The Nature of Words
Bend, Oregon: November 3-7, 2010

Ellie Waterston has wings for shoes.  Keeping up with her is tough. So when she announced, nigh on seven years ago, that she and her Golden Rolodex were launching Central Oregon’s first ongoing literary festival, The Nature of Words, I was extremely excited. But I had no idea the breadth and depth of what she would accomplish in those few years.

The most obvious and thrilling component of The Nature of Words, scattered throughout various venues in Bend, Oregon is the rock star authors who show up. Literary luminaries this year include, among many others, Anne Lamott (Operating Instructions, Traveling Mercies, Imperfect Birds), Barry Lopez (Arctic Dreams, Resistance, Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape) and David Whyte (The House of Belonging, Where Many Rivers Meet, Crossing the Unknown Sea). See the complete list of authors here.
So what do these acclaimed writers do when they get to Central Oregon? The Nature of Words offers many opportunities for people to meet and talk with the authors, including informal discussions and workshops, providing a unique perspective on each authors’ craft and writing approach. Events include readings, lectures, workshops, signings, and a sit-down dinner.

This year, actor and Shakespearean scholar, Sam Waterston, will speak at the Author Dinner on November 6.  Mr. Waterston has cultivated a loyal following with his quietly charismatic, unfailingly solid performances.
The Nature of Words also supports and encourages young writers through three programs: The Rising Star Creative Writing Competition, Words Without Walls (Creative Writing in the Schools), and The Storefront Project.
Kudos to Ellie Waterston, Louise Hawker, and all the super-human volunteers who’ve put this event on the literary map. And to the writers and readers among us who flock to this event on wings of their own. Get more information and tickets here.