Girls Write Now (GWN), New York City's premier creative writing and mentoring organization for high school girls, today announced the launch of its spring series, CHAPTERS, celebrating a new year of developing New York's best teen writers. Beginning Friday, February 26, please join us for a series of evenings, featuring Girls Write Now students and the professional writers who inspire them, at the Center for Fiction (centerforfiction.org), 17 East 47th Street, between Fifth and Madison. Each event will take place from 6-8 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public.
CHAPTERS also features a line-up of special guest authors, curated by Maud Newton:
- Friday, February 26: Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of Wench.
- Friday, March 26: Nami Mun, author of Miles From Nowhere.
- Friday, April 23: Lizzie Skurnick, author of Shelf Discovery.
- Friday, May 21: Ru Freeman, author of A Disobedient Girl.
- Friday, June 18: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of The Thing Around Your Neck.
CHAPTERS is co-sponsored by: The Center for Fiction, Eileen Fisher, American Eagle Outfitters, glassybaby and M + E/Michael Fusco Design. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from: The National Endowment for the Arts, The New York State Council on the Arts, and The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
More information: http://www.girlswritenow.org/.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Lose yourself in a good book at the Bath Literature Festival
People who are staying in accommodation in the Cotswolds (www.laterooms.com/en/r252_hotels-in-the-cotswolds.aspx) later this year may want to spend a day at the Bath Literature Festival.
Running from February 27th to March 7th, the event offers visitors an opportunity to participate in debates with a number of authors as well as listening to storytellers and attending workshops.
Some of the literary faces that will
be appearing at the festival include Britain's first female Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and former politician Tony Benn.
It could provide an educational diversion to anyone visiting the city.
The programme of events is varied, ranging from a poetry pub crawl on February 25th to an organised family craft workshop on February 27th.
People who want to book tickets for any of the activities taking place throughout the week are advised to contact the Bath Festivals Box Office to secure their place.
Organised each year by the Bath Festivals Trust, the cultural offering will feature "fascinating literary specialists discussing ideas with fellow experts and enthusiastic audiences".
Attendees in previous years have included the likes of Terry Pratchett, Margaret Atwood and Iain Banks.
Venues that will be participating in the festival include the Bath Central Library, the Little Theatre Cinema and the Guildhall.
Running from February 27th to March 7th, the event offers visitors an opportunity to participate in debates with a number of authors as well as listening to storytellers and attending workshops.
Some of the literary faces that will
be appearing at the festival include Britain's first female Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and former politician Tony Benn.
It could provide an educational diversion to anyone visiting the city.
The programme of events is varied, ranging from a poetry pub crawl on February 25th to an organised family craft workshop on February 27th.
People who want to book tickets for any of the activities taking place throughout the week are advised to contact the Bath Festivals Box Office to secure their place.
Organised each year by the Bath Festivals Trust, the cultural offering will feature "fascinating literary specialists discussing ideas with fellow experts and enthusiastic audiences".
Attendees in previous years have included the likes of Terry Pratchett, Margaret Atwood and Iain Banks.
Venues that will be participating in the festival include the Bath Central Library, the Little Theatre Cinema and the Guildhall.
jan 31 2010 - Author Joan McLean Kicks Off First Poet Local Series
Living Poetry, a not-for-profit poetry group based out of Brier Creek, announces their first Poet Local event on Sunday, January 31st, featuring Joan McLean.
Joan McLean will be reading her work, sharing her publishing process, revealing her writing techniques and answering questions. McLean is the author of Up From Dust, her first chapbook. Her poetry is laced with nature and tests the fine line of reality.
Angelika Teuber, Living Poetry Organizer, shared, “We are honored to have Joan McLean join us on the Poet Local’s maiden voyage. She has strong roots in North Carolina and her poetry reflects that. Local readers and writers who attend will be sure to appreciate that.”
The Poet Local Series featuring Joan McLean is the first ever in a chain of every-other-month events honoring published poets in a casual setting including complimentary refreshments. RSVP instructions are available online or walk-ins are welcome. The free event takes place at 2:30PM on Sunday, January 31st at the Media Room of Ashley Park in Brier Creek, 10300 Pine Lakes Court in Raleigh. Future Poet Local Series events will feature Dave Manning and Grey Brown, both dedicated advocates of keeping poetry alive in your daily life.
Joan McLean will be reading her work, sharing her publishing process, revealing her writing techniques and answering questions. McLean is the author of Up From Dust, her first chapbook. Her poetry is laced with nature and tests the fine line of reality.
Angelika Teuber, Living Poetry Organizer, shared, “We are honored to have Joan McLean join us on the Poet Local’s maiden voyage. She has strong roots in North Carolina and her poetry reflects that. Local readers and writers who attend will be sure to appreciate that.”
The Poet Local Series featuring Joan McLean is the first ever in a chain of every-other-month events honoring published poets in a casual setting including complimentary refreshments. RSVP instructions are available online or walk-ins are welcome. The free event takes place at 2:30PM on Sunday, January 31st at the Media Room of Ashley Park in Brier Creek, 10300 Pine Lakes Court in Raleigh. Future Poet Local Series events will feature Dave Manning and Grey Brown, both dedicated advocates of keeping poetry alive in your daily life.
Feb 1 - 11 2009 - NYS Writers Institute Hosts Readings by Authors Allen Ballard, Francine Prose, and Fred LeBrun
Allen Ballard, novelist and UAlbany Professor of History and Africana Studies, author of the "Washington Post" Notable Book, "Where I'm Bound" (2000), will read from his new novel, "Carried by Six," a tale of urban violence in a black neighborhood, on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. [NOTE EARLY START TIME] in the Assembly Hall, Campus Center, on the University at Albany's uptown campus. The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute, UAlbany's Departments of Africana Studies and History, the EOP Program, and the Affirmative Action Office.
Ballard earned national attention with the publication of "Where I'm Bound" (2000), a "Washington Post" Notable Book, and one of the first novels to address the Civil War from the perspective of Black soldiers.
His new novel is "Carried by Six" (2009), an urban thriller about drugs and violence in a black Philadelphia neighborhood. Obie Bullock, an anti-violence activist, incurs the wrath of a drug dealer who succeeds in managing his business affairs from the safety of a prison cell. Obie's actions bring mortal danger not only to his wife and two teenaged children, but also to the civic-minded, church-going folks who make up his anti-violence group.
Author Darlene Clark-Hine said, "Ballard writes with passion and conviction of the power of ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things when family, friends, and community decide enough is enough. It is a book that entertains, ennobles, and inspires." John Herritage, retired Staff Inspector of the New York State Police, said, "'Carried By Six' is a very well-told story that celebrates the courage of those valiant folks in the inner city who, contrary to the 'no snitchin' code, are determined to fight for neighborhoods where their children can grow up safe and secure from gunfire and random violence.
Inspired by the true story of a black cavalry unit in Mississippi, Ballard's previous novel, "Where I'm Bound" (2000), tells the adventures of an escaped slave, Joe Duckett, who becomes a hero of the Northern forces. Major Civil War historian James McPherson said, "The important story of black soldiers in the Union army has finally found a writer of historical fiction equal to the occasion." Historian Joseph Persico said, "Allen Ballard has helped fill a void in America's military history. Through his novelistic gift, we see the underappreciated role of the black soldier in the Union victory spring to life."
