Workshop Descriptions
Fiction
Writing Bigger—John Olson
We’ll focus on how to develop a compelling high concept. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, developing a compelling high concept is the number one skill you’ll have to master if you want to sell your manuscript.
Writing the Big Picture—John