We're celebrating, in pictures, the countdown to the 2009 Port Townsend Writers' Conference. Thanks again to Centrum alumna Elizabeth Thorpe, who is sending these photos from the 2008 gathering–and who is also showcasing them on her Facebook page.

At left is an image of the Joseph F. Wheeler Theater, which since 1974 has been the site of some of the most solid readings and craft lectures ever presented on the North American continent.

These craft lectures are taken so seriously by the faculty members that many end up being published. At Centrum, we offer them to the public (thanks to generous grant support from Humanities Washington) completely free.

The afternoon craft lectures happen every day from July 13 to July 18 at 4 pm. The first lecture (Monday, July 13) will be by Chris Abani, and is entitled: "Separating 'Ritual' from 'Process' in Fiction." Admission is free.