The former Dean of Faculty at City College in New York City, and a Ph.D. graduate of Harvard University's School of Government, Ballard teaches history and African-American studies at UAlbany. He has published two nonfiction books, "The Education of Black Folk" (1973) and "One More Day's Journey" (1984).
The event is cosponsored by UAlbany's Departments of Africana Studies and History, the EOP Program, and the Affirmative Action Office, and the NYS Writers Institute.
For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.
Francine Prose, Novelist, National Book Award Finalist, to Discuss Her Latest Book, "Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife," February 4, 2010
Francine Prose, novelist and nonfiction writer, author of the new work, "Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife" (2009), will speak on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall, Campus Center, on the University at Albany's uptown campus. Earlier that same day at 4:15 p.m. the author will present an informal seminar in the same location. The events are sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute and UAlbany's Center for Jewish Studies and are free and open to the public.
"Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife" (2009), is a work of literary history and criticism that celebrates the under-appreciated artistry of the well-known diarist. Prose shows how the teenaged author crafted her famous diary with the intention of creating an enduring work of art. Prose also explores the complicated life of the book after Frank's death at the hands of the Nazis, from its initial rejection by several publishers to its canonization as the central text of Holocaust literature for young readers, and its subsequent transformation into plays, movies, and musical and dance performances.
Writing in the "New York Times Book Review," Joshua Hammer called Prose's book, "A deeply felt reappraisal of the work and its global impact....," and said, "[Prose] makes a persuasive argument for Anne Frank's literary genius." Janet Maslin, writing in the "New York Times," called it, "An impressively far-reaching critical work, an elegant study both edifying and entertaining...full of keen observations and fascinating disputes."
Prose also presents close readings of three original manuscripts of the diary in order to illuminate the editing process that produced the final version.
Prose is the author of fifteen novels, including "Goldengrove" (2008), "A Changed Man" (2005), winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and "Blue Angel" (2000), a finalist for the National Book Award, "Primitive People" (1992), "Bigfoot Dreams" (1986), and "Hungry Hearts" (1983).
She has also written numerous works of literary criticism, including the nonfiction "New York Times" bestseller "Reading Like a Writer" (2006), and "The Lives of the Muses: Nine Women and the Artists They Inspired" (2002). Her recent books for children and young adults include "Bullyville" (2007), about the hazing culture of an elite private school, and the Yiddish-flavored modern folktale, "Leopold the Liar of Liepzig" (2005).
In 2007, Prose was elected President of the PEN American Center, the U.S. branch of the world's oldest international literary and human rights organization.
Prose's appearance is cosponsored by UAlbany's Center for Jewish Studies.
For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.
Fred LeBrun, Journalist, and Latter-Day Hudson River Explorer to Speak February 11, 2010
Fred LeBrun, "Times Union" journalist, will speak about his exploration of the Hudson River on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall, Campus Center, on the University at Albany's uptown campus. The event, which is free and open to the public, is cosponsored by the New York State Writers Institute and the Women's Press Club of New York State. [Note: This event was originally scheduled to take place in Fall 2009, but had to be rescheduled.]
One of the defining voices of the Albany "Times Union" for more than forty years, LeBrun has served the newspaper as suburban beat reporter, city editor, arts editor, restaurant critic, and foremost columnist on state politics. LeBrun is also famous in the Capital Region for his "Hudson River Chronicles," recounting an 18-day adventure downriver from Mount Marcy to New York Harbor in September 1998- an event still commemorated by a richly documented website: www.timesunion.com/SPECIALREPORTS/hudsonriver/main.asp. On the trip, LeBrun was joined by "Times Union" features editor Michael Virtanen and photographer Paul Buckowski.
The website features a day-by-day account of the journey. Highlights include a visit on Day 1 to the purported source of the river at Lake Tear of the Clouds ("a bog filling in so rapidly that in a century or two it will be just another mass of spongy vegetation and no lake at all"); the ghost town of Adirondac on Day 2; being tossed from his canoe by rapids (and badly wrenching his knee) near Newcomb, NY on Day 4; the peril of dams on the upper river beginning with the Niagara Mohawk hydro dam at Queensbury on Day 10; the Thompson Island Pool, the river's worst PCB hotspot, on Day 11; passing through Champlain Canal locks in his canoe on Day 12; sailing on a replica 19th century sloop through the Catskills on Days 14-16; and the crew's arrival at "the waterly equivalent of 42nd Street" on Day 18.
The website also features an introduction by Paul Grondahl, a photo gallery, and profiles of various river personalities by Michael Virtanen, including river boat captains, sports enthusiasts, environmentalists, community activists, and lifelong residents. LeBrun participated in a partial reprise of the trip this past September, paddling a 150-mile stretch of "true river" from Mount Marcy to the replica of Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, docked at the City of Albany's Erastus Corning Preserve, where he received a one-cannon salute. The second trip was also chronicled in a series of articles in the "Times Union."
In the new series of articles, LeBrun makes special note of the changes that have occurred in the 11 years since his first excursion. These include the rapid collapse of the paper products industry and the establishment of vast new nature preserves; the partial restoration of the "ghost town" of Adirondac; burgeoning eagle populations; the explosion of tourism devoted to whitewater rafting; the creation of several new town parks next to hydro facilities; improved portages at dams for canoeists; the rising popularity of kayaking; and the dredging of PCB contaminated sediment by General Electric under the supervision of the EPA.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is cosponsored by the Women's Press Club of New York State.
For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.
Ballard earned national attention with the publication of "Where I'm Bound" (2000), a "Washington Post" Notable Book, and one of the first novels to address the Civil War from the perspective of Black soldiers.
His new novel is "Carried by Six" (2009), an urban thriller about drugs and violence in a black Philadelphia neighborhood. Obie Bullock, an anti-violence activist, incurs the wrath of a drug dealer who succeeds in managing his business affairs from the safety of a prison cell. Obie's actions bring mortal danger not only to his wife and two teenaged children, but also to the civic-minded, church-going folks who make up his anti-violence group.
Author Darlene Clark-Hine said, "Ballard writes with passion and conviction of the power of ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things when family, friends, and community decide enough is enough. It is a book that entertains, ennobles, and inspires." John Herritage, retired Staff Inspector of the New York State Police, said, "'Carried By Six' is a very well-told story that celebrates the courage of those valiant folks in the inner city who, contrary to the 'no snitchin' code, are determined to fight for neighborhoods where their children can grow up safe and secure from gunfire and random violence.
Inspired by the true story of a black cavalry unit in Mississippi, Ballard's previous novel, "Where I'm Bound" (2000), tells the adventures of an escaped slave, Joe Duckett, who becomes a hero of the Northern forces. Major Civil War historian James McPherson said, "The important story of black soldiers in the Union army has finally found a writer of historical fiction equal to the occasion." Historian Joseph Persico said, "Allen Ballard has helped fill a void in America's military history. Through his novelistic gift, we see the underappreciated role of the black soldier in the Union victory spring to life."
The former Dean of Faculty at City College in New York City, and a Ph.D. graduate of Harvard University's School of Government, Ballard teaches history and African-American studies at UAlbany. He has published two nonfiction books, "The Education of Black Folk" (1973) and "One More Day's Journey" (1984).
The event is cosponsored by UAlbany's Departments of Africana Studies and History, the EOP Program, and the Affirmative Action Office, and the NYS Writers Institute.
For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.
