THE CARIBBEAN WOMAN WRITER AS SCHOLAR: IMAGINING/THEORIZING/CREATING

The subtitle for this 10th anniversary conference says it all. We propose to explore the issues of imagination, theory, and creativity as these pertain to the Caribbean woman writer. For many writers, there is no separation of these three as is often done in some other traditions. In fact, for many of the writers, like Erna Brodber (Jamaica), Sylvia Wynter (Jamaica), Maryse Conde (Guadeloupe), Mayra Santos Febres (Puerto Rico), Edwidge Dandicat (Haiti), Eintou Pearl Springer (Trinidad and Tobago), their creative work is intimately connected to the imaginative. Thus, in many cases, we can actually see the theoretical coming through the creative in what we are defining as “the creative/theoretical.”

This does not mean that every creative writer is a theorist, but that some writers do both and in some cases the one infuses the other. At other times, there are writers who are comfortable wearing different hats – the scholar, the creative writer… This issue then will organize this conference. Florida is of course the birthplace of Zora Neale Hurston who knew intimately her Florida and recognized the importance of the Caribbean in her research. By these means, as well, we recognize her contribution to literature. We invite your attendance, support, and participation as we bring writers and scholars from all over the world to South Florida.

Conference Highlights:
*Panel presentations on exciting new topics
*Meet and hear Caribbean women writers
*Poetry/Spoken Word presentations
*Performance Art
*A night in Hollywood, FL
*Art Exhibition by Haitian Artist Hërsza Barjon
*Ethnic Fashion and jewelry sales
*Wonderful access to the beach

Conference site:
Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa
3555 South Ocean Dr.
Hollywood, Florida 33019
Reservations: 1-888-627-9057
www.westin.com/diplomat