The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania invites you to lunch and conversation with USA Today's Kathy Kiely and the Washington Post's Mary Pat Flaherty at noon on January 27, 2009, at the Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Avenue, downtown.
Kathy and Mary Pat began their journalistic careers at The Pittsburgh Press in the late 1970s before moving on to the national scene.
While in Pittsburgh, Kathy covered such stories as the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant and interviewed Jackie Kennedy in a cemetery. After leaving Pittsburgh, her assignments included coverage of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Clinton White House. She also traveled through Pakistan to Afghanistan with a congressman intent on "killing Communists - as painfully as possible."
Mary Pat's Pittsburgh era included coverage of the death of Mayor Caliguiri and an investigation into the organ transplant system, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1986. In 1995, while with the Washington Post's investigative team, she was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for an investigation into the D.C. police department.
During the most recent presidential election, both Kathy and Mary Pat were on the campaign trail.
While most of their outstanding work is performed in public, what you may not know is that these two good friends from Pittsburgh's East End are also very funny and their views of the world and of journalism will make you think and make you laugh.
The conversation with Kathy and Mary Pat following lunch will be moderated by Maddy Ross, who edited both in The Press newsroom, when none of them had any wrinkles.
Please join the conversation. Reservations required are $20 for Press Club members and $25 for nonmembers. Tables of ten cost $200. Send your check by January 21 to The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Questions? 412-281-7778
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Authors Bring Fantasy and Science Fiction to Oregon Writers Conference
The South Coast Writers Conference is an eclectic gathering of writers of various genres, novice and published authors; returning and first-time attendees. It is our goal that participants and presenters leave the conference inspired and renewed, with new insights and skills, and better connections to fellow writers and resources. Once again we have invited some of the Northwest's best writers to guide you in an exploration and celebration of the many facets of writing. This mid-sized Oregon conference is known for the quality of its presenters, and has included bestselling keynote speakers such as authors David Oliver Relin (Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time) and Larry Brooks (Bait and Switch).
Along with all day workshops on Friday and Saturday, the Conference is hosting an 'Author Night' on Friday, February 13th from 7 pm to 10 pm. Join the Gold Beach community in this exciting and uplifting evening. Timothy Zahn will give the keynote presentation on: What in the World Are We Doing in This Crazy Business? Following his keynote address will be readings by the other conference presenters, as well as an opportunity to purchase autographed books. Free and open to the public, this event is held at the Curry Showcase on the Curry County Fairgrounds in Gold Beach, Oregon.
Participation in workshops is limited to 30 students or fewer, register early to secure a seat in the workshops you want.
The Conference is always scheduled on Presidents' Day weekend in the hopes that attendees will extend their stay to write and to explore the splendor of America's Wild Rivers Coast. Visit our miles of spectacular beaches, explore our many hiking trails, or spend time on the mighty Rogue River.
For more information on the Conference, contact the Gold Beach Center of Southwestern Oregon Community College (541) 247-2741 to request a brochure.
Website: href="http://www.socc.edu/scwriters/index.shtml">http://www.socc.edu/scwriters/index.shtml
Along with all day workshops on Friday and Saturday, the Conference is hosting an 'Author Night' on Friday, February 13th from 7 pm to 10 pm. Join the Gold Beach community in this exciting and uplifting evening. Timothy Zahn will give the keynote presentation on: What in the World Are We Doing in This Crazy Business? Following his keynote address will be readings by the other conference presenters, as well as an opportunity to purchase autographed books. Free and open to the public, this event is held at the Curry Showcase on the Curry County Fairgrounds in Gold Beach, Oregon.
Participation in workshops is limited to 30 students or fewer, register early to secure a seat in the workshops you want.
The Conference is always scheduled on Presidents' Day weekend in the hopes that attendees will extend their stay to write and to explore the splendor of America's Wild Rivers Coast. Visit our miles of spectacular beaches, explore our many hiking trails, or spend time on the mighty Rogue River.
