During St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s first annual Chesapeake Writers’ Conference, to be held July 11 to July 14, the public is invited to a series of three readings by distinguished guest authors. In addition, a special musical performance by Latin jazz group Sabor Trio will take place on the College’s Campus Center patio the first day of the conference at 7 p.m.

The readings, which are free to the public, will take place over the course of three evenings. The schedule is as follows:

• July 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Cinema, poetry by Elizabeth Arnold and readings by author Patricia Henley: Elizabeth Arnold has published three books of poetry: The Reef (1999), Civilization (2006), and Effacement (2010). Patricia Henley is the author of two books of poetry, four short story collections, a stage play, and two novels, including Hummingbird House, a finalist for the National Book Award.
• July 13 at 6:45 p.m. in Cole Cinema, readings by Jeff Hammond and Matt Burgess: Jeff Hammond has published three scholarly works on early American literature and several books of creative nonfiction, including Small Comforts: Essays at Middle Age. Matt Burgess’ first novel, Dogfight, A Love Story, was a New York Times Editors' Pick and a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. His second novel, Uncle Janice, is forthcoming from Doubleday.
• July 14 at 8 p.m. in Daugherty-Palmer Commons, readings by Wayne Karlin: Karlin is the author of seven novels and three books of creative nonfiction, and has received several State of Maryland Individual Artist Awards in Fiction.

About the Chesapeake Writers’ Conference:

For five days, writers will work with conference faculty to hone their craft in one of three genres—fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Attendees will work in small workshops led by acclaimed writers, college faculty, and publishing representatives. Craft classes, writing lectures, and discussions of publishing will supplement the intensive workshop experience. Participants will also be able to experience the bounty of summertime southern Maryland as they enjoy concerts, kayaking, and day-tripping to nearby wineries and parks. For more information, please visit http://www.smcm.edu/summer/writing/.