Eight years ago, Nancy Heyl Ruskowsky was asked to write a small booklet on the Two Dot Ranch north of Cody.

It took one week of research to realize the story of the ranch was worth more than a few pages.

She discovered American Indian battles and dozens of characters - ranch owners, cowboys, cooks, robbers - all connected by the ranch.

She wasn't sure where to start. The task of writing a comprehensive history book spanning more than 100 years was daunting. So she called up two writers she met through the Annual Wyoming Writers' Conference. They helped guide her in the beginning, suggesting resources and strategies.

Now, Ruskowsky has a book to show for it. "Two Dot Ranch: A Biography of Place," came out last fall.

This weekend, writers across the region will get the chance to meet, share ideas and fine-tune their craft at the 35th Annual Wyoming Writers' Conference in Casper.

"The networking doesn't just happen at the conference itself, it continues" said Ruskowsky, publicity chairwoman. "You build those friendships, and then you can go from there."

The conference, which draws more than 100 people a year, will features workshops and lectures by U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ted Kooser, Writer's Digest editor and author Chuck Sambuchino, literary agent Meredith Kaffel, Doubleday Award-winning author and writing coach Tina Welling and novelist Amanda Harte-Cabot.

Experienced writers and newcomers can meet with literary agents and editors to get feedback on their work and practice pitching ideas.

Ruskowsky always leaves the conference with new ideas and connections, she said. Before the weekend is over, she's already writing down ways to improve her writing.

"This is my 'Happy New Year,'" Ruskowsky said. "I come home with resolutions like you would for January 1, and that's the beginning of my year."

If you go …

* What: 35th Annual Wyoming Writers' Conference.

* Featuring: Workshops and lectures by U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ted Kooser, Writer's Digest editor and author Chuck Sambuchino, literary agent Meredith Kaffel, Doubleday Award-winning author and writing coach Tina Welling and novelist Amanda Harte-Cabot.

* When: Registration begins at 2 p.m. TODAY. Speakers and workshops through SUNDAY.

* Where: Ramada Plaza Riverside.

* Cost: $165 members, $180 nonmembers.

* Register: Sign up at the event itself.

*Info: For more, visit www.wyowriters.org or call 307-265-2494.

For the public

Want to hear visiting authors read their work?

The Wyoming Writers' Conference will open its doors to the public - for free - tonight.

* What: Ted Kooser, Poet Laureate from 2004-2006 and Pulitzer Prize winner, will do a reading. The other four visiting writers will join him. A book-signing will follow.

* When: 7 p.m. TONIGHT.

* Where: Ramada Plaza Riverside.