For more information on the Conference, contact the Gold Beach Center of Southwestern Oregon Community College (541) 247-2741 to request a brochure.
Website: href="http://www.socc.edu/scwriters/index.shtml">http://www.socc.edu/scwriters/index.shtml
How the Best PR Pros Create Long-Term Relationships With Top-Tier Journalists
PR and marketing professionals who want to learn new practices for creating reciprocal, collegial and trusted relationships with leading journalists will discover proven techniques at a new audio conference from Bulldog Reporter's PR University: "Advanced Media Relations: How the Best PR Pros Create Long-Term Relationships with Top-Tier Journalists." Attendees will come away with valuable insights on the time-tested techniques practiced by PR's media mavens -- and how to earn a place on the media's good side.
This exclusive, dial-in PR University audio conference takes place on Thursday, January 15th, at 1PM EST (noon CST, 11AM MST; 10AM PST). This exclusive panel includes four communication leaders and journalists:
-- Robert H. Christie, Vice President, Communications, Dow Jones & Company
-- Richard L Harris, Director, Afternoon Programming, NPR
-- Charlie White, Deputy Editor, "DVICE.com," NBC Universal; Co-Host, "Coolness Roundup"
-- Jennifer Risi, Executive Vice President, Global Strategic Media Group, Weber Shandwick
This 90-minute interactive call will give public relations professionals tools on how to bridge the gap between PR and the press. It will also address how to use exclusives, off-the-record tips and behind-the-scenes access to build long-lasting media relationships. Plus, how new tech tools have changed the way reporters cover news -- and how to pitch or contact them.
Attendance at Bulldog Reporter's PR University audio conference costs $299 per telephone site. Participants in the 90-minute call will be able to pose specific questions for the panelists at several junctures during the discussion. Attendees of PR University conferences receive one credit toward PRSA accreditation maintenance. Registration also includes an up-to-the-minute conference manual and a full transcript. For more information, go to our conference home page or phone toll free: 1-800-959-1059.
This exclusive, dial-in PR University audio conference takes place on Thursday, January 15th, at 1PM EST (noon CST, 11AM MST; 10AM PST). This exclusive panel includes four communication leaders and journalists:
-- Robert H. Christie, Vice President, Communications, Dow Jones & Company
-- Richard L Harris, Director, Afternoon Programming, NPR
-- Charlie White, Deputy Editor, "DVICE.com," NBC Universal; Co-Host, "Coolness Roundup"
-- Jennifer Risi, Executive Vice President, Global Strategic Media Group, Weber Shandwick
This 90-minute interactive call will give public relations professionals tools on how to bridge the gap between PR and the press. It will also address how to use exclusives, off-the-record tips and behind-the-scenes access to build long-lasting media relationships. Plus, how new tech tools have changed the way reporters cover news -- and how to pitch or contact them.
Attendance at Bulldog Reporter's PR University audio conference costs $299 per telephone site. Participants in the 90-minute call will be able to pose specific questions for the panelists at several junctures during the discussion. Attendees of PR University conferences receive one credit toward PRSA accreditation maintenance. Registration also includes an up-to-the-minute conference manual and a full transcript. For more information, go to our conference home page or phone toll free: 1-800-959-1059.
UMKC Launches Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and the Media Arts
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is pleased to announce its Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and the Media Arts -- the first interdisciplinary MFA program of its kind in the region. The program is admitting for the fall 2009 semester.
One of the few interdisciplinary MFA programs in the U.S., the MFA in Creative Writing and the Media Arts is poised to attract literary talent to the region. Working across genres in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting, the program will provide graduate students with intensive training in their chosen literary form and skills in associated media.
"This program fits nicely with the interdisciplinary nature of our times," said Michael Pritchett, program director and associate professor of English. "We’ll be preparing our students for careers in multiple disciplines – as authors, playwrights, poets, teachers, screenwriters, editors, etc. – in a marketplace that’s shifting toward mixed-media and cross-genre work."
