Writers Conference keynote Naomi Wolf, author of “The Beauty Myth”

The 9th annual Columbus State Writers Conference, to be held Saturday, May 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Columbus State Conference Center will feature a keynote speech and workshop session by Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth, an international bestseller about the unrealistic standards of the beauty industry.

Due to a death in her family, the original keynote speaker, Elizabeth Alexander, is unable to attend.

Author, social critic, and political activist Naomi Wolf raises awareness about the pervasive inequities that exist in society and politics. She encourages people to take charge of their lives, voice their concerns and offers specific ways to enact change.

Wolf's landmark bestseller, The Beauty Myth, challenged the cosmetics industry and the marketing of unrealistic standards of beauty, launching a new wave of feminism in the early 1990s. The New York Times called it one of the most important books of the 20th century. Her other books include The End of America: Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot (2007). Her next book, Vagina: A New Biography, will be released September 2012.

The Writers Conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. with workshops ranging from writing dark humor to writing memoirs.  After a book signing with the special guest, a luncheon and the keynote address follows, with additional workshops running from 2:00-4:15 p.m. The cost is $80 at the door, or $60 by pre-registration through April 25 online at www.cscc.edu/writersconference. Students may attend for only $20 with a student ID.