Pearl S. Buck International Writers' Workshop, June 25-7

"Pearl S. Buck ~ The Patchwork of Her Life"
Sponsored by Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Foundation
and Little Levels Heritage Fair
Hillsboro, West Virginia
June 25-27, 2009

View Workshop Schedule
Join West Virginia writers Edwina Pendarvis, Christina St. Clair, Belinda Anderson, Cat Pleska and Pam Pritt as well as West Virginia’s most famous "Liar", Bill Lepp, for the Second Annual Pearl S. Buck International Writers’ Workshop on the grounds of the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace and "Cliffside," the restored home of Dr. Wallace who delivered Pearl. Events will begin with Registration and Meet and Greet Session on Thursday at noon. Participants will tour Pearl S. Buck’s Birthplace before beginning the workshop.

Pam Pritt, Editor of the weekly Pocahontas Times will conduct the first session on "Writing your story, how to get published, legal issues, editing, etc." Dinner will be served by the ladies who support Pearl S. Buck Birthplace. The evening speaker is Cat Pleska, essayist for WV Public Radio and a freelance writer, editor and teacher.

Friday morning brings Belinda Anderson, author of three short story collections. Belinda’s session will connect the "stitches" in the patchwork of Pearl’s writing that relate to her roots in West Virginia. Keynote speaker, Dr. Edwina "Eddy" Pendarvis and co-author Christina St. Clair will connect the Patchwork of Pearl’s Life and Works on the International/China level. The final presentation will be open to the public. Bill Lepp will teach us how to spin a yarn, tell a lie and entertain.

Participants will attend an old fashioned barbeque with music in the evening and have free time to attend the final concert of Allegheny Echoes at the Pocahontas County Opera House.

Saturday is open to enjoy the Little Levels Heritage Fair. The Pearl S. Buck Birthday Celebration and Writers' Fair will kick off at 4 pm Saturday afternoon. Pocahontas Music students will present "Links In The Chain - Our Appalachian Musical Heritage,’ Eddy Pendarvis and Christina St. Clair will assist in presenting student writer awards and summary of the Writer’s Workshop. Bill Lepp will spin a great big yarn (lie) about life in the Little Levels. Birthday cake and punch for all will conclude the program. The final dinner is a Chicken Barbeque sponsored by Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church.

One scholarship to the Writers’ Workshop will be awarded to a WV High School or College Student who submits the best original story (500 words or less) about the influence of Pearl S. Buck, The Patchwork of Her Life and Works. Entries must be submitted no later than May 1, 2009.

Participant cost for the workshop is $75.00 and covers all meals, entertainment and tours. The workshop is designed for approximately 20 participants, so register early. Contact Ruth Taylor, Director at littlelevelsheritagefair@yahoo.com or call 304-653-8563 for additional information and to register for the workshop. Make checks payable to Little Levels Heritage Fair and mail to HC 64 Box 423, Hillsboro, WV 24946.

Lodging will be on your own this year. Contact Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau at pocahontascountywv.com or call 800-336-7009 or 304-799-INF0 for lodging information.