More than ten years in the making, the MFA Program in Creative Writing and the Media Arts enhances UMKC’s growing reputation as a center for the literary arts. Anchored by award-winning creative writing faculty, the program includes New Letters, a nationally-acclaimed magazine; "New Letters on the Air," a nationally-syndicated weekly radio program; BkMk Press; visiting writers, such as B.H. Fairchild, Edward P. Jones and C.D. Wright; the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, home to Missouri’s only MFA program in Theatre; and two summer writing workshops. The program also offers students substantial financial support through teaching assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and awards.
The literary resources available to MFA students are enhanced by an extensive network of ongoing collaborations between UMKC and Kansas City’s arts resources, including the Kansas City Public Library; The Writers Place; the Kansas City Art Institute; the Film Society of Greater Kansas City; KC Artist LINC; the American Jazz Museum; Rainy Day Books; and the Kansas City Literary Festival.
"UMKC contributes so much to the Kansas City arts scene," writes The Kansas City Star editor and UMKC alumnus Steve Paul. "This MFA program will by its very nature help to further the cause of cultural literacy by preparing a larger body of students for multi-disciplinary work as thinkers and writers and creative artists."
For more information, please visit http://cas.umkc.edu/creativewriting/mfa.htm
One of the few interdisciplinary MFA programs in the U.S., the MFA in Creative Writing and the Media Arts is poised to attract literary talent to the region. Working across genres in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting, the program will provide graduate students with intensive training in their chosen literary form and skills in associated media.
"This program fits nicely with the interdisciplinary nature of our times," said Michael Pritchett, program director and associate professor of English. "We’ll be preparing our students for careers in multiple disciplines – as authors, playwrights, poets, teachers, screenwriters, editors, etc. – in a marketplace that’s shifting toward mixed-media and cross-genre work."
More than ten years in the making, the MFA Program in Creative Writing and the Media Arts enhances UMKC’s growing reputation as a center for the literary arts. Anchored by award-winning creative writing faculty, the program includes New Letters, a nationally-acclaimed magazine; "New Letters on the Air," a nationally-syndicated weekly radio program; BkMk Press; visiting writers, such as B.H. Fairchild, Edward P. Jones and C.D. Wright; the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, home to Missouri’s only MFA program in Theatre; and two summer writing workshops. The program also offers students substantial financial support through teaching assistantships, fellowships, scholarships and awards.
The literary resources available to MFA students are enhanced by an extensive network of ongoing collaborations between UMKC and Kansas City’s arts resources, including the Kansas City Public Library; The Writers Place; the Kansas City Art Institute; the Film Society of Greater Kansas City; KC Artist LINC; the American Jazz Museum; Rainy Day Books; and the Kansas City Literary Festival.
"UMKC contributes so much to the Kansas City arts scene," writes The Kansas City Star editor and UMKC alumnus Steve Paul. "This MFA program will by its very nature help to further the cause of cultural literacy by preparing a larger body of students for multi-disciplinary work as thinkers and writers and creative artists."
For more information, please visit http://cas.umkc.edu/creativewriting/mfa.htm
Feb 7 2009 - The First Business of Pet Writing Conference
Canine aficionados around the world know that February in New York City is synonymous with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. On Saturday, February 7th, writing enthusiasts who write about pets will gather at The Business of Pet Writing Conference at the Radisson Martinique and rub elbows with the best in the publishing and pet industries.
Pet books, magazines, scripts and columns are multiplying like fleas. According the American Pet Products Association, total pet expenditures are expected to top $43 billion in 2008, and pet books have been a significant part of those revenues. Americans are said to own 88.3 million dogs, and books like Marley and Me, a NY Times bestseller, is now a top grossing film after being released for only a few weeks after Christmas. With the new book, Dewey, cat owners and their 74.8 million pets can boast their own Times bestseller, that is also slated to become a movie, starring Meryl Streep.
