Event Dates: June 14, 2012 - June 17, 2012

Poets who attend the Surprise Valley Writers' Conference are always looking out the window. Why? They're entranced by the high desert to the East and the forested Warner Mountains to the West. In other words, they want to get out on the land and experience the pristine beauty of Surprise Valley, California.

“Poetic Spirit: An Exploration of Inner and Outer Landscapes" was created by the Surprise Valley Writers' Conference to offer poets, fiction and non-fiction writers a three-day outdoor experience that will energize their creativity and help them see the world with new eyes. Conference participants enjoy a combination of field trips focused on geology, ecology, biology, botany, and humanity as well as writing workshops.

"Poetic Spirit" attendees explore the dramatic geology of Surprise Valley with renowned geologists such as UC Davis Professor Emeritus Eldridge Moores. They learn about native flora from Surprise Valley resident Sydney Smith, a retired Forest Service ecologist. Poet leaders Julia Connor, Sacramento's Poet Laureate Emeritus and renowned translator William O' Daly, offer a creative perspective.

Back in Cedarville, participants can visit the newly expanded bookstore, Floating Island Books, where owner and writer Michael Sykes will share local lore with them.  Later in the day they share their writings at the Open Mic held at Surprise Cafe.

Driving directions. Cedarville is 133 miles east of Redding on Hwy 229. From Reno Cedarville is 188 miles north on Nevada Hwy 447.

Admission Fee (if any): $350

Ages Festival is Appropriate For: Adult