Field’s End hosts inaugural writers’ conference at Kiana Lodge April 22.

There are a wide variety of theories floating around as to why the Pacific Northwest seems to be fertile ground for writers. From Tom Robbins and Sherman Alexie to dozens of other published authors and countless aspiring writers, the woods are full of ‘em.

My favorite theory is the one which posits that writers here simply have more time to write. Locked away in their den/basement/attic, hunched over a lonely keyboard while the rain pounds down outside, regardless of the season, what else is there to do?

At least if you have a talent such as writing you won’t have to resort to playing Texas Hold ‘em or shopping at Wal-Mart.

But sometimes writers like to get out and socialize, especially with their “own kind.” It’s also good to recharge the creative batteries once in a while, and give the keyboard a rest.

Field’s End, the writers’ resource group on Bainbridge Island, is hosting an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to come together for a day of camaraderie, instruction and inspiration as it hosts the first Field’s End writers’ conference.

The day-long event has been poetically dubbed “Writing in the Garden of the Gods,” and takes place April 22 at Kiana Lodge.

“Kiana” is a Suquamish word which means “Garden of the Gods.” The lodge and conference center features a beautiful setting on Agate Pass, but the lineup of speakers and workshop presenters is the star attraction of the day.

Keynote speakers are Field’s End co-founder and Bainbridge Island author David Guterson, and Erik Larson, author of “The Devil in the White City.”

Guterson opens the day with an inspirational address called “Gathered at the Fire: The Storyteller’s Art.”

Then comes the hard part — choosing between four hour-long workshops in each of two sessions before lunch, and another two after lunch. Sixteen authors will lead the workshops, with no duplications.

The first session choices are Susan Wiggs with “A Sense of Place — The Importance of Setting;” George Shannon, “Keeping a Writer’s Journal That Actually Turns Into a Book;” Brenda Z. Guiberson, “Plotting the Nonfiction Book;” and Karen Joy Fowler, “Telling Lies: What Successful Liars Have to Teach Fiction Writers.” Too bad James Frey wasn’t available for that one.

The second session features Anjali Bannerjee, “Creating Believable Ethnic Characters;” Gail Tsukiyama, “Bringing Characters to Life on the Page;” Kelli Russell Agodon, “Imagery, Rhythm, and Poetic Structure;” and Craig Lesley, “Creating Surprise in Mystery and Fiction.”

During the (what else) salmon and vegetarian buffet lunch, Larson will speak on “Breathing Life into the Dead.” I assume he’s not talking about lethal fish bone inhalation.

After the lengthy lunch break, and time to digest both the meal and the morning’s teachings, session three kicks in with Sheila Rabe, “How to Make Your Manuscript Irresistible;” Claire Rudolf Murphy, “Other People’s Lives: Writing the Biography;” Elsa Watson, “Exploring Historical Fiction;” and Elizabeth George, “Where Do Ideas Come From?”

The workshops wrap up with Bharti Kirchner, “The Perfect Ending for Your Novel;” Karen Joy Fowler, “Surviving (and Thriving) after Rejection;” Craig Lesley, “Putting a Personal Journey on Paper;” and Erik Larson, “Why Every Day in an Archive is Like a Detective Story.”

This is not a “workshop your manuscript” type of conference, and there won’t be any publishers or agents lurking around, looking for the next “Snow Falling on Cedars,” but these authors do know people who know people. Networking is always a big part of any gathering of like minds.

The biggest networking opportunity comes after the workshops, with a wine and cheese reception and book signing by the guest authors.

Registration is underway for “Writing in the Garden of the Gods” but it’s filling up fast. Total cost for the day is $135, and registration closes April 12.

You can find information and download a registration form at www.fieldsend.org, or pick one up at Eagle Harbor Books or the Bainbridge Public Library.