Writers earn scholarships to conference

Two young writers have been given scholarships to the upcoming Flathead River Writers Conference.

Paige Moriarty and Amanda Sheppard won the high school student writing contest sponsored by the Authors of the Flathead. They received cash prizes as well as free tuition to the conference to be held Sept. 22-23 at Flathead Valley Community College.

Moriarty and Sheppard will join other writers at all levels of experience to learn from bestselling authors including: William Bernhardt, with more than 10 million books sold; Deborah LeBlanc, acclaimed horror novelist; Whitefish’s own Dennis Foley, former Hollywood screenwriter, producer, and instructor at UCLA and FVCC.

On the business end of writing, experts include: Marcia Markland, veteran editor at major publishers for more than two decades; Natalie Grazian, associate agent with Martin Literary & Media Management; and Jeffrey Yamaguchi, digital marketing specialist.

Student scholarships were graciously provided by the late Don Ryan, longtime member of Authors of the Flathead.

Tuition is $160 for both days, or $90 for single day attendance, and includes lunch. Early registration is encouraged because the event is capped at 100 attendees to maintain the intimate, friendly atmosphere.

For more information or to register online visit: https://www.authorsoftheflathead.org/conference.asp or call 406-881-4066.