The Hawaii Writers Conference today announced that Grammy-award-winning recording artist Norah Jones will perform at the first annual Writers Block Gala fundraiser, Sept. 4 at the Sheraton Waikiki.
The fundraising event is part of the week-long Hawaii Writers Conference, Sept. 4-7 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel nd Sheraton Waikiki.
The Hawaii Writers Conference will include several New York Times bestselling authors, including Jackie Mitchard, whose “Deep End of the Ocean” was the first Oprah Book Club Pick.
Gregory Maguire, international bestseller and author of “Wicked,” and Mitch Albom, author of “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” will deliver keynote presentations.
Novelist and young adult and children’s writer Alice Hoffman (“Practical Magic,” “Aquamarine”), and mind, body and spirit guru Dan Millman (“Way of the Peaceful Warrior”) will also present.
This year’s keynote speakers in the screenwriting category include Academy-Award-winners Bobby Moresco (“Million Dollar Baby” and “Crash”), Diana Ossana (“Brokeback Mountain”) and Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”). In addition, James Strauss (screenwriter for “House,” “Deadwood,” and “Entourage”) will present.
The annual conference draws aspiring and published writers, agents and editors to Hawaii to develop their craft.
Conference co-founder Shannon Tullius said the 2009 conference is broadening its focus to include niche markets such as children’s and young adult books, magazine writing, food and cookbook writing, and poetry, making the event relevant for writers at all stages of their careers.
Writers also have the opportunity to participate in a six-day Hawaii Writers Retreat, August 28 to Sept. 3 at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki.
Formerly called the Maui Writers Conference, the 2009 HWC will move to a central location in Honolulu to accommodate more participants. This year’s conference takes place at the The Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
For a full list of presenters, visit http://www.hawaiiwriters.org.