Edgar Allan Poe Young Writer’s
Conference
Richmond, Virginia
June 18-24, 2006
Application Deadline: April 1, 2006
The Edgar Allan Poe Young Writers’ Conference provides
a weeklong residential program designed to encourage and stimulate
the writing skills of high school students. Students will
have a variety of experiences including small group instruction
with a writing instructor, lectures by practicing writers
in several different fields, personal writing time with critical
response from instructors, and special events designed to
enhance the writing experience.
This conference is sponsored by the Edgar Allan Poe Museum
of Richmond, Virginia, to continue the legacy of Edgar Allan
Poe. One of Poe’s greatest concerns was the development
of a truly American literature. As editor of many of the nation’s
leading journals, Poe inspired many young writers. In keeping
with that concern, the Poe Museum hopes to encourage the development
of the next generation of writers.
 Poe called Richmond his home, having spent the greater part
of his life here. During his teenage years in Richmond, he
was encouraged to write by Mrs. Jane Stith Stanard. In Richmond
he began his career in journalism when he took over the editorship
of The Southern Literary Messenger.
LECTURES
Each morning the participants will hear from practicing writers
in a variety of fields, including fiction, poetry, journalism,
and non-fiction. Since participants will have already studied
the mechanics of grammar in school, the lecturers will address
the practice of writing from their own experience. Lectures
will combine theory and practice to give the participants
an understanding of what is involved in moving to the next
level as a writer.
SEMINAR
Each participant will take part in a daily seminar that includes
an experienced writing instructor and 9 – 12 students.
Seminars are working groups in which participants read from
their own work, receive critique and encouragement from the
instructor and their peers, and gain instruction in how to
improve as a writer. Participants will be introduced to exercises
and promptings that enhance writing skills.
 PRACTICING THE CRAFT
Every afternoon the participants will devote time to developing
the craft of writing by immediately putting into practice
what they have gained from lectures and seminars. Seminar
leaders will help students craft the piece they work on during
the week.
FOCUS ON POE
A critical element that contributes to good writing is a strong
appreciation of good writing. Every afternoon, a presentation
will be given that deals with an aspect of the writing of
Edgar Allan Poe and what makes his writing so effective. Poe
is known and appreciated around the world as America’s
contribution to world literature. We will explore why his
poetry and tales are read avidly in France, Russia, Japan,
and around the world.
SALON
Writing emerges from the experiences of life. During Poe’s
day, the artists and writers of the time gathered regularly
in the evenings. Music or drama may have been the focus of
their attention as much as writing. Cross-fertilization of
artistic and intellectual experiences stimulates creativity.
In short, all work and no play makes Jack and Jill painfully
dull. Evening activities are meant to be fun while contributing
to a frame of reference that will give writers something to
say.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who may apply?
High school students who have completed the ninth grade may
apply.
What is a residential program?
A residential program involves living together as a community
of writers. A residential approach allows for the creation
of an environment that encourages the development of an attitude
of writing. Colleagues stimulate one another through conversation,
sharing of ideas, reading one another’s work, and sharing
a routine designed to gain the maximum benefit from a weeklong
experience.
Where will the participants stay?
Participants will live together in the Gladding Residence
Center of Virginia Commonwealth University. All lectures,
small groups, and most special events will take place across
the street in the University Commons. Participants will take
meals together in the University dining hall across from the
Commons.
Are students on their own after class?
Because this is a residential program in which all the pieces
are carefully designed to complement one another, there is
no free time after class until the entire week is over. Resident
assistants who are college students live in the dorms with
the conference participants to ensure that everyone respects
the purpose of the conference and to be available in case
of emergencies. We will have one resident assistant for every
ten students.
What are the security provisions in
the dorm?
Security guards are on duty twenty-four hours a day at the
entrance to the dormitory and make regular inspections of
the facility.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost per person is $645.00. This fee includes lodging
for six nights, double occupancy, and three meals per day,
Monday through Friday. The Sunday meal will only be supper
following afternoon arrival, and the Saturday meal will only
be breakfast flowed by departure.
Who is the director of the conference?
The director of the conference is Dr. Harry Lee Poe, a cousin
of Edgar Allan Poe and the current president of the Edgar
Allan Poe Museum. Dr. Poe has had a distinguished academic
career as scholar and administrator. He has written seven
books and contributed chapters to over twenty others. He is
a published poet and popular speaker.
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
| Time |
Event |
| 7:30 – 8:00 |
Breakfast |
| 8:00 – 8:30 |
Personal time |
| 8:30 – 9:30 |
Morning Plenary (lecture) |
| 9:30 – 9:45 |
Break |
| 9:45 – 10:45 |
Seminar |
| 10:45 – 11:00 |
Break |
| 11:00 – 12:00 |
Seminar (cont.) |
| 12:00 – 1:00 |
Lunch |
| 1:00 – 4:00 |
Personal Writing Time |
| 4:00 – 5:00 |
Focus on Poe |
| 5:00 – 6:00 |
Free time |
| 6:00 – 7:00 |
Supper |
| 7:00 – 9:00 |
Salon (special events) |
| 9:00 – 11:00 |
Community |
RULES
We assume that those who apply to the program are serious
about writing and want to use their time to develop their
skill and make a contribution as a member of a writing community.
Failure to comply with the rules will result in expulsion
from the program.
•
Smoking and/or the use of alcohol or other illegal substances
is not allowed.
•
Students are not allowed to have a car with them during
the conference.
•
Students may not leave the campus.
•
Students may not visit the dorm rooms of members of
the opposite sex.
•
Residence life is not a co-ed experience.
•
Students may not engage in sexual relations.
In order to attend the conference, applicants must sign a
statement that they have read the rules and agree to abide
by them.
MAKING APPLICATION
The Edgar Allan Poe Young Writers’ Conference is open
to high school students who demonstrate a serious interest
in writing and have the maturity to live in an academic
community for a week. You will be notified by May 1 of the
decision about your application. Those who are accepted
into the program will be expected to pay a deposit of $100
by May 30, 2006 to secure their place in the conference.
A complete application includes the following:
1. A completed application form.
2. A writing sample of fiction, poetry, journalism, or
non-fiction essay of not more than five pages, double-spaced.
3. A completed recommendation form from a teacher familiar
with your ability and interest in writing (sent directly
to the Poe Museum).
4. A completed recommendation from a teacher or other adult
who can attest to your maturity and ability to work within
a close-knit community (sent directly to the Poe Museum).
Mail your application by April
1, 2006 to:
Edgar Allan Poe Young Writers’ Conference
Poe Museum
1914 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23223
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