As you can read on A Motley Vision, the Association for Mormon Letters will be holding a somewhat unorthodox mini-conference this coming Saturday, March 28, from 1-5 pm on UVU campus (Library, rooms LI 515 and LI 516). The theme is “Everything you wanted to know about Mormon Literature (but were afraid to ask)” and the purpose is to introduce newcomers to the widening field of Mormon Letters, while also allowing veterans to be on live debates and wait for spilled blood.
Because dedicated Keepa fans have read more historic Mormon literature than you can shake a stick at, they would be honored guests at this free public event. Five reasons you should consider attending:
5) Because “Mormon letters” is not just another name for the Deseret alphabet.
.
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Many a nerdy Mormon has been horribly embarrassed by making this simple mistake at a ward linger longer. Don’t let it happen to you.
4) Because live debates are so 19th century.
Panels are great, but this conference will also attempt to revive live debate as a form. If it was good enough for the Wasatch Literary Society, it’s good enough for us.
3) Because Susa Young Gates, Orson F. Whitney, and Mabel Jones Gabbott would want you to.
People are watching you from the other side of the veil. And while they mostly want you to repent, there may also be some niche rejoicing in heaven over those who attend Mormon literary conferences.
2) Because it will make Kent Larsen jealous.
Yes, he lives in New York City. But if you have the pleasure of living near the happening cultural center of Provo-Orem, Utah, not even his Mormon Arts Sunday beret will be a comfort to him this weekend.
1) Because Ardis E. Parshall will be there. Yes, that’s the Ardis Parshall
Let’s face it: we all like to bask in her genius once in a while. This gives you a chance to do so without looking like a stalker.
You had me at “somewhat unorthodox.”
One of my favorite parts of conferences is the hallway chatter. I’d love to bounce around ideas for Mormon alternate history stories in the time between sessions.
Not just Kent!! Others too! And I hope there’s some live blogging!
Ardis, you made my wife laugh out loud. And me too…
Make that James. The post was by James. I gotta look at things more closely.
And if you haven’t read James’ book, The Five Books of Jesus, you’re missing a fabulous Mormon work.
This was fun and funny. I feel honored by the special invitation, James. Good on you.
Reason Number 1 for the win. (tied with Comment No. 1)
Finally got back to reading the Mabel Jones Gabbott bio, James. Wonderful! “I am 28 years old; I have published a poem,” she thought. “The world is all before me.”