"More than ever, pet writers need to hone their skills," said Charlotte Reed, pet expert and proprietor of The Pet Socialite, Inc. "The downturn in the economy, coupled with the stiff literary competition out there, gives all the more reason for writers to attend The Business of Pet Writing Conference, where they can learn from the best in the business and make valuable contacts."
Many respected publishing professionals will be in attendance. They include:
Dick Donahue, senior editor at Publishers Weekly, will kick off the day with a keynote speech: Pet Book Selling and Publishing.
Paul Aiken, Executive Director of the Author's Guild will talk on the subject, Negotiations and Book Contracts.
As for the important issues of image facing pet writers and writing, David Hahn, Vice-President of Planned Television Arts, and Amy Greeman of Storey Publishing will talk about: Handling Book Publicity.
Susan Canavan, senior editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will speak about: Tips for Having a Successful Relationship with an Editor while Maura Teitlebaum, of Abrams Artists Agency will present: How to Find the Right Literary Agent. Beth Adelman, president of Adelman Editorial Services will share her expertise on: Writing Better Book Proposals.
A research panel of pet industry organizations will address current trends in animal health, business and product manufacturing. Representatives from the American Animal Hospital Association, American Kennel Club, American Pet Products Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Health Institute, Automobile Association of America, National Animal Supplement Council, Pet Food Institute, and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council are participating.
Editors (Alpine Publications, Alyson Books, Barron's Educational Series, Bowtie Press/Kennel Club Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, John Wiley & Sons, Quirk Books, St. Martin's Press, Storey Publishing, TFH Publications, AKC Gazette/Family Dog, and Dog Fancy) and agents (Epstein Literary and Folio Literary Mangement) will be available to meet with writer attendees.
In addition, the esteemed group of conference sponsors include: American Kennel Club Publications; Castor & Pollux Pet Works; Comfort Zone; Dyson; Halo, Purely for Pets; and The Metropolitan Dog Club.
The day has been organized by the following schedule:
8:00 a.m. -8:25 a.m.--Breakfast and Check-in
8:30 a.m. -9:00 a.m.--Keynote: Pet Book Selling Publishing Trends
9:10 a.m. -10:00 a.m.--Writing Better Book Proposal
10:10 a.m. -11:00 a.m.--How to Find the Right Literary Agent for You & Your Book
11:10 a.m. -12:00 p.m.--How to Make the Most of Your Relationship with Your Editor
12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.--Lunch sponsored by the Radisson Martinique
1:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.-- Introduction to the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.--Book Contract Negotiations
2:40 p.m. -3:30 p.m.--Handling Book Publicity
3:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.--Research Panel Discussion
Space is limited. Registration closes Monday, February 2, 2009. For more information about The Business of Pet Writing Conference, contact: The Pet Socialite, Inc. PO Box 398, New York, NY 10012. Email: info (at) petwritingconference.com. Phone: 212-631-3648. Fax: 888-492-3452.
Pet books, magazines, scripts and columns are multiplying like fleas. According the American Pet Products Association, total pet expenditures are expected to top $43 billion in 2008, and pet books have been a significant part of those revenues. Americans are said to own 88.3 million dogs, and books like Marley and Me, a NY Times bestseller, is now a top grossing film after being released for only a few weeks after Christmas. With the new book, Dewey, cat owners and their 74.8 million pets can boast their own Times bestseller, that is also slated to become a movie, starring Meryl Streep.
"More than ever, pet writers need to hone their skills," said Charlotte Reed, pet expert and proprietor of The Pet Socialite, Inc. "The downturn in the economy, coupled with the stiff literary competition out there, gives all the more reason for writers to attend The Business of Pet Writing Conference, where they can learn from the best in the business and make valuable contacts."
