Wednesday, August 10, marks the start of the annual Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, which takes place on Middlebury’s mountain campus in Ripton. In addition to bringing together established icons, young hopefuls and publishing professionals, the event creates a literary feast for the local public. With daily lectures and multiple readings, there’s plenty to choose from.
Early in the session, Richard Bausch mixes angst with humor in his lecture titled “How to Write in 700 Easy Lessons,” and David Shields surmises that “All Great Books Wind Up with the Writer Getting His/Her Teeth Bashed In.” Despite the intended wit, these accomplished 
authors have plenty of wisdom to share.
Later in the week, James Geary discusses “Juggling Aphorisms with Mixing Metaphor,” Peter Ho Davies advises “Only Collect: Some Thoughts on the Short Story Collection,” and Marianne Boruch explores “The End Inside It: A Consideration of the Bewildering Nature of Closure.”
As for readings, there are at least four or five each day and evening. These are unbelievable opportunities to see some of the best of today’s established and emerging writers. All events take place in the Little Theatre on the Bread Loaf campus. Click the image at left to view the enlarged schedule at the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference website.
