Congratulations to polymath and Company of Writers stalwart John Crowley on the recent publication of Ka: Dar Oakley in the Ruin of Ymr. As anyone familiar with his work would expect, this latest combines a lyric imagination with encyclopedic knowledge.
And as though that weren't enough, Louis Bayard will soon publish Courting Mr. Lincoln, an historical novel about the Railsplitter's days as a young lawyer riding the circuit.
"One of the most rewarding workshops I have experienced. Terry has a knack for creating a rich environment for writers to come together, share ideas, help one another improve their manuscripts, and have a great time. Everything about the weekend was positive!"
--Bettylynn McIlvain, New Hope PA
“A wonderful weekend in the fantastic Dumbo neighborhood with (Super)fine food and finer company, studying and discussing both our own work and the legendary books and authors to which we aspire, including the very instructors in our sessions!
--Laura Boswell, Washington DC
The Company of Writers conference offered a singular opportunity to workshop with two successful novelists who are also great teachers. Not to be missed. Even the host is a novelist!
--Scott Woods, New Haven CT
I know the title sounds like a venue where a couple of guys would pass around a bottle of warm gin before curling up in their cardboard boxes, but Dumbo--like many New York nabes, like SoHo and TriBeCa, a realtors' acronym--is in fact one of the hottest and hippest areas in the City. This weekend, eight writers met in a Dumbo loft with novelists Louis Bayard, John Crowley, and Terence Hawkins.
Mary Ellen Connor Smith made the trek from Phoenix for a weekend in Brooklyn in January. Apparently she thought it worth while:
"With the Manhattan Bridge overpass traffic drumming above us, we gathered around a laden table at Superfine, a neighborhood bar and restaurant in Dumbo. What lay ahead of us was a week-end repast of writing nourishment: for starters, a seminar with Colum McCann on Saturday followed by the main course, a workshop of our current manuscripts on Sunday led by Blanche Boyd. McCann's teaching was fine and magnanimous, Boyd's workshop, keen and productive, but I most valued sharing the table in fellowship with other writers. I traveled from Arizona for the week-end and plan on doing it again anytime Terry Hawkins rings the dinner bell!"
This from New York lawyer Michael Weinstock:
I really enjoyed my weekend with the program. Blanch is an extraordinary writer and an even better workshop instructor. She took the time to thoroughly read my submission and provide me with exceptionally valuable feedback. Colum and Terry were both very helpful towards helping me understand the mechanics of the book industry and how to find the right agent. While the Internet is a great resource, there's no substitute for communicating with accomplished professionals in the industry ... and this program gave me that opportunity. And lastly, the location was absolutely remarkable. I don't know which is better, the beautiful cobblestone streets of DUMBO or the imagery of the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk. Both are exceptional.
January 16th through 17th saw a master class with Colum McCann followed by a workshop led by Blanche Boyd. The toaster oven for Most Miles Traveled goes to London's Gaylene Gould. Apparently Gaylene thought it was worth the trip, because she writes as follows:
"Thanks for an inspiring few days. The session really helped to get under the hood of my novel and I feel a much more competent writing mechanic as a result. The fact that it's two intense days means that I could fit this training easily into my life even with a 3000 mile flight !
"The structure was great - the mix of formal and informal gatherings, the great convivial space provided by Superfine Restaurant and Berls Poetry Shop and the level of writing mastery in the room from facilitators and participants."