Francine Prose, Novelist, National Book Award Finalist, to Discuss Her Latest Book, "Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife," February 4, 2010
Francine Prose, novelist and nonfiction writer, author of the new work, "Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife" (2009), will speak on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall, Campus Center, on the University at Albany's uptown campus. Earlier that same day at 4:15 p.m. the author will present an informal seminar in the same location. The events are sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute and UAlbany's Center for Jewish Studies and are free and open to the public.
"Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife" (2009), is a work of literary history and criticism that celebrates the under-appreciated artistry of the well-known diarist. Prose shows how the teenaged author crafted her famous diary with the intention of creating an enduring work of art. Prose also explores the complicated life of the book after Frank's death at the hands of the Nazis, from its initial rejection by several publishers to its canonization as the central text of Holocaust literature for young readers, and its subsequent transformation into plays, movies, and musical and dance performances.
Writing in the "New York Times Book Review," Joshua Hammer called Prose's book, "A deeply felt reappraisal of the work and its global impact....," and said, "[Prose] makes a persuasive argument for Anne Frank's literary genius." Janet Maslin, writing in the "New York Times," called it, "An impressively far-reaching critical work, an elegant study both edifying and entertaining...full of keen observations and fascinating disputes."
Prose also presents close readings of three original manuscripts of the diary in order to illuminate the editing process that produced the final version.
Prose is the author of fifteen novels, including "Goldengrove" (2008), "A Changed Man" (2005), winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and "Blue Angel" (2000), a finalist for the National Book Award, "Primitive People" (1992), "Bigfoot Dreams" (1986), and "Hungry Hearts" (1983).
She has also written numerous works of literary criticism, including the nonfiction "New York Times" bestseller "Reading Like a Writer" (2006), and "The Lives of the Muses: Nine Women and the Artists They Inspired" (2002). Her recent books for children and young adults include "Bullyville" (2007), about the hazing culture of an elite private school, and the Yiddish-flavored modern folktale, "Leopold the Liar of Liepzig" (2005).
In 2007, Prose was elected President of the PEN American Center, the U.S. branch of the world's oldest international literary and human rights organization.
Prose's appearance is cosponsored by UAlbany's Center for Jewish Studies.
For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.
Fred LeBrun, Journalist, and Latter-Day Hudson River Explorer to Speak February 11, 2010
Fred LeBrun, "Times Union" journalist, will speak about his exploration of the Hudson River on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall, Campus Center, on the University at Albany's uptown campus. The event, which is free and open to the public, is cosponsored by the New York State Writers Institute and the Women's Press Club of New York State. [Note: This event was originally scheduled to take place in Fall 2009, but had to be rescheduled.]
One of the defining voices of the Albany "Times Union" for more than forty years, LeBrun has served the newspaper as suburban beat reporter, city editor, arts editor, restaurant critic, and foremost columnist on state politics. LeBrun is also famous in the Capital Region for his "Hudson River Chronicles," recounting an 18-day adventure downriver from Mount Marcy to New York Harbor in September 1998- an event still commemorated by a richly documented website: www.timesunion.com/SPECIALREPORTS/hudsonriver/main.asp. On the trip, LeBrun was joined by "Times Union" features editor Michael Virtanen and photographer Paul Buckowski.
The website features a day-by-day account of the journey. Highlights include a visit on Day 1 to the purported source of the river at Lake Tear of the Clouds ("a bog filling in so rapidly that in a century or two it will be just another mass of spongy vegetation and no lake at all"); the ghost town of Adirondac on Day 2; being tossed from his canoe by rapids (and badly wrenching his knee) near Newcomb, NY on Day 4; the peril of dams on the upper river beginning with the Niagara Mohawk hydro dam at Queensbury on Day 10; the Thompson Island Pool, the river's worst PCB hotspot, on Day 11; passing through Champlain Canal locks in his canoe on Day 12; sailing on a replica 19th century sloop through the Catskills on Days 14-16; and the crew's arrival at "the waterly equivalent of 42nd Street" on Day 18.
The website also features an introduction by Paul Grondahl, a photo gallery, and profiles of various river personalities by Michael Virtanen, including river boat captains, sports enthusiasts, environmentalists, community activists, and lifelong residents. LeBrun participated in a partial reprise of the trip this past September, paddling a 150-mile stretch of "true river" from Mount Marcy to the replica of Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, docked at the City of Albany's Erastus Corning Preserve, where he received a one-cannon salute. The second trip was also chronicled in a series of articles in the "Times Union."
In the new series of articles, LeBrun makes special note of the changes that have occurred in the 11 years since his first excursion. These include the rapid collapse of the paper products industry and the establishment of vast new nature preserves; the partial restoration of the "ghost town" of Adirondac; burgeoning eagle populations; the explosion of tourism devoted to whitewater rafting; the creation of several new town parks next to hydro facilities; improved portages at dams for canoeists; the rising popularity of kayaking; and the dredging of PCB contaminated sediment by General Electric under the supervision of the EPA.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is cosponsored by the Women's Press Club of New York State.
For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Feb 11 2010 - San Francisco Writers Conference Adds a PRECONFERENCE Day
If you want to start attending the SFWC a day early (or for those who can't attend the full 3-day main conference), the San Francisco Writers Conference has launched a full day of sessions on the day BEFORE the conference officially starts this year. "Several of our most popular presenters have agreed to launch the San Francisco Writers University with special SFWC PRECONFERENCE sessions on Thursday, February 11th," said Michael Larsen, SFWC Co-Director. For details and online registration: http://www.sfwriters.org/
What is different about THESE sessions? They are intimate…about 25 people getting to interact with the presenter for more project-specific help. These sessions will be in-depth—full day or half-day in length. As you can see below, the preconference day will feature a wide range of the top rated topics from the San Francisco Writers Conference.
The preconference sessions are open to the public. They are stand-alone sessions and attendees can chose one or more depending on their schedules, budgets and interest. Attendance at the Main Conference is not required.
DONALD MAASS—Imagine a FULL DAY with this top New York literary agent as he conducts this intensive session on "WRITING THE BREAK-OUT NOVEL". Much more personalized attention than any other session Donald gives.
SHELDON SIEGEL & ROBERT DUGONI will be "PUTTING THE THRILL IN THRILLER WRITING" during their session. Two (yes, TWO!) N.Y.Times bestselling authors show you how it's done…so you can do it, too! Half Day- Afternoon.
KATHARINE SANDS—One of our most popular sessions…ever…"PITCHCRAFT!" You MUST know how to pitch your book in order to get it sold. Katharine is the one to get you and your book pitch-perfect. Half Day- Afternoon.
LISA RECTOR MAASS conducts this intensive session--"THE 3RD DRAFT—Giving Your Novel that Last, Final Polish, after You Think It's Finished". Lisa will work with you to give your manuscript clarity and make it irresistible. It's just what you needed! Half Day Morning.
MICHAEL LARSEN—He wrote the bible for nonfiction writers—How to Write a Book Proposal. He knows what it takes to present your book project and this session will help you finally get that proposal written. Half Day-Morning.
STEPHANIE CHANDLER—knows all about using all the online tools available to writers, so learn from the master. "Creating Your Online Platform". Half Day-Afternoon.
