Events

  • Master Class in the Novel

    July 11, 2015 - 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    Taos Summer Writers' Conference

    Every successful novel stakes out its own territory and defines the terms by which it will be judged. For your novel, what are those terms? How fully have you created the world of your story? In this week-long intensive workshop we’ll look closely at each manuscript and, through one-on-one one consultation and in-class constructive critique, develop a revision strategy to bring each novel, on its own terms, to its fuller realization. We'll have the chance to consider how crucial narrative techniques contribute to the art of storytelling, and we'll take a look at masterful examples of each. Inventiveness, surprise, emotional depth, focus, and scale will inform our explorations of more traditional elements of fiction as we work together toward that most essential aim: to bring the novel alive for the reader. Along the way we'll address practical concerns, explore issues of writing process, and share our stories from the novel-writing trenches.

  • Write It New: A Studio Course for Fiction and Narrative Nonfiction Writers of all Levels

    September 1, 2014 - 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    online

    The aim of this eight-week online class is to prompt, goad, inspire, and startle each member into generating fresh and exciting narrative work. Both novice and seasoned writers will benefit from daily writing prompts, weekly reading selections, frequent craft talks, and ongoing discussion forums intended to deepen, energize and inform our personal writing practice. Not a critique group, instead we'll create an engaged and supportive community devoted to witnessing and encouraging each writer's work, respectfully challenging each member to risk new ventures while sharpening present skills. We'll look to the fundamental elements of narrative craft to spark new material while offering insight and strategies toward the revision process. Offered through the University of New Mexico's Rananim program.

  • Paperback Launch Party!

    November 8, 2012 - 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    Garden District Book Shop, New Orleans

    Drop by New Orleans' signature book shop for a reading, signing, Q&A, wine, snacks... and help me celebrate the paperback release (and new name) of the book! RAISING WRECKER hits the shelves and we're welcoming its birth in New Orleans.

  • Master Class in the Novel

    July 14, 2012 - 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    Taos Summer Writers' Conference, Taos NM

    The Taos Summer Writers' Conference runs from 7/15 through 7/22. Enrollment is full for my master class, but there are plenty of other terrific offerings.

  • Mothers and Daughters panel

    April 13, 2012 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Mabel Dodge Lujan House, Taos, NM

    My mother, Ellen Wood, and I will be reading along with two other mother-daughter pairs: Mirabai Starr and Susannah Starr, and Lyla Johnston and Pat McCabe. Should be fun! Part of the Taos Remarkable Women of Words day-long tribute to distinguished women writers in the region.

  • Taos Remarkable Women of Words: Featured Reader

    April 13, 2012 - 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
    Mabel Dodge Lujan House, Taos, NM

    I'll be reading alongside Anita Rodriguez and Lara Santoro in a day-long tribute to distinguished women writers in Taos.

  • Writing Immersion Weekend, 12/9-11: Accessing Voice through Wordplay

    December 8, 2011 - 6:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    Taos, NM

    Create new work, tackle craft issues, get critique, and energize your writing life in a writing immersion weekend for all levels in Taos, New Mexico. December 9-11: Accessing Voice through Wordplay. Sessions run from 6-9pm Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday (with breaks throughout, although we'll have the opportunity to cook together and share meals), and 10am-noon Sunday. Each session costs $185 (less a 10% discount for SOMOS members), or pre-register for all three for $450. Limited lodging possibilities at reasonable rates are available for those who travel to attend. For more information, please email me at summer@summerwoodwrites.com.

  • Writing Immersion Weekend, 11/18-20: Working with Point of View

    November 17, 2011 - 6:00 PM - 12:00 PM

    Create new work, tackle craft issues, get critique, and energize your writing life in a writing immersion weekend for all levels in Taos, New Mexico. November 18-20: From Whose Perspective? Working with Point of View. Sessions run from 6-9pm Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday (with breaks throughout, although we'll have the option of cooking together and sharing meals), and 10am-noon Sunday. Each session costs $185 (less a 10% discount for SOMOS members), or pre-register for all three for $450. Limited lodging possibilities at reasonable rates are available for those who travel to attend. For more information, please email me at summer@summerwoodwrites.com.

  • Writing Immersion Weekend, 10/14-16: Character Development

    October 13, 2011 - 6:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    Taos, NM

    Create new work, tackle craft issues, get critique, and energize your writing life in a writing immersion weekend for all levels in Taos, New Mexico. October 14-16: Gesture, Staging, and Dialogue for Character Development. Sessions run from 6-9pm Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday (with breaks throughout, although we'll have the option of cooking together and sharing meals), and 10am-noon Sunday. Each session costs $185 (less a 10% discount for SOMOS members), or pre-register for all three for $450. Limited lodging possibilities at reasonable rates are available for those who travel to attend. For more information, please email me at summer@summerwoodwrites.com.

