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This will be my 5th year attending the West Virginia Writers' Workshop at West Virginia University in Morgantown. The head of the Creative Writing Department (James Harms) is one of the nicest, coolest people in the world (and a damn good poet, too). He surrounds himself with a smart, talented faculty who genuinely care about the workshop participants.

It's not very expensive (as these things go) and the special guests this summer include Steve Almond, Nick Carbo, Maribeth Fischer, Laura Kasischke, and Aleda Shirley. (regular faculty working include Mark Brazaitis, Jim Harms, John Hoppenthaler, and Sara Pritchard.)

I don't know whether it's full yet, but if you want a fine experience you'll benefit from- look it up and clear your calendar (it's Thursday through Sunday so you don't have to take a whole weeks vacation).

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(except- if you're near Richmond, VA or driving through, I sure could use a ride)