A 'Full Day' Registration fee is $300.00 and a 'Half Day' Session Registration is $149.00. All 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference attendees get to deduct $50 from their Preconference Registration total. For more details on these sessions or the San Francisco Writers Conference, go to http://www.sfwriters.org./
What is different about THESE sessions? They are intimate…about 25 people getting to interact with the presenter for more project-specific help. These sessions will be in-depth—full day or half-day in length. As you can see below, the preconference day will feature a wide range of the top rated topics from the San Francisco Writers Conference.
The preconference sessions are open to the public. They are stand-alone sessions and attendees can chose one or more depending on their schedules, budgets and interest. Attendance at the Main Conference is not required.
DONALD MAASS—Imagine a FULL DAY with this top New York literary agent as he conducts this intensive session on "WRITING THE BREAK-OUT NOVEL". Much more personalized attention than any other session Donald gives.
SHELDON SIEGEL & ROBERT DUGONI will be "PUTTING THE THRILL IN THRILLER WRITING" during their session. Two (yes, TWO!) N.Y.Times bestselling authors show you how it's done…so you can do it, too! Half Day- Afternoon.
KATHARINE SANDS—One of our most popular sessions…ever…"PITCHCRAFT!" You MUST know how to pitch your book in order to get it sold. Katharine is the one to get you and your book pitch-perfect. Half Day- Afternoon.
LISA RECTOR MAASS conducts this intensive session--"THE 3RD DRAFT—Giving Your Novel that Last, Final Polish, after You Think It's Finished". Lisa will work with you to give your manuscript clarity and make it irresistible. It's just what you needed! Half Day Morning.
MICHAEL LARSEN—He wrote the bible for nonfiction writers—How to Write a Book Proposal. He knows what it takes to present your book project and this session will help you finally get that proposal written. Half Day-Morning.
STEPHANIE CHANDLER—knows all about using all the online tools available to writers, so learn from the master. "Creating Your Online Platform". Half Day-Afternoon.
A 'Full Day' Registration fee is $300.00 and a 'Half Day' Session Registration is $149.00. All 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference attendees get to deduct $50 from their Preconference Registration total. For more details on these sessions or the San Francisco Writers Conference, go to http://www.sfwriters.org./
April 24-25 2010 - Freelance Writers: Learn From ASJA Experts
Former editor-in-chief of Woman's Day magazine Jane Chesnutt, award-winning author and brain tumor survivor Liz Holzemer and PR guru Peter Shankman will give keynote presentations at the 39th annual American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Writers Conference Friday through Sunday, April 23 - 25, 2010, at the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
The keynote presentations will highlight the three-day conference, which offers educational workshops, panel presentation, and mentoring programs on the business and craft of nonfiction freelance writing and publishing.
From 1991 to the end of 2009, Ms. Chesnutt was editor-in-chief of Woman's Day magazine and senior vice president of Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.. Woman's Day boasts a circulation of 3.8 million, with a readership of more than 20 million and is the seventh largest in the United States. Chesnutt helped usher Woman's Day into the digital age and through a time of industry change, reshaping the magazine's editorial operations to adjust to the new publishing realities. She is currently a special consultant to the magazine.
Entrepreneur, author, speaker and worldwide connector, Peter Shankman "redefines the art of networking," according to PR Week Magazine. Shankman's radical social networking tactics, marketing, advertising and creativity have earned him the descriptor "crazy, but effective." Best known for founding Help A Reporter Out (HARO), Shankman's site offers thousands of journalists 100,000 sources around the world. HARO's free source repository is the largest in the world, sending out over 1,200 queries from worldwide media each week.
A nine-year meningioma brain tumor survivor, Liz Holzemer is an ASJA member and author of Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor, a 2008 Colorado Authors League Harvey Award winner. She founded the nonprofit, Meningioma Mommas, which provides free online support for patients, family member and caregivers. She has appeared on the TODAY Show, Discovery Health Channel and ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates and donates a percentage of every sale of her book to meningioma-specific research.
The 39th annual ASJA Writers Conference offers a wide variety of educational sessions with editors, authors, literary agents and publishers on a range of subjects. Topics covered include environmental, investigative and medical journalism, biographical, humor and opinion writing, book publishing and securing movie rights as well as emerging media and technology trends and business management and promotional tactics for freelance writers. Friday's ASJA member-only programming includes one-on-one "pitch" sessions with agents and editors and opportunities for personal mentoring and professional writers. Representatives of several of the nation's leading magazine will participate, including Essence, Ladies' Home Journal, MSN Health, CBS MoneyWatch.com, Wealth Manager, Eating Well and American Spa.
Members of ASJA, the nation's leading organization for nonfiction writers for over 60 years with more than 1,400 members, must meet strict standards of professional achievement. For a full program and to register for the 39th annual ASJA Writers Conference, visit www.asja.org/wc and sign up to receive regular conference updates via email. For information on joining ASJA, visit www.asja.org/join.
TOP WRITERS OFFER ADVICE IN ASJA MENTORING PROGRAM
Freelance writers seeking advice on how to negotiate higher rates, approach new markets and editors or find a book agent can find assistance through a year-round Personal Mentor program offered by the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Inc. (ASJA). The service helps unpublished writers become published writers. ASJA mentors are drawn from the more than 1,400 professional members throughout the country, who write for national and regional magazines, newspapers and other media, and are authors of nonfiction books. Those who sign up for the mentor program are matched with an experienced mentor in their specific area of interest. Once matched, mentors arrange a 30-minute phone consultation. Cost per session is $50.
Website: http://www.asja.com/
The keynote presentations will highlight the three-day conference, which offers educational workshops, panel presentation, and mentoring programs on the business and craft of nonfiction freelance writing and publishing.
From 1991 to the end of 2009, Ms. Chesnutt was editor-in-chief of Woman's Day magazine and senior vice president of Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.. Woman's Day boasts a circulation of 3.8 million, with a readership of more than 20 million and is the seventh largest in the United States. Chesnutt helped usher Woman's Day into the digital age and through a time of industry change, reshaping the magazine's editorial operations to adjust to the new publishing realities. She is currently a special consultant to the magazine.
Entrepreneur, author, speaker and worldwide connector, Peter Shankman "redefines the art of networking," according to PR Week Magazine. Shankman's radical social networking tactics, marketing, advertising and creativity have earned him the descriptor "crazy, but effective." Best known for founding Help A Reporter Out (HARO), Shankman's site offers thousands of journalists 100,000 sources around the world. HARO's free source repository is the largest in the world, sending out over 1,200 queries from worldwide media each week.
A nine-year meningioma brain tumor survivor, Liz Holzemer is an ASJA member and author of Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor, a 2008 Colorado Authors League Harvey Award winner. She founded the nonprofit, Meningioma Mommas, which provides free online support for patients, family member and caregivers. She has appeared on the TODAY Show, Discovery Health Channel and ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates and donates a percentage of every sale of her book to meningioma-specific research.
The 39th annual ASJA Writers Conference offers a wide variety of educational sessions with editors, authors, literary agents and publishers on a range of subjects. Topics covered include environmental, investigative and medical journalism, biographical, humor and opinion writing, book publishing and securing movie rights as well as emerging media and technology trends and business management and promotional tactics for freelance writers. Friday's ASJA member-only programming includes one-on-one "pitch" sessions with agents and editors and opportunities for personal mentoring and professional writers. Representatives of several of the nation's leading magazine will participate, including Essence, Ladies' Home Journal, MSN Health, CBS MoneyWatch.com, Wealth Manager, Eating Well and American Spa.
