ASPEN SUMMER WORDS
Testimonials

From Our Presenters

The Aspen Writers' Foundation is possibly the most effective organization in the intermountain West at bringing together writers and readers (and their all important facilitators, editors and agents) into a community of sustenance and discovery. Aspen Summer Words is the Sundance Film Festival of literary publishing, a place outside of Manhattan's dusty boardrooms for books to germinate and grow.
— Pam Houston, author Sight Hound

With a first-rate faculty of established writers, and some of the brightest lights from the publishing community in New York — all assembled in one of the most beautiful, inspiring places on the planet — Aspen Summer Words provides a powerful opportunity for writers, both creatively and professionally.
— Bill Clegg, Literary Agent, William Morris

The Aspen Summer Words Festival offers an inspiring environment in which to engage in a very constructive dialogue about not only the craft of writing, but also the nature of the marketplace and the publishing world at large.
— Elizabeth Sheinkman, Literary Agent, Elaine Markson Agency

What a wonderful festival! Thank you so much for inviting me. I think the inspiration from the speakers will stay with me even in those darkest freelance hours. I was in heaven, in a town I love, hearing so many interesting writers (Mark Salzman was astonishingly funny!). I'd love to come back.
— Laura Fraser, author of An Italian Affair

Aspen Summer Words provides an idyllic setting for learning and networking alike. A
well-organized conference with a wide variety of panels and workshops, it provides a
unique opportunity to pitch and tailor personal ideas to the needs of the marketplace.
Don't miss it!
— Hilary Black, Senior Editor, Books & Entertainment, MORE magazine

Congratulations on a really wonderful week. Everything [at Aspen Summer Words] was so well-organized, so carefully considered… a class act.
— Ted Conover, author of Newjack

Aspen Summer Words was wonderful, and you deserve congratulations and kudos for the job you do. Everything about the event was impressive and I was pleased to be part of it.
— Larry Watson, author of Montana 1948

The work of the Aspen Writers' Foundation is integral to the work of literature — engaged, engaging, and filled with light, life.
— Christopher Merrill, poet and author of Brilliant Water

To be with writers and readers, poets and novelists and essayists, all of whom love the word and love talking to each other, is the only true communal pleasure of the writing and reading life. We happy few, in Aspen.
— Amy Bloom, author of Come to Me

Only two words come to mind, when thinking about the staff of the Aspen Writers' Foundation: They rock.
— Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation

I thought is was a beautifully run conference, relaxed and without the usual tensions, misguided directives and interference you usually see at writers' retreats where individual demands are so great and timing is everything. ...I really do hope I get to do Aspen one more time. It was such a thoroughly rewarding experience. ...If the program got any better, you might never get rid of me.
— Bob Bausch, author of A Hole in the Earth

You really know how to do things in great style at high altitude. It was such a memorable event from start to finish, and I just hope we didn't drive the price of real estate down in Aspen with our singing.
— Hugo Hamilton, author of The Speckled People

“I’ve been to a good many festivals, but I wish I could tuck them in my suitcase and bring them to Aspen, where they could see how it’s really done. It’s close to the perfect storm...good food, great organization, spectacular landscape, and deeply engaged readers who know the value of a handshake. A wonderful place to turn a page.”
— Colum McCann, bestselling author of Dancer and Zoli

“There are writers' festivals all over the world but the Aspen Writers’ Foundation is special. There is such a richness and variety in the events offered you will hardly know where to begin, but whatever you choose you will know you are partaking of the best.”
— Frank McCourt,
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela’s Ashes

From Our Participants

Aspen Summer Words was very inspiring — it was a privilege to be among some of our literary treasures and to have them share their gifts and themselves.
— Melanie F. Humphrey

You and your team did an amazingly successful job this year. Everything was handled beautifully and the overall impression was one of true class. I was very glad to be in attendance. Many thanks.
—Dolores Hyde

You gave us all such a rewarding and inspiring experience. The location, the topics of discussion, the writers, the panelists, the receptions…every detail was perfect, very professional, and well organized. I know you must have heard this from everyone.
—Kathryn Diamond Camp

Thank you for such an expanding event. The poetry workshop broadened my stylistic and technical skills. The festival was always informative. The food, the coffee, the staff, everything was wonderful. I thank you for making my experience as welcoming as it was.
— Chris M. Cloos

Aspen Summer Words inspires me to overcome the odds! What I saw and heard is making me count the days until the next one.
— Stephanie Sommers

I was so very, very nourished and inspired and encouraged.
— ASW Writing Retreat student

I cannot rave enough about this retreat/festival: top-rate faculty, well-spaced events, superb location, and even little things like afternoon tea and cookies. I've been to other writers' conferences and this one was by far the best organized. I will strongly recommend it to friends.
— Jill Shtulman

Aspen Summer Words was astounding in every respect. The staff was so friendly and helpful, and every detail of the conference was well-planned.
— ASW Writing Retreat student

Aspen Summer Words was beautifully organized and well run. The writing retreat gave me the inspiration to continue writing my novel, a renewed love of language, knowledge of unfamiliar authors to read, a sense of the book publishing process and industry, and contacts with magazine editors. You exceeded my expectations!
— Leslie Petrovski

I loved the speakers. How impressive they were!
— Kaye Bache Snyder

My experiences were so positive. I got what I wanted [from the writing retreat]: great feedback from an agent and from my instructor, Larry Watson.
— Burt Rashbaum

A month after Aspen Summer Words,] I am still buzzing from all the excitement. I can't wait to recommend this festival to others.
— Andromeda Romano-Lax

The most valuable thing that I gained from the Aspen Summer Words writing retreat was being taken seriously as a writer and the inspiration to carry on.
— ASW Writing Retreat student

The Given Institute is a dreamy place for a writer to sit and watch the mountains, pines and enjoy so much beauty.
— ASW Writing Retreat student

I just wanted to drop a quick note thanking you again for your kindness in presenting me with the Aspiring Artist award. Being allowed to attend the gala dinner and to speak with Malachy McCourt meant more to me than you could possibly imagine. Suffice it to say that I will treasure the evening forever and that it was tremendously inspirational to me.
— Naomi Jones

The quality of organization, the staff and the speakers are head and shoulders above any others I've attended.
— Carol McGraw

The opportunity to spend a week with some of my favorite writers was akin to my children's experiences in Disney World.
— Audrey Vernick

This is by far the best writing conference I have ever attended.
— ASW student