Story last updated at 7/21/2010 - 12:50 pm
ANCHORAGE - The Paris news daily Le Figaro calls him "one of the best writers of his generation." The Times of London says his prose "follows the sinews of Cormac McCarthy and Hemingway, yet has its own nimble flex." He just won the French national book prize, Le Prix des Lecteurs. Now author David Vann, with strong ties to Alaska, will interrupt a packed book tour of Europe to lead a 49 Writers Retreat September 3-5 at Tutka Bay Lodge, outside of Homer.
Born on Adak Island, Vann (www.davidvann.com) spent his early childhood in Ketchikan. His "Legend of a Suicide," set mainly on Sukkwan Island in Southeast Alaska, has been on 25 "Best Books of the Year" lists worldwide. Translated into eight languages and soon to be released in 50 countries, Vann's book was chosen by Lorrie Moore for The New Yorker Book Club and also selected by The Times (London) Book Club. There are plans for a film by Chris Meloni from Law & Order SVU.
Vann will lead retreat participants in the study of selected short published works, examining style and voice, landscape description, characterization, and dramatic structure. He anticipates several brief writing exercises along with an exploration of the writing process, including development and revision. In partnership with the 49 Alaska Writing Center, Tutka Bay Lodge offers full-service lodging and award-winning cuisine for the retreat, along with a unique teaching center in a whimsical crabbing boat dry-docked on a tidal lagoon.
"We're thrilled to bring this remarkable opportunity to writers from throughout Alaska and elsewhere," says Deb Vanasse of 49 Writers. "At $395 for the entire package, it's an incredible value."
Space is limited, so writers are urged to visit www.alaskanauthors.com or e-mail 49writers@gmail.com for details and registration.
