Nature writer opens Write on the Sound

Award winning nature writer Robert Michael Pyle will deliver the keynote address for the 18th annual Write on the Sound Writers’ Conference on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Pyle’s keynote, entitled “Writing the World: The Muse is in the Details,” opens a full two day schedule of workshops taught by regional authors, educators, and trade professionals. A variety of topics are offered on the craft of writing to help writers of all levels gain new perspectives on their work, meet other writers, and spark their creative energy.

A professional writer since 1982, Pyle has published hundreds of papers, essays, stories and poems. His books have won the John Burroughs Medal for Distinguished Nature Writing, a Guggenheim Fellowship, three Washington Governor’s Writers Awards, a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award, and the Harry B. Nehls Award in Nature Writing. His 14 books include “Wintergreen,” “The Thunder Tree,” “Where Bigfoot Walks,” “Chasing Monarchs” and “Walking the High Ridge: Life as Field Trip,” as well as numerous field guides on butterflies. His column “The Tangled Bank” appears regularly in Orion Magazine. A lifelong conservationist, he received a 1997 Distinguished Service Award from the Society for Conservation Biology. A resident of Gray’s River, Wash., Pyle has lectured and read in many cities and countries, taught numerous field courses and writing seminars all over the U.S., and appeared on radio and television.

Pyle’s address is set for 1:15 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4, at the Edmonds Theatre, located at 415 Main St. It is open to the public but seating is limited. $8 general admission tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling 425-771-0228 or 425-771-0230. The Edmonds Arts Commission presents the event at the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., in Edmonds.

A day of new pre-conference events is scheduled on Oct. 3 at Edmonds Community College. Pyle will conduct one of three writing critique workshops Friday afternoon. At 7:30 p.m. Friday evening, Pyle is featured in an author reading at Edmonds Community College. The reading, followed by a reception and book signing, will be held in the Triton Union Building, room 202. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door for $10. Tickets for Write on the Sound participants and EdCC students &staff are $5.

For a Write on the Sound registration brochure including pre-conference events, or other information call 425-771-0228 or visit www.ci.edmonds. wa.usArtsCommission/index.stm.