What is writing talent, and how can we get some? How would we even recognize it if we had it? In this keynote, we’ll examine talent’s contradictory conceptions: a gift, hard work, ease, inspiration, passion, failure, privilege, cultural, grit, guts, and more. You’ll learn how famous writers have regarded talent over literary history, and how those ancient-to-modern definitions influence the way we write (and avoid writing, and berate ourselves, and eat too much chocolate). We will also eat too much chocolate, which Bill has agreed to provide. This keynote will be delivered by Book Project mentor Erika Krouse, author of four books of fiction and nonfiction.

This keynote is available in several different formats. This is the lecture-only version. If you would like to attend this lecture and receive a copy of Erika's new book, Save Me, Stranger, use this link here. If you would like to attend the keynote and have a meal provided, use this link here. If you would like a copy of Erika's book, and have your meal provided, use this link here. Finally, if you want to just attend virtually, click here.