truth." He will also present a reading and talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday 11 July.

The event includes an annual "Poem or Page Contest," open to registrants only.

Editors and agents will also conduct sessions, including one by Nicole Diamond of Simon & Schuster called, "How to Be the Author Your Publisher Will Love."

Other speakers are: Jenny Bent, agent, Harvey Klinger Agency; Marshall J. Cook, UW-Madison, author of 18 nonfiction books and editor of the newsletter, Creativity Connection; Christine DeSmet, UW-Madison, professional screenwriter and consultant; Michelle Grajkowski, agent, 3 Seas Literary Agency; Samuel Greengard, past president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors; George Hagenauer, who has worked 20 years as a professional researcher for award-winning mystery author Max Allan Collins; Kelly James-Enger, magazine writer and freelancer; Barbara Joosse, author of 24 children's books; Michael Lemberger, professional photographer; Kathleen M. Massie-Ferch, UW-Madison scientist and author/editor of sci-fi, high fantasy, horror and historical fantasy; Mardi Medawar, author of several mysteries, including the Tay-bodal series; Leigh Michaels, author of 65 contemporary romances; Sandy Mickelson, newspaper columnist; Nancy Ravanelli, editor/publisher, Guest Cottage, Inc./Amherst Press; Laurel Yourke, UW-Madison, poetry teacher and author of Take Your Characters to Dinner.

Early bird registration by June 14 is $195 ($225 after that deadline). Enrollment is limited. To register, call (608) 262-7942, or for a brochure call (608) 262-3982, or email Christine DeSmet at cdesmet@dcs.wisc.edu.