'Desert Nights, Rising Stars' lineup set

Marilyn Bowering, Diana Gabaldon, Tony Hoagland, Walter Mosley, Jim Sallis, Gail Tsukiyama. How would you like to rub shoulders with these noted authors? And learn more about the craft of writing as they practice it? <br /><br />These writers – and many more – will comprise the faculty at “Desert Nights, Rising Stars 2007,” ASU's annual writing conference. <br /><br />The conference begins Feb. 21 and continues through Feb. 24 at ASU's Tempe campus. <br /><br />The conference schedule includes classes, panels, readings and book-signings. In addition to the general conference offerings, a series of small-group courses will be offered in poetry, as well as prose and drama, with students limited to five for prose and drama, and eight for poetry. <br /><br />Conference registration is $275. Small-group classes are $125. Author readings are $10 each. Those wishing to join the Piper Center for Creative Writing, conference sponsor, for $35, will receive a 10 percent discount on registration. <br /><br />Sessions are held at the Piper Writers House, University Club and Old Main, in ASU's historic quarter. <br /><br />For more information, call the Piper Center at (480) 965-6018 or visit the Web site <a href="http://www.asu.edu/piper/conference/2007">www.asu.edu/piper/conference/…;