Members of ASJA, the nation's leading organization for nonfiction writers for over 60 years with more than 1,400 members, must meet strict standards of professional achievement. For a full program and to register for the 39th annual ASJA Writers Conference, visit www.asja.org/wc and sign up to receive regular conference updates via email. For information on joining ASJA, visit www.asja.org/join.
TOP WRITERS OFFER ADVICE IN ASJA MENTORING PROGRAM
Freelance writers seeking advice on how to negotiate higher rates, approach new markets and editors or find a book agent can find assistance through a year-round Personal Mentor program offered by the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Inc. (ASJA). The service helps unpublished writers become published writers. ASJA mentors are drawn from the more than 1,400 professional members throughout the country, who write for national and regional magazines, newspapers and other media, and are authors of nonfiction books. Those who sign up for the mentor program are matched with an experienced mentor in their specific area of interest. Once matched, mentors arrange a 30-minute phone consultation. Cost per session is $50.
Website: http://www.asja.com/
Jan 29-31 2010 - Author and Journalist Ted Iliff Will Share Knowledge with Aspiring Writers
Ted Iliff, an international media consultant and author of two books, will be leading three presentations at SDSU's 16th annual Writers' Conference in San Diego, CA. The conference will take place on January 29-31 at the Doubletree Hotel in San Diego's Mission Valley.
Having worked in the international arena for more than 30 years as an executive, journalist, managing consultant and educator, Iliff is often sought by organizations and companies to provide expertise on an array of topics ranging from international relations to structuring and launching global news media enterprises.
At SDSU's Writers' Conference, he will be drawing from his experiences writing his new novel, The Golden Times, to discuss the following three topics:
1. "The perils of a unique story:" How to deal with the dilemma of pitching a book to fit current issues, creating a strategy for a shotgun pitch approach, and the pros and cons of going the self-publishing route.
2. "From novel to screenplay - and back again:" With veteran screen writer Taylor Van Arsdale, this presentation will discuss the adaptation process and how to sharpen and polish a novel.
3. "Oral history in fiction - wrecking family ties for a good story:" How to collect, catalogue, camouflage and fictionalize oral histories along with a discussion on the rigors of maintaining historical accuracy in a supposedly fictional story.
"It's both an honor and a pleasure to be able to share my experiences in writing with other aspiring and accomplished writers," remarked Iliff. "Having previously attended this prestigious conference, I know and have experienced firsthand the value one can find by attending and networking with some of the leading writers, editors, publishers and agents in the business."
Having worked in the international arena for more than 30 years as an executive, journalist, managing consultant and educator, Iliff is often sought by organizations and companies to provide expertise on an array of topics ranging from international relations to structuring and launching global news media enterprises.
At SDSU's Writers' Conference, he will be drawing from his experiences writing his new novel, The Golden Times, to discuss the following three topics:
1. "The perils of a unique story:" How to deal with the dilemma of pitching a book to fit current issues, creating a strategy for a shotgun pitch approach, and the pros and cons of going the self-publishing route.
2. "From novel to screenplay - and back again:" With veteran screen writer Taylor Van Arsdale, this presentation will discuss the adaptation process and how to sharpen and polish a novel.
3. "Oral history in fiction - wrecking family ties for a good story:" How to collect, catalogue, camouflage and fictionalize oral histories along with a discussion on the rigors of maintaining historical accuracy in a supposedly fictional story.
"It's both an honor and a pleasure to be able to share my experiences in writing with other aspiring and accomplished writers," remarked Iliff. "Having previously attended this prestigious conference, I know and have experienced firsthand the value one can find by attending and networking with some of the leading writers, editors, publishers and agents in the business."
Literary Breakthrough Conference Gives Authors Access To Key Book Industry Professionals
The Literary Breakthrough Conference, held Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Houston, Texas in conjunction with the National Black Book Festival, gives authors unprecedented access to book industry professionals in three major fields: literary agents, publishers and marketers.
t this all-day event, top book industry experts will share information and strategies on how authors can make their literary breakthrough and turn their existing or future book(s) into a bestseller.
The Conference features the following book industry experts:
Book Agents
* Audra Barrett, founder of Barrett Books
* Manie Barron, partner in The Menza Barron Agency
* Regina Brooks, founder and President of Serendipity Literary Agency
Book Publishers
* Malaika Adero, Vice President and Senior Editor of Atria Books (Simon & Schuster)
* Joylynn Jossel-Ross, Senior Editor for Urban Book’s Christian fiction imprint
* Carol Mackey, Editor in Chief, Black Expressions Book Club
Book Marketers/Promoters
* Donna Hill, Best-selling author and packager of several highly successful novels
* Dante Lee, President and CEO of Diversity City Media
* Tyora Moody, founder of Tywebbin Creations, Internet book marketer and designer
* Pam Perry, founder of Ministry Marketing Solutions
The luncheon keynote speaker for the conference will be Sha-Shana Crichton, founder and president of Crichton & Associates, Inc. Ms. Crichton is also a licensed attorney and literary agent. The conference registration fee includes three powerful sessions, breakfast, lunch and a closing reception. The early registration price of $139.00 is payable in two installments, and is valid through January 31, 2010. After January 31st, the standard registration price is $179.00.
For more information or to register for the conference, visit the following web site: www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/breakthrough.htm or call the National Black Book Festival headquarters at 1-800-340-5454.
t this all-day event, top book industry experts will share information and strategies on how authors can make their literary breakthrough and turn their existing or future book(s) into a bestseller.
The Conference features the following book industry experts:
Book Agents
* Audra Barrett, founder of Barrett Books
* Manie Barron, partner in The Menza Barron Agency
* Regina Brooks, founder and President of Serendipity Literary Agency
Book Publishers
* Malaika Adero, Vice President and Senior Editor of Atria Books (Simon & Schuster)
* Joylynn Jossel-Ross, Senior Editor for Urban Book’s Christian fiction imprint
* Carol Mackey, Editor in Chief, Black Expressions Book Club
Book Marketers/Promoters
* Donna Hill, Best-selling author and packager of several highly successful novels
* Dante Lee, President and CEO of Diversity City Media
* Tyora Moody, founder of Tywebbin Creations, Internet book marketer and designer
* Pam Perry, founder of Ministry Marketing Solutions
The luncheon keynote speaker for the conference will be Sha-Shana Crichton, founder and president of Crichton & Associates, Inc. Ms. Crichton is also a licensed attorney and literary agent. The conference registration fee includes three powerful sessions, breakfast, lunch and a closing reception. The early registration price of $139.00 is payable in two installments, and is valid through January 31, 2010. After January 31st, the standard registration price is $179.00.
For more information or to register for the conference, visit the following web site: www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/breakthrough.htm or call the National Black Book Festival headquarters at 1-800-340-5454.
March 26 - 28 2010 - Spring Book Show in Atlanta Offers Opportunity for Struggling Book Retailers
The Spring Book Show, perhaps the largest remainder show in the nation, is set for a three-day run at the Cobb Galleria Centre in north Atlanta March 26-28.
The show comes at an opportune time. Bookstores are still suffering from the economic recession. Further, the public has become accustomed to lower book prices as a result of e-book marketing (most titles are priced at $9.99), free or discounted material on the Internet and best-seller price wars launched by Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears and other discount retailers (hardback best-sellers are being priced by the competitors at around $9).
