First Goldenrod Writing Workshop Hosted at Missoula

Missoula, Mont. – Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) will host its first Goldenrod Writing Workshop at the University of Montana in Missoula August 1-7, 2010. Open to both novice communicators and published professionals, the week-long workshop is designed to improve skills in outdoor, nature and environmental writing.

The workshop is in a casual setting with hands-on learning from peer groups and veteran instructors. The curriculum includes assignments, discussions, readings and shared critiques along with time for writing and socializing with others who share a passion for outdoor writing.

Enrollment is limited to 30 students, and it's on a first come, first served basis. The $995 fee includes tuition and room and board at The University of Montana campus residence. The deadline for applications is May 1, and a $250 non-refundable deposit is due the same time.

Four instructors teach the workshop. They include Lisa Densmore from New Hampshire, a book author, photographer, TV producer and Emmy-award winner; freelance writer Holly Endersby from Idaho, whose magazine articles have appeared in many markets; book author and humor writer Alan Liere from Spokane, Washington; and investigative reporter Ted Gup, who also heads the journalism department at Boston's Emerson College and whose book about the CIA was a NY Times Bestseller.

Visiting faculty include best-selling author Patrick McManus from Spokane and Bill Schneider, founder of Falcon Press, from Helena, Montana.

For complete details, go to owaa.org.

Interested in joining OWAA?

Our Annual Conference provides a great opportunity to network with other professionals, find opportunities to sell your work, plus hone your communication skills. OWAA's next conference, which will be held in Rochester, Minn., June 10-13, 2010, will offer a wide range of craft improvement and newsmaker events. Attend seminars on writing, photography, broadcasting, book publishing, technology and much more. Conference Info

Market Your Work: Do you have stories or photos to sell? Are you looking for additional markets to sell your wares? You can locate market opportunities in Outdoors Unlimited Online. Find publishers with specific needs and also learn of new communication job listings.

Member Directory: Each year, OWAA publishes a membership directory featuring members' biographical listing. Editors and businesses use this as a reference tool when seeking freelance or other communication needs, opening new market opportunities.

Contests: $30,000 is awarded each year to members who compete in OWAA's Excellence in Craft contests. Be recognized by your peers at our annual conference, and earn some extra income in the process.

Whether you're a novice or seasoned professional, OWAA has a membership opportunity for you. With your application, submit information or examples of your freelance, employment or academic activities related to outdoor communications, and we'll place you in the correct membership class. Students are welcome, too. Join OWAA.

The 1,200-member OWAA is the nation's oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators. Organized in 1927 by members of the Izaak Walton League of America, it is headquartered in Missoula, Mont.