2008 Conference Call for Proposals
Following on the success of the Japan Writers Conference held last
autumn at Ochanomizu University, plans for the 2nd Annual Japan Writers
Conference are now underway. The conference will be held this year at
Nanzan University (Nagoya Campus), Nagoya, Japan on Saturday, November
29th and Sunday, November 30, 2008.
This is a call for presentation proposals. All published writers who
would like to present are invited to submit a proposal. Those who
presented at the first conference are (of course) welcome to submit new
proposals. But we especially encourage proposals from new submitters.
One of the strengths of the first conference was its variety. One of
the best ways to have that variety continue is to have fresh faces
making presentations.
Detailed information follows, but briefly, a proposal needs to include
information about yourself (especially as a writer, including publication
credits), the type of presentation you wish to make, a title, a summary
of 50 words, a longer abstract (150 words) and any special requests you
might have. Standard sessions are fifty minutes long, but if you have
something special in mind, please let us know and we will accommodate
it if possible.
Presentations on all genre and all aspects of writing and publishing
are welcome. The deadline for presentation proposals is May 1, 2008
This year we have more classrooms available and therefore can have more
presentations. There are also plans for an event on Saturday night
under discussion. So plan to be in Nagoya on November 29th and 30th
either as a presenter or participant in the 2nd Annual Japan Writers
Conference. And please forward this to any friend or colleague who
would be interested.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
2nd Annual Japan Writers Conference
Location: Nanzan University (Nagoya Campus), Nagoya, Japan
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30, 2008
The Japan Writers Conference seeks proposals from published authors who
wish to lead workshops or moderate discussions. The conference will be open to the public and free of charge for attendees. No honoraria can be provided for speakers/workshop leaders. The conference is not-for-profit and will be staffed by volunteers.
Sessions covering any genre, style, or aspect of writing including
poetry, fiction, essay, memoir, creative non-fiction, academic/textbook writing, literary translation, cross-genre work, text production, traditional and non-traditional publishing, and/or literary performance are sought.
Fifty minute session formats may include workshops, guided discussions,
short lectures followed by question and answer, or oral readings plus discussion. Sessions can focus on theory and/or practice, e.g., matters of craft,
stylistic concerns, publishing tips, editing strategies, performance techniques, literary trends/history, issues associated with translation, etc.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
A. Please submit the information below, numbered (1-9) as follows, as
the text of an email message:
1. Your full name
2. Your email addresses
3. Professional (employment or academic) affiliation and job title, if
relevant
4. Preferred 50 minute session type (choose from below):
lst choice: a, b, c, d, e, or f
2nd choice: a, b, c, d, e, or f
a. Poster session
b. Workshop (practical focus with audience participation)
c. Oral reading plus discussion.
d. Short lecture followed by discussion / Q&A
e. Guided discussion (leader moderates a discussion among the
attendees)
f. Panel (group of authors; in this case each panelist's name, work
or school affiliation and title, and biography will be required --
maximum 3 persons -- please include bio data for each participant if
you choose this format)
5. Presenter biography - including a summary of major recent relevant
publications -- 150 words maximum. Please limit the content of this
biography to credentials relevant to the session you plan to do (if a
panel, please include biographical data for each panelist).
6. Session title - 20 words maximum
7. Session summary - 50 words or less
8. Session abstract (fuller description) - 150 words maximum
9. Optional-- Your comment or special request (requests for equipment
will be met only if the requested equipment can be made available)
B. The subject line of your emailed proposal should be: JWC plus your
full name and the date of your submission (example: JWC Susan Yamanaka
April 5, 2008)
C. No attachment files will be accepted or read. Please do not send
website URLs. Materials other than the information requested above will
not be read or responded to. Proposals that do not conform to the
guidelines above will receive no reply.
D. Deadline for receipt of proposals:May 1, 2008.The new deadline is midnight on July 18, 2008! Please get your submission in before the deadline.
E. Send your proposal (only one proposal initially, please) to both
email addresses below simultaneously:
japan_writers_conference@yahoo.com, gribblej@gol.com
F. PLEASE NOTE:
1. Proposals will be selected on the basis of the submitter's
background and experience, the proposal theme and format, and the
constraints of the schedule. We wish to provide a program as varied and
balanced as possible in terms of genres, themes, and format.
2. Please allow several months response time. A conference volunteer
will attempt to contact all submitters who reply to this first call for
proposals. (A 2nd call for proposals in summer 2008 may occur only if
space remains available in the program.)
3. The conference can provide no financial assistance or funding
(honoraria, transportation cost reimbursement etc.) for any participant nor provide any legal documents of any kind for any overseas visitor. Transportation, lodging, meals, sightseeing activities, etc. if needed, must be arranged and paid for by attendees.
4. Although it is expected that participants may wish to bring articles
to share such as books, journals, flyers, and so on, the conference cannot be
responsible for any such articles or for the loss or sale of personal items.
CALENDAR
Proposal deadline: May 1, 2008
Contact submitters: Early Summer, 2008
Preliminary conference schedule: Available online in late summer, 2008
Conference dates: November 29-30, 2008
Thank you for your interest in the 2nd Annual Japan Writers Conference.
The committee looks forward to receiving your proposal.
Thanks,
Japan Writers Conference Organizing Committee