Category: Promotions

Promotions and information about writers, readings, and other events

Highland Summer Conference Registration Open

Registration for the 2025 Highland Summer Conference, featuring guest instructor Robert Gipe, is now open! Robert Gipe is the author of Trampoline, Weedeater, and Pop, three visual novels with unforgettable characters, heartbreak and humor, and featuring his own distinctive artistic style.

To register, go here or use this easy QR code:

Accessible QR code for users with low vision, courtesy of NaviLens

Current rates are $250 general, $200 seniors, and $200 for students (who are not registered to take the workshop as a class for credit hours). This cost includes tuition, the option of sleeping onsite at Selu Conservancy in the Retreat Center dormitories, and several meals.

Students wishing to take the workshop for three credit hours need to register for English 490 or English 590 instead. Yes, you can take the class as an undergraduate or graduate student!

Photograph of Robert Gipe, a man with beard, glasses, and tousled hair, in front of tomato plants
Author and artist Robert Gipe, photo by Amelia Kirby

How to Register

1) If you are taking this conference as a course for three credit hours, you do not need to pay additional fees. Register for the class (English 490 or English 590, Summer II Session) with Radford University, pay the tuition, and we take care of everything else. 

2) If you are taking the conference only, go to the conference store instead.

3) Where it says “$0.00,” click “Add to cart”

4) Now you’ll get a menu to select the type of conference fee you’re paying for: $250 for general, $200 for students who are NOT taking it for credit, or $200 for seniors. 

5) You also have an option to enter dietary issues (such as no nuts, no dairy, vegetarian, etc.) and choose whether to stay at Selu or not.

6) Once you’ve filled this out, you will have the option to pay by card. When you do that, make sure you submit everything and get a confirmation.

Bend of Little River
Bend of Little River at Selu Conservancy

Housing FAQ

Q: What if I need housing? You can stay at Selu Conservancy in the Retreat Center dormitories at no cost. There are multiple bunk beds in two separate dorms with full showers and a shared kitchen available. Bring your own towels, linens, and favorite pillow.

Q: What if I want to bond with the great outdoors? You can camp outside the center if you bring your own equipment, then use the showers/bathrooms at the retreat center as needed. 

Q: And if I’d rather stay in the lap of luxury? You can reserve a discounted room in our block at the Highlander Hotel in downtown Radford, or you can make your own arrangements at the nearby Comfort Inn, Tru, La Quinta, or more. Look for hotels near Exit 109 for the shortest drive to Selu Conservancy.

Getting Better All the Time

Well, that took longer than I thought . . . For the last three weeks, I’ve been updating the site, mostly through trial and error. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m always learning something new.

Now, if you check out apriljasbury@com, you’ll see new additions and upgrades:

Please take a minute to check it out. I hope you’ll sign up for the newsletter, too; this month the Author Spotlight will be turned on the legendary George Ella Lyon. You won’t want to miss it!

A black cat sitting with a large candy corn pillow and a quilt
Shadow is unimpressed by the lack of October content.