The Okanagan Valley is an area far removed from the literary hubs of New York and Vancouver. Yet it is a place with a vast amount of talented writers both professional as well as up and coming who have little contact with the major industry players.

At The Penticton Writers� Conference 2001, on Saturday September 22nd, Okanagan Valley writers will have the unique opportunity to participate in workshops from three well respected and award winning professionals; Peter Rubie from New York, Arvi Liimatainen from Vancouver and Jo Beverley from Victoria.

The Conference is a full day affair and will include addresses by keynote speakers. The three morning and afternoon workshops given by the three guests speakers include; "The Business of Publishing", "Voice and Emotion in Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction", "Taking a Story to the Screen", "Story Structure for Popular Fiction", "Writing the Historical Romance". Budding screenwriters will be able to participate in �one on one� pitch sessions with the producer. The Conference will run from 7am -5:30pm Saturday September 22nd, 2001. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear seasoned advice from some of the literary world�s top professionals.

Those wishing to attend only the conference must register by  August 15th, 2001.  The Registration Fee of $150.00 includes keynote speakers, morning and afternoon workshops, breakfast, lunch, a late afternoon wine and cheese. The fee also includes voluntary entry into one of  four writing contests; Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance and Screenplays of which each categories finalist will be judged by the guest speakers. The deadline for  those wishing to attend the conference and contest  is August 15th.  There will be a full refund minus 25% fee for cancellation made before Aug.16, 2001, no refund will be given after this date.  Further information and registration forms may be obtained by emailing Penticton Writers and Publishers at [email protected] or, by phoning Alan at (250) 497-6499.