The third annual Women on Writing (WOW!) Conference took place at Skyline College on March 5th.

Skyline College President Victoria Morrow said the event was put together with the hope that others would benefit and grow from the variety of experiences provided by the conference.

“You will have the opportunity to hear and speak with eminent writers in a variety of genres, to purchase books and get them signed by the authors, and to interact with other fans of great writing,” she said beforehand.

The all-day event, at which breakfast, lunch and dessert was provided, included a series of workshops meant to encourage writers of all ages and ethnicities. An exhibit featuring art by Skyline women faculty was also on display.

“There were many creative people with a lot of energy,” said elementary teacher Conchita Garciah who was attending. “This was truly an inspiring event.”

One of the most anticipated events at the 2005 WOW! Conference was keynote speaker ZZ Packer, who addressed the question, “Can writing save the world?”

“Our goal here today is to help inspire our writers and to help them grow as writers,” Packer said. She said she had wanted to attend this event before as a speaker, but never got the chance until this year.

After her speech was over, she was honored with a seemingly endless round of applause.

Skyline student Mashallah Sadegh said of Packer, “She gave me motivation to write, and seemed very educated.”

The variety of events included workshops on writing and poetry, how to find an agent, and a workshop on what to do if you feel frustrated with your writing.

“Writing in the moment showed us how we can overcome writing block,” said student Nadia Garrett, who had just come from one of the many offered workshops.