  • A Room of Her Own Foundation Writers' Retreat

    August 7, 2011 - 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico

    The bi-annual AROHO Retreat for women writers takes place amid the stunning scenery of northern New Mexico's Ghost Ranch, made famous in the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe. I join writers Marilynne Robinson, Breena Clarke, Barb Johnson, and 80 more for an inspiring week of craft talks, readings, and more.

  • Taos Summer Writers' Conference

    July 9, 2011 - 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    Taos, NM

    I'll be teaching a week-long master class in the novel from 7/11-15, followed by a weekend class called "Writing Around Taos: Tapping the Power of Place" on the 16th and 17th. Both groups are full, but come by Friday night for the free reading; I share the podium with Jonis Agee and Mark Sundeen. Gail Caldwell is the keynote speaker Sunday night, 7/10.

  • San Cristobal Writes!

    May 25, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    San Cristobal Community Center, San Cristobal, NM

    Poet Cathy Strisek (THOUSAND-CRICKET SONG) and others join me in an evening of readings and dessert in the valley. What could be better?

  • WRECKER at Questa Library

    May 6, 2011 - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Questa Community Library, Questa, NM

    Special to the Questa book group and open to the community.

  • WRECKER at the University of New Mexico

    May 2, 2011 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    UNM Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

    Reading and booksigning at my alma mater.

  • Craft Talk with Belmont University students

    April 14, 2011 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Belmont University, Nashville TN

    This one's reserved for Belmont students.

  • Reading at Belmont University, Nashville, TN

    April 13, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Vince Gill Room in the Curb Event Center, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

    Free, and open to the wider Nashville community.

  • Author Chat with Summer Wood, author of WRECKER 7 pm EDT

    April 10, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Reading Group Choices Discussion Board

    Tune in at 7pm Eastern time and come with questions! Reading Group Choices is proud to announce our Facebook Author Chat with award-winning author, Summer Wood of the book WRECKER. Book Clubs and Book Lovers: Come join the Conversation! AUTHOR CHAT BONUS -- WRECKER GIVEAWAY! Comment or ask a question on the Discussion Board for a chance to win WRECKER! We will chose five lucky winners to receive a copy. Here's the link to the Discussion Page for SUMMER WOOD, April 11 Author Chat http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=175693438314&topic=15705

  • WRECKER in Seattle -- with Jennie Shortridge

    February 28, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park

    I'll be talking with the talented Seattle writer Jennie Shortridge (WHEN SHE FLEW) about what happens when kids get swept into the foster care system -- and about the adults who try to keep them safe.

  • WRECKER in Portland

    February 27, 2011 - 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Powell's Books

  • WRECKER in Mendocino

    February 26, 2011 - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Gallery Bookshop, Mendocino

  • WRECKER in Arcata

    February 25, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Northtown Books

  • WRECKER in Berkeley

    February 24, 2011 - 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Mrs. Dalloway's

  • WRECKER in the Mission District

    February 23, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Modern Times Bookstore

  • WRECKER in Danville

    February 22, 2011 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Read Booksellers

  • WRECKER with Coffee & Conversation

    February 22, 2011 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Towne Center Books, Pleasanton

  • WRECKER at the Ferry Building -- with Laura Fraser

    February 21, 2011 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Book Passage, Ferry Building, San Francisco

    The inimitable Laura Fraser (ALL OVER THE MAP) joins me for a conversation about unexpected love. And in the Ferry Building, no less! Be the first to tell me what scene in WRECKER is set there, and I'll send you a free copy of the book to share with a friend.

  • WRECKER in Albuquerque -- with Gregory Martin

    February 19, 2011 - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

    Greg Martin (MOUNTAIN CITY) joins me in conversation about family secrets and the impact they have on parents and kids.

  • Taos meets WRECKER

    February 18, 2011 - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Moby Dickens Bookshop, Taos, NM

    Come celebrate the launch of WRECKER in my home town! Blackberry jam cake, wine, and all the trappings.

  • WRECKER in Santa Fe -- with Rob Wilder

    February 17, 2011 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Collected Works Bookstore, Santa Fe, NM

    The very smart, very funny ROB WILDER (author of Daddy Needs a Drink) will help me launch Wrecker. Come join our conversation about the ins and outs of raising kids in these crazy times.