1.  How good a writer do I need to be? 

Workshops adapt to any level of writing.  The positive support of peer group critique gives feedback that allows you to develop and tune your writing skills no matter what your proficiency. 

2.  What should I bring? 

You need the materials suggested for the individual workshop session you are attending and your writing tools.  The workshops are “work” shops.  You will write, revise, edit and present again to the group.  This will be a time to get your hands dirty and dive up to your elbows into your work.  Your computer.  A notebook.  Pencils/pens.  You know, the writing stuff. 

3.  Will there be homework? 

Yes. You will work on your piece in the workshop off-hours. Your leader may give you writing exercises. In addition, most leaders will ask you to read one or two books before coming to the conference so there will be a common literary reference in the group for the discussions.

4.   Do we spend all day in the workshops?   

No.  The workshops run from 9 am to 1 pm everyday.  The balance of the day is open for working on your writing, enjoying the St. Eugene property and the surrounding mountains.  The golf folks will likely golf.  The fishing folks will hit the river slashing the water for the not-so-elusive trout.  The poets will wander around waxing poetically.  Or whatever poets do when they wander the mountains.   

5.  Can I split my time between two sessions?   Perhaps spend part in the poetry and part in the short story? 

No.  The workshops are designed to develop a close critique group among the individual session participants.  Switching from one to the other does not work.   

6.  Will there be readings?   

There will be readings by both workshop leaders and open readings for all involved in the Conference.  

7.  Do I have to read in public? 

You may read if you wish or simply sit back and enjoy your fellow writers.   

8.  Are there meetings outside the workshops? 

The Conference will host readings and several panel discussions. In addition, you may set up appointments with the Conference Guests—editors, publishers and other writers—in your spare time outside the workshops and on Sunday morning.  Please check the schedule section on the web site for the latest addition to the program. 

9.  Are meals included? 

Conference tuition includes breakfast each morning with conference participants, the Sunday welcoming reception, the Conference Dinner Saturday evening. Lunch and dinner the other days are your responsibility.  There are several of restaurants at St. Eugene and a wide variety of restaurants in the city of Cranbrook only five kilometers away. 

10.  Is lodging included? 

The Conference tuition and lodging are separate. The lodging package is very affordable and participants are encouraged to stay at St. Eugene to fully experience the Conference. The casual gatherings and unstructured small group discussions become an integral part of the Conference happenings. 

11.  Where is St. Eugene? 

St. Eugene is a resort complex five kilometers north of Cranbrook, BC.  Cranbrook is in the south east corner of BC. The closest cities are Whitefish and Kalispel, MT, about an hour and a half south in the US and Calgary AB, about three hours north east.

12.  How do I get to St. Eugene? 

Most people fly into Cranbrook’s Rocky Mountain International Airport, which is only a few minutes from St. Eugene. The resort offers free shuttles from the airport to the hotel. If you fly into Spokane (4.5 hours south), Kalispel (1.5 hours south) or Calgary (3 hours north east), the best option is to rent a car and drive to St. Eugene.

Google Maps - St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino
 

13.  Can I bring a guest? 

Of course.  We offer special guest tickets so your guest may attend the breakfasts and the Conference Dinner on Saturday night with you.  Please inquire when you register.  

14.  How do I register? 

Registration is simple. Call Jessica Britton at St. Eugene-- 250-420-2022 or toll free at 866-292-2020 any time. Choose your session, pick a lodging package and arrange for a deposit.  

15.  How do I arrange for lodging? 

You can arrange your lodging at the same time you register.  

16.  What if I have to cancel? 

If you cancel before the 30 days before the Conference, you receive your tuition back less a $50 handling fee.  If you cancel after April 14, we will refund your tuition only if we fill your position in the Conference, again subject to the $50 handing fee.