10 Wyoming Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
This is the end, friends and readers and friend-readers — the final entry in our State Writing Resources, a series which began a full year-plus ago and has taken us through forty-nine states, one district, and, randomly, South Korea. Of course, our work is not done; these lists of resources are ever evolving, often based on input from you fine readers. If you know of an organization that would make a fine addition to any state list, simply drop us a line and let us know about it, or leave a comment on that particular state’s blog post.
Wyoming. It’s one of our largest states, but has the smallest population. Even Cheyenne, the capital and biggest city, hosts only a little more than 60,000 people. Between the Rockies to the west, the High Plains to the east, and parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, Wyoming is a gorgeous state. I’ve also been there during some hellish, super-sudden storms. The kind of storm you may come across in, say, an Annie Proulx story.
A few prominent names in Wyoming writing include Proulx, whose most popular work, the short story “Brokeback Mountain,” originally appeared in a story collection titled Close Range: Wyoming Stories; Patricia Frolander, the state’s current poet laureate; Craig Johnson, whose Longmire series of books became a popular TV show; and George Clayton Johnson, best known for the novel Logan’s Run.
Presented in no particular order, here are 10 Wyoming writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you are an Equality Stater or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
1) Jackson Hole Writers Conference
An annual conference in the scenic Grand Tetons. Offers critiques, workshops, the chance to meet agents and editors, and much more.
The University of Wyoming writing program’s student journal, it publishes new fiction, poetry, nonfiction and artwork.
A scenic and quiet retreat offering focused writing time and community with other writers and artists.
Offers dedicated individuals a supportive environment in which to further their creative development. Artists and writers experience unfettered time to allow for thoughtful reflection and meditation on the creative process.
5) Equality State Book Festival
Celebrates books, authors and the written word in Wyoming with two days of festivities in Casper. Readings, panels, book signings and more.
A member organization offering regular meetings and workshops, as well as an annual conference in Laramie.
7) WyoPoets
Events, contests, meetings and a membership program.
Publishes about four books a year, with a focus on the history of Wyoming and the American West.
An annual, student-produced publication of Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. It features writers and artists from the college and the surrounding community.
10) Sem Literary and Arts Magazine
The literary magazine of Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. SLAM publishes fiction, poetry, plays and screenplays, visual art and more.
Cowboy Staters, help us add to this list of Wyoming writing goodness! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.