Many respected publishing professionals will be in attendance. They include:
Dick Donahue, senior editor at Publishers Weekly, will kick off the day with a keynote speech: Pet Book Selling and Publishing.
Paul Aiken, Executive Director of the Author's Guild will talk on the subject, Negotiations and Book Contracts.
As for the important issues of image facing pet writers and writing, David Hahn, Vice-President of Planned Television Arts, and Amy Greeman of Storey Publishing will talk about: Handling Book Publicity.
Susan Canavan, senior editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will speak about: Tips for Having a Successful Relationship with an Editor while Maura Teitlebaum, of Abrams Artists Agency will present: How to Find the Right Literary Agent. Beth Adelman, president of Adelman Editorial Services will share her expertise on: Writing Better Book Proposals.
A research panel of pet industry organizations will address current trends in animal health, business and product manufacturing. Representatives from the American Animal Hospital Association, American Kennel Club, American Pet Products Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Health Institute, Automobile Association of America, National Animal Supplement Council, Pet Food Institute, and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council are participating.
Editors (Alpine Publications, Alyson Books, Barron's Educational Series, Bowtie Press/Kennel Club Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, John Wiley & Sons, Quirk Books, St. Martin's Press, Storey Publishing, TFH Publications, AKC Gazette/Family Dog, and Dog Fancy) and agents (Epstein Literary and Folio Literary Mangement) will be available to meet with writer attendees.
In addition, the esteemed group of conference sponsors include: American Kennel Club Publications; Castor & Pollux Pet Works; Comfort Zone; Dyson; Halo, Purely for Pets; and The Metropolitan Dog Club.
The day has been organized by the following schedule:
8:00 a.m. -8:25 a.m.--Breakfast and Check-in
8:30 a.m. -9:00 a.m.--Keynote: Pet Book Selling Publishing Trends
9:10 a.m. -10:00 a.m.--Writing Better Book Proposal
10:10 a.m. -11:00 a.m.--How to Find the Right Literary Agent for You & Your Book
11:10 a.m. -12:00 p.m.--How to Make the Most of Your Relationship with Your Editor
12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.--Lunch sponsored by the Radisson Martinique
1:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.-- Introduction to the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.--Book Contract Negotiations
2:40 p.m. -3:30 p.m.--Handling Book Publicity
3:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.--Research Panel Discussion
Space is limited. Registration closes Monday, February 2, 2009. For more information about The Business of Pet Writing Conference, contact: The Pet Socialite, Inc. PO Box 398, New York, NY 10012. Email: info (at) petwritingconference.com. Phone: 212-631-3648. Fax: 888-492-3452.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Writers' Workshop interview with author Cunningham to air on Big Ten Network
The next episode of "Conversations from the Iowa Writers' Workshop" will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham. The program will air on the Big Ten Network at 3 p.m. Jan. 8, 3 a.m. Jan. 12 and 9 a.m. Jan. 14.
The program is produced by the University of Iowa Center for Media Production and hosted by Writers' Workshop graduate and International Writing Program staff member Kecia Lynn. A promo for the program may be viewed at http://ui.media.uiowa.edu/btn/writers2-promo.html and also at the center's YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/uimediaproduction.
The full interview will be available later on this UI site http://ui.media.uiowa.edu/btn which has an archive of all previous UI programs such as the flood of 2008, the Department of Dance's 2007 Dance Gala and the Hawkeye Marching Band. It will also eventually be available on the center's YouTube site at http://www.youtube.com/uimediaproduction.
Cunningham, who received his M.F.A. in creative writing from the UI's Iowa Writers' Workshop, received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award for his novel "The Hours." A film adaptation of the book featured Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep. Cunningham's latest novel, "Specimen Days," is now available in paperback.
Cunningham's work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and The Paris Review. He is the recipient of a Whiting Writers' Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and a Michener Fellowship from the UI. He lives and works in New York City.
The January UI Big Ten Network schedule is available at http://www.uionthebtn.com/index.php?dir=next&date=2009-01-01. The complete Big Ten Network schedule is available at http://www.bigtennetwork.com/schedule/index.asp
The program is produced by the University of Iowa Center for Media Production and hosted by Writers' Workshop graduate and International Writing Program staff member Kecia Lynn. A promo for the program may be viewed at http://ui.media.uiowa.edu/btn/writers2-promo.html and also at the center's YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/uimediaproduction.
The full interview will be available later on this UI site http://ui.media.uiowa.edu/btn which has an archive of all previous UI programs such as the flood of 2008, the Department of Dance's 2007 Dance Gala and the Hawkeye Marching Band. It will also eventually be available on the center's YouTube site at http://www.youtube.com/uimediaproduction.
Cunningham, who received his M.F.A. in creative writing from the UI's Iowa Writers' Workshop, received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award for his novel "The Hours." A film adaptation of the book featured Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep. Cunningham's latest novel, "Specimen Days," is now available in paperback.
Cunningham's work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and The Paris Review. He is the recipient of a Whiting Writers' Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and a Michener Fellowship from the UI. He lives and works in New York City.
The January UI Big Ten Network schedule is available at http://www.uionthebtn.com/index.php?dir=next&date=2009-01-01. The complete Big Ten Network schedule is available at http://www.bigtennetwork.com/schedule/index.asp
Liberty States Fiction Writers to Hold Its First Meeting
Liberty States Fiction Writers is a multi-genre organization dedicated to the education and support of all fiction writers. Whether you are writing your first book or your fortieth, you will find something to help your growth and development as a writer at Liberty States Fiction Writers.
LSF Writers offers members support with understanding how the Publishing Industry works, the craft of writing a novel, promotion and publicity, networking, technology, manuscript review and critique and more Monthly meeting offer workshops featuring guest speakers from the industry including publishing professionals and authors. LSF Writers also takes advantage of new and emerging technologies to help members connect and keep connected with the publishing industry and other LSF Writers members through the use of an extensive online network.
Meetings are the second Saturday of each month at the Edison Public Library, Main Library, 340 Plainfield Avenue, Edison, NJ - 732-287-2298 – directions are available at www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com.
"Liberty States Fiction Writers believe that it's not the type of fiction that you write that matters, but the quality of that writing. The world is changing. The lines between genres have blurred to become commercial fiction. LSF Writers wants to help all writers produce the best work possible for this changing market." - Gail Freeman, President
First Meeting - January 10, 2008 - Edison Public Library, Edison, NJ – Business Meeting 10:00a.m.
Program - 10:45a.m. - Get to Know Us
Roundtable Sessions - 12:00p.m. - Tax Issues for Writers; Technology Tips
Website: www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com
LSF Writers offers members support with understanding how the Publishing Industry works, the craft of writing a novel, promotion and publicity, networking, technology, manuscript review and critique and more Monthly meeting offer workshops featuring guest speakers from the industry including publishing professionals and authors. LSF Writers also takes advantage of new and emerging technologies to help members connect and keep connected with the publishing industry and other LSF Writers members through the use of an extensive online network.
Meetings are the second Saturday of each month at the Edison Public Library, Main Library, 340 Plainfield Avenue, Edison, NJ - 732-287-2298 – directions are available at www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com.
"Liberty States Fiction Writers believe that it's not the type of fiction that you write that matters, but the quality of that writing. The world is changing. The lines between genres have blurred to become commercial fiction. LSF Writers wants to help all writers produce the best work possible for this changing market." - Gail Freeman, President
First Meeting - January 10, 2008 - Edison Public Library, Edison, NJ – Business Meeting 10:00a.m.
Program - 10:45a.m. - Get to Know Us
Roundtable Sessions - 12:00p.m. - Tax Issues for Writers; Technology Tips
Website: www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com
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