WordSpring, a writers conference, will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 8:30 – 4 p.m. on the Butte College main campus, 3536 Butte Campus Drive, in the Learning Resource Center, 2nd floor. A light breakfast and lunch are included, along with a full day of workshops in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and more.

This year, award-winning novelist Pam Houston will be a featured presenter. Houston will offer two workshops and will be available during a reception on Thursday, April 24 at the 1078 Gallery in Chico at 7:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

Conference workshops include "Behind the Best Songs" by noted local musician Mark McKinnon, "A Trip to the Mediterranean: Creating a Sense of Place" by world traveler and international author Ayse Taskiran, "Cut-up Poetry to Go" from Oregon poet Sallie Ehrman, and "Fast and Furious Tales" from fiction writing guide and author Eric Witchey. Poet Ken Letko from College of the Redwoods and fiction author Michael Spurgeon from Sacramento will also present. Students from the Butte College Literary Arts Club will lead the ever-popular student salon with the workshop "Tinker Play: Sensory Inspiration."

Additional presenters include: Troy Jollimore, Amy Antongiovanni, Finn Kraemer, Chris Cullen, Shannon Rooney, and Erin Lindsay McCabe.

Participants will practice their craft throughout the day and talk to a growing community of writers. Participants include writing groups, educators, and community members.

Additional activities include a flash fiction writing competition, book signings, and an opening warm-up led by award-winning YA novelist Zu Vincent.

The cost is $35 for students and educators, $65 for community members. Deadline for advance registration is April 18 at www.buttewordspring.org. Visit website for a full list of presenters. Registration at the door is an additional $5.

For more information, contact Molly Emmons at (530) 895-2935 or emmonsmo@lhyh.net.