This weekend at the fourth annual Summer Writers’ Conference, writers gathered to critique, experiment and move their writing outside the box. The conference began with two writing workshop sessions and concluded Sunday with a morning workshop session.

Headlining the conference was Dinah Lenney author of “Bigger than Life: A Murder, a Memoir.”

Her keynote address focused on her experiences writing a memoir about the murder of her father. She gave advice on how to write honestly and openly about difficult subjects, as well as suggestions on how to find a personal voice in writing.

Dean Hamilton, a local fantasy writer, attended the conference to learn more about writing children’s fiction.

“It was good to hear someone who is an expert in the field explain some of the elements and how children’s literature is structured,” Hamilton said.

Amy Ruddell, program manager of the College of Continuing Education, asked participants to think outside the box and write out of their comfort zones. Writers had opportunities through a meet and greet during lunch and sharing original works during workshops.

The afternoon workshops gave writers tips on getting published, non-fiction and fiction writing, writing children’s literature, nature writing and blogging.

The conference began with two opportunities for writers to have their work critiqued by publishing agents and authors. The first, called a “whistle-stop,” Ruddell described as the equivalent of speed dating.

Writers pitched book ideas to publishing agents and received feedback on improving their work. After receiving help at whistle-stop event last year one participant received a publishing contract.

Some writers were interested in commercial publication of their work; others simply wanted to see their own words between two covers. Bill Pieper, a College of Continuing Education chairman, said this year’s event went together smoothly.

“Every year that we do this, it gets easier,” Pieper said.

Derek Fleming can be reached at [email protected].