As a result of the economic recession, one of the few burgeoning areas of the book business not in the digital domain is the remainders and hurts market. At a time when the public has fewer dollars to spend on books, and has grown used to cut-rate prices for reading material, remainders are a viable product for book marketers. In the neighborhood of 50,000 titles will be offered at the Spring Book Show to retailers, many at prices as low as $1 to $2 per copy.
"For a long time the remainder market wasn’t considered a legitimate part of the book trade," says Larry May, who with his wife Val owns the Spring Book Show and the Great American Bargain Book Show, remainder book trade fairs held in Atlanta and Boston respectively.
May believes that perception has finally turned around. "Maybe it’s the economy, but retailers have finally realized just how much money they can make in remainders and hurts," he said.
Bookstore owners have been quick to respond to the changing market for books. In Los Angeles, for example, Eso Won Bookstore co-owner James Fugate says he will shift his inventory mix "to more bargain-priced books when restocking his shelves" since "too much money is tied up in the slow-moving backlist." He says "a lot of the history that we built our store on, that stuff has got to go." The store plans to destock with a sale in January or February and use the cash to pay overdue bills and selectively replenish the shelves.
While no overall statistics are tracked for the remainders and hurts segment of the book market - publishers are often reluctant to release details about what they are sending out to be sold on the cheap - anecdotal evidence suggests that the slow holiday sales of the most recent Christmas have pushed larger and larger quantities of higher quality books into this secondary market.
May says that in recent years, international participation at his two shows has grown dramatically.
As at the 2009 Spring Book Show, a number of international vendors will be selling remainders at the 2010 show in Atlanta, including Caxton and PR Books, as well as Columbia Marketing from the UK and Fairmount Books and Book Depot from Canada. But it’s the overseas buyers that outnumber the sellers. European buyers are already familiar with the market and have
been showing up in greater numbers each successive year, says May.
"Oddly, the Spanish and Hispanic markets have been relatively weak," adding, "The real growth is in Asia: the Korean, Japanese and Chinese markets have been pretty strong in the past five years. There’s demand in their countries for English language books, but to buy them new and import them can be extremely expensive. So remainders are a good option."
About the Spring Book Show: The Spring Book Show is the largest of three bargain book shows held in the United States. It is staged annually in the spring to permit retailers to buy inexpensive stock for marketing during the summer "beach read" season. The show is organized by L.B. May & Associates of Knoxville, Tenn. Further information at http://www.springbookshow.com/
The show comes at an opportune time. Bookstores are still suffering from the economic recession. Further, the public has become accustomed to lower book prices as a result of e-book marketing (most titles are priced at $9.99), free or discounted material on the Internet and best-seller price wars launched by Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears and other discount retailers (hardback best-sellers are being priced by the competitors at around $9).
As a result of the economic recession, one of the few burgeoning areas of the book business not in the digital domain is the remainders and hurts market. At a time when the public has fewer dollars to spend on books, and has grown used to cut-rate prices for reading material, remainders are a viable product for book marketers. In the neighborhood of 50,000 titles will be offered at the Spring Book Show to retailers, many at prices as low as $1 to $2 per copy.
"For a long time the remainder market wasn’t considered a legitimate part of the book trade," says Larry May, who with his wife Val owns the Spring Book Show and the Great American Bargain Book Show, remainder book trade fairs held in Atlanta and Boston respectively.
May believes that perception has finally turned around. "Maybe it’s the economy, but retailers have finally realized just how much money they can make in remainders and hurts," he said.
Bookstore owners have been quick to respond to the changing market for books. In Los Angeles, for example, Eso Won Bookstore co-owner James Fugate says he will shift his inventory mix "to more bargain-priced books when restocking his shelves" since "too much money is tied up in the slow-moving backlist." He says "a lot of the history that we built our store on, that stuff has got to go." The store plans to destock with a sale in January or February and use the cash to pay overdue bills and selectively replenish the shelves.
While no overall statistics are tracked for the remainders and hurts segment of the book market - publishers are often reluctant to release details about what they are sending out to be sold on the cheap - anecdotal evidence suggests that the slow holiday sales of the most recent Christmas have pushed larger and larger quantities of higher quality books into this secondary market.
May says that in recent years, international participation at his two shows has grown dramatically.
As at the 2009 Spring Book Show, a number of international vendors will be selling remainders at the 2010 show in Atlanta, including Caxton and PR Books, as well as Columbia Marketing from the UK and Fairmount Books and Book Depot from Canada. But it’s the overseas buyers that outnumber the sellers. European buyers are already familiar with the market and have
been showing up in greater numbers each successive year, says May.
"Oddly, the Spanish and Hispanic markets have been relatively weak," adding, "The real growth is in Asia: the Korean, Japanese and Chinese markets have been pretty strong in the past five years. There’s demand in their countries for English language books, but to buy them new and import them can be extremely expensive. So remainders are a good option."
About the Spring Book Show: The Spring Book Show is the largest of three bargain book shows held in the United States. It is staged annually in the spring to permit retailers to buy inexpensive stock for marketing during the summer "beach read" season. The show is organized by L.B. May & Associates of Knoxville, Tenn. Further information at http://www.springbookshow.com/
Monday, January 11, 2010
Jan 30 2010 - The CAJ and CAJEF present: Journalism in the 21st century
Your newsroom's depopulated. You're doing video, blogging, Tweeting and writing stories. You're wondering what the future holds for good journalism.
This is the conference for you.
What: A one-day crash course on the skills you need to
transform your reporting and reinvent your newsroom in
the new digital age. Learn about emerging techniques,
technologies and models to transform journalism for
the 21st century.
When: Sat. Jan. 30
Where: MaRS Centre, Toronto
Who: Working journalists, managers and students - there are
sessions for every skill level.
Speakers include: Jim Brady, president, digital strategy, Allbritton
Communications and former executive editor of
WashingtonPost.com
John Cruickshank, publisher, Toronto Star
Michael Lee, chief strategy officer, Rogers
Rachel Nixon, director of digital media, CBC News
Kenny Yum, editor, GlobeandMail.com
Sessions include: Online videography
Photography crash course for print reporters
Making the most of social media
Visual storytelling
Searching the Web: Getting beyond Google
The ethics of social media
Cost: Early bird registration until Jan. 15:
$45 - Student members and unemployed journalists
$99 - CAJ members
$129 - Associate members
$199 - Non-members
Register: Online, at http://www.caj.ca/
This is the conference for you.
What: A one-day crash course on the skills you need to
transform your reporting and reinvent your newsroom in
the new digital age. Learn about emerging techniques,
technologies and models to transform journalism for
the 21st century.
When: Sat. Jan. 30
Where: MaRS Centre, Toronto
Who: Working journalists, managers and students - there are
sessions for every skill level.
Speakers include: Jim Brady, president, digital strategy, Allbritton
Communications and former executive editor of
WashingtonPost.com
John Cruickshank, publisher, Toronto Star
Michael Lee, chief strategy officer, Rogers
Rachel Nixon, director of digital media, CBC News
Kenny Yum, editor, GlobeandMail.com
Sessions include: Online videography
Photography crash course for print reporters
Making the most of social media
Visual storytelling
Searching the Web: Getting beyond Google
The ethics of social media
Cost: Early bird registration until Jan. 15:
$45 - Student members and unemployed journalists
$99 - CAJ members
$129 - Associate members
$199 - Non-members
Register: Online, at http://www.caj.ca/
Feb 4 2010 - Writers Workshop Starts February and NEW Courses in 2010
Formed by Lisa Diane Kastner, a fiction writer, former correspondent for the Philadelphia Theater Review, freelance journalist for the Delaware County Times, and Features Editor for the Picolata Review, Running Wild was created to provide a venue in which aspiring writers from all forms and all genres can learn and succeed in the craft.
"What makes Running Wild Writers unique is that we believe all forms and genres are valuable. Most workshops specialize in a specific genre such as literary, thriller, mystery, romance and so forth. At Running Wild, we believe that writers can learn and grow by reading and writing across genres," said Ms. Kastner. "The same is true for form. Writers need to experiment in creative non-fiction, poetry, and fiction writing to hone their skills and discover who they are as writers."
Workshop attendees will have two opportunities to submit up to 5,000 words of work to be reviewed by participants and to receive a detailed assessment from Ms. Kastner.
The ten week course will cost $410 for non-Pennwriters and $375 for Pennwriters.
Registration is available at http://www.runningwildwriters.org/.
New Workshops in 2010
New to the calendar are Writing The Epic Quest on Saturday, March 20 and World Building 101 for All Genres on Saturday, October 22 with Jack Hillman
Writing the Epic Quest with Jack Hillman
With so much of the focus in writing today on character based stories, what could be more timely than a discussion of the art form that transforms some mild mannered individual into a something totally outside their nature, and not always to the good. Epic quests are not limited to fantasy and science fiction, but have been part of literature since writing was invented. All genre's have their favorite epic quest: the romance of Gone With The Wind, the tragedy of Moby Dick, the excitement of the chase in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the dark power of The Maltese Falcon. All really good novels have a part of the epic quest in their making. We will discuss the breakdown of the various characters that make up the quest- the fellowship- and how each one may play many, and often conflicting, parts as the story unfolds. We will also discuss how the protagonist (not necessarily a hero) is becoming more prevalent in today's literature and how this affects the tone of the quest.
World Building 101 For All Genres with Jack Hillman
No matter what type of novel you are writing, you will need to create the world your characters live in. Some of the simplest world building occurs if your story is set here and now, but even in those instances, you need to watch what building you put at what corner of the street, or even where you put the street. And if your story takes place in another milieu or some far away land (or some far away planet), your world building just became exponentially more involved. We will discuss how to construct the setting of your novel to maintain the continuity of your story, places to find the information needed to make sure you use the right clothing or the correct vehicles and even how to build a world from scratch, complete with its own solar system.
These courses are in addition to Running Wild's calendar posted at http://www.runningwildwriters.org/ . Previously announced workshops include Telling Tales: Elements of the Short Story with Mecca Jamilah Sullivan to be offered on Tuesdays, from March 2 through March 30 at 7:00 PM and Poetry - The Value-Added Workshop: Pairing Generative Work with Liz Chang to be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning April 19 through May 12 at 7:00 PM.
"What makes Running Wild Writers unique is that we believe all forms and genres are valuable. Most workshops specialize in a specific genre such as literary, thriller, mystery, romance and so forth. At Running Wild, we believe that writers can learn and grow by reading and writing across genres," said Ms. Kastner. "The same is true for form. Writers need to experiment in creative non-fiction, poetry, and fiction writing to hone their skills and discover who they are as writers."
Workshop attendees will have two opportunities to submit up to 5,000 words of work to be reviewed by participants and to receive a detailed assessment from Ms. Kastner.
The ten week course will cost $410 for non-Pennwriters and $375 for Pennwriters.
Registration is available at http://www.runningwildwriters.org/.
New Workshops in 2010
New to the calendar are Writing The Epic Quest on Saturday, March 20 and World Building 101 for All Genres on Saturday, October 22 with Jack Hillman
Writing the Epic Quest with Jack Hillman
With so much of the focus in writing today on character based stories, what could be more timely than a discussion of the art form that transforms some mild mannered individual into a something totally outside their nature, and not always to the good. Epic quests are not limited to fantasy and science fiction, but have been part of literature since writing was invented. All genre's have their favorite epic quest: the romance of Gone With The Wind, the tragedy of Moby Dick, the excitement of the chase in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the dark power of The Maltese Falcon. All really good novels have a part of the epic quest in their making. We will discuss the breakdown of the various characters that make up the quest- the fellowship- and how each one may play many, and often conflicting, parts as the story unfolds. We will also discuss how the protagonist (not necessarily a hero) is becoming more prevalent in today's literature and how this affects the tone of the quest.
World Building 101 For All Genres with Jack Hillman
No matter what type of novel you are writing, you will need to create the world your characters live in. Some of the simplest world building occurs if your story is set here and now, but even in those instances, you need to watch what building you put at what corner of the street, or even where you put the street. And if your story takes place in another milieu or some far away land (or some far away planet), your world building just became exponentially more involved. We will discuss how to construct the setting of your novel to maintain the continuity of your story, places to find the information needed to make sure you use the right clothing or the correct vehicles and even how to build a world from scratch, complete with its own solar system.
These courses are in addition to Running Wild's calendar posted at http://www.runningwildwriters.org/ . Previously announced workshops include Telling Tales: Elements of the Short Story with Mecca Jamilah Sullivan to be offered on Tuesdays, from March 2 through March 30 at 7:00 PM and Poetry - The Value-Added Workshop: Pairing Generative Work with Liz Chang to be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning April 19 through May 12 at 7:00 PM.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Jan 7 2009 - Editors Reveal How The Press Uses Social Media
PR pros looking to open up new channels to pitch journalists need to attend this all new audio conference from Bulldog Reporter's PR University titled: "Journalists Still a-Twitter about Social Media: Editors Reveal How the Press Uses Social Media to Generate Story Ideas and Buzz."
This exclusive PR University webinar takes place on Thursday, January 7, at 1PM EST (noon CST, 11AM MST; 10AM PST).
Featured Speakers:
Andrew Dean Nystrom, Senior Producer, Social Media & Digital Platforms, latimes.com
Dan Patterson, Digital Audio Manager, Correspondent, ABC News
Maggie Reardon, Senior Writer, CNET News
Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Consumer Technology Reporter, St. Paul Pioneer Press (circ. 252,055); Author, "Twitter Means Business: How Microblogging Can Help or Hurt Your Company"
Laura Hertzfeld, managing Editor, EconomyStory.org; Contributor, NPR
In just 90 minutes, this exclusive PR University audio conference will show PR professionals how to master social media sites to gain the latest insights into what journalists are writing about and how they and their colleagues are using Twitter and other social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. Here's what PR pros will take away from this event:
-- Top Twitter Targets: Which journalists are actively using Twitter, how
they're using the service -- and how PR pros can successfully interact with
them quickly and efficiently
-- Twitter Pitch Success Stories: How journalists and PR people have used
Twitter to generate story ideas and buzz
-- Media Outlets on Twitter: Which media outlets are consistently posting
links to their online news stories on Twitter
-- Using Facebook and LinkedIn: How journalists connect with sources and
promote coverage on leading online social networks -- plus how PR can build
relationships with journalists via these popular channels
-- Twitter Media Monitoring: How to find and contact journalists using
Twitter and other social media
-- How to track top hashtags and even story trends on Twitter tracking to
stay ahead of the news curve
-- First Steps: How to get started using Twitter and social media for media
relations and other essential PR initiatives
-- Essential Twitter Tools: Elements of using Twitter that will make PR pros
experience of Twitter more useful and valuable
-- Twitch Anatomy: Examples of Twitter pitches that have worked -- and how
to duplicate their successes in 140 characters or less
-- How Twitter and other social media are changing the online world:
Examples of stories and trends that happened exclusively as a result of
Twitter or other social media
-- Crisis Tips: The role Twitter, Facebook and other social media have
played in how PR people and the media communicate during a crisis
-- Twitter Trends and What's Next: Where social media is going in 2010 --
and why PR pros must be there if they want to stay on top of emerging PR
trends
For more details go to conference home page.
This exclusive PR University webinar takes place on Thursday, January 7, at 1PM EST (noon CST, 11AM MST; 10AM PST).
Featured Speakers:
Andrew Dean Nystrom, Senior Producer, Social Media & Digital Platforms, latimes.com
Dan Patterson, Digital Audio Manager, Correspondent, ABC News
Maggie Reardon, Senior Writer, CNET News
Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Consumer Technology Reporter, St. Paul Pioneer Press (circ. 252,055); Author, "Twitter Means Business: How Microblogging Can Help or Hurt Your Company"
Laura Hertzfeld, managing Editor, EconomyStory.org; Contributor, NPR
In just 90 minutes, this exclusive PR University audio conference will show PR professionals how to master social media sites to gain the latest insights into what journalists are writing about and how they and their colleagues are using Twitter and other social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. Here's what PR pros will take away from this event:
-- Top Twitter Targets: Which journalists are actively using Twitter, how
they're using the service -- and how PR pros can successfully interact with
them quickly and efficiently
-- Twitter Pitch Success Stories: How journalists and PR people have used
Twitter to generate story ideas and buzz
-- Media Outlets on Twitter: Which media outlets are consistently posting
links to their online news stories on Twitter
-- Using Facebook and LinkedIn: How journalists connect with sources and
promote coverage on leading online social networks -- plus how PR can build
relationships with journalists via these popular channels
-- Twitter Media Monitoring: How to find and contact journalists using
Twitter and other social media
-- How to track top hashtags and even story trends on Twitter tracking to
stay ahead of the news curve
-- First Steps: How to get started using Twitter and social media for media
relations and other essential PR initiatives
-- Essential Twitter Tools: Elements of using Twitter that will make PR pros
experience of Twitter more useful and valuable
-- Twitch Anatomy: Examples of Twitter pitches that have worked -- and how
to duplicate their successes in 140 characters or less
-- How Twitter and other social media are changing the online world:
Examples of stories and trends that happened exclusively as a result of
Twitter or other social media
-- Crisis Tips: The role Twitter, Facebook and other social media have
played in how PR people and the media communicate during a crisis
-- Twitter Trends and What's Next: Where social media is going in 2010 --
and why PR pros must be there if they want to stay on top of emerging PR
trends
For more details go to conference home page.
Jan 9 2009 - Writers Toss Millions Away When They Sign Bad Book Contracts
Saturday, January 9, 2010 starting at 11:00 a.m. (EST) on "Off The Shelf Radio" (blogtalkradio.com/Denise-Turney-) Denise Turney will sit down with Tonya Marie Evans-Wells and talk openly about how book and major motion picture movie contracts are written to profit publishers and film companies - not writers. The two literary dynamos and educators will also examine how literary agents and attorneys help or hurt a writer's career.
Listeners who tune into the one-hour feature interview will learn key contract agreements to look for or request before they sign a book or major motion picture deal. They will also learn what they can do to get their finances and book rights in order in the event that they have already signed a bad contract.
"Tonya Marie Evans-Wells is a literary, academic and legal giant," Turney admits. "As a practicing entertainment attorney and former professional tennis player, Tonya has shared her legal expertise with writers and other creative professionals for more than a decade," Turney continues. "The fact that she is a writer herself only adds fuel to the fire and gives Tonya an added hard-packed incentive to go to bat for writers and artists in and out of the courtroom," Turney continues.
In addition to working as a licensed entertainment attorney, Tonya Marie Evans-Wells is also an Assistant Professor of Law at Widener University School of Law. Additionally, she is the author of the books Contracts Companion for Writers, Literary Law Guide for Author, Seasons of Her and Shine. Tonya Marie Evans-Wells is a spoken word poet, former professional tennis player, wife and a successful conference host.
"I encourage "Off The Shelf" listeners to take notes during the one-hour feature interview with Tonya," Turney states. "Valuable advice, tips and insight gained by listening to the show is free, but could cost a writer or reader hundreds or thousands of dollars if they had to purchase training CDs, DVDs or pay to attend a conference to get this same priceless information that will save them legal heartache and propel their careers and lives forward," Turney states.
Denise Turney is the author of the books Portia, Love Has Many Faces, Spiral, Long Walk Up and Love Pour Over Me (due out early 2010). Turney is also the founder of The Book Lover's Haven, the international literary periodical that spotlights new, established and seasoned writers, editors, literary agents and other movers and shakers in the literary industry.
Using her personal finances, Denise Turney started the Annual Chistell Writing Contest. Now in its 10th year, the contest is open for submissions through Chistell Publishing (http://www.chistell.com).
Last month Denise Turney founded The Book Lover's Haven Network (http://booklovershaven.ning.com) to allow writers and book lovers to connect directly with each other, learn about job openings and post information about their books and upcoming events. Membership in the Network is free and open to writers and readers around the world.
Listeners who tune into the one-hour feature interview will learn key contract agreements to look for or request before they sign a book or major motion picture deal. They will also learn what they can do to get their finances and book rights in order in the event that they have already signed a bad contract.
"Tonya Marie Evans-Wells is a literary, academic and legal giant," Turney admits. "As a practicing entertainment attorney and former professional tennis player, Tonya has shared her legal expertise with writers and other creative professionals for more than a decade," Turney continues. "The fact that she is a writer herself only adds fuel to the fire and gives Tonya an added hard-packed incentive to go to bat for writers and artists in and out of the courtroom," Turney continues.
In addition to working as a licensed entertainment attorney, Tonya Marie Evans-Wells is also an Assistant Professor of Law at Widener University School of Law. Additionally, she is the author of the books Contracts Companion for Writers, Literary Law Guide for Author, Seasons of Her and Shine. Tonya Marie Evans-Wells is a spoken word poet, former professional tennis player, wife and a successful conference host.
"I encourage "Off The Shelf" listeners to take notes during the one-hour feature interview with Tonya," Turney states. "Valuable advice, tips and insight gained by listening to the show is free, but could cost a writer or reader hundreds or thousands of dollars if they had to purchase training CDs, DVDs or pay to attend a conference to get this same priceless information that will save them legal heartache and propel their careers and lives forward," Turney states.
Denise Turney is the author of the books Portia, Love Has Many Faces, Spiral, Long Walk Up and Love Pour Over Me (due out early 2010). Turney is also the founder of The Book Lover's Haven, the international literary periodical that spotlights new, established and seasoned writers, editors, literary agents and other movers and shakers in the literary industry.
Using her personal finances, Denise Turney started the Annual Chistell Writing Contest. Now in its 10th year, the contest is open for submissions through Chistell Publishing (http://www.chistell.com).
Last month Denise Turney founded The Book Lover's Haven Network (http://booklovershaven.ning.com) to allow writers and book lovers to connect directly with each other, learn about job openings and post information about their books and upcoming events. Membership in the Network is free and open to writers and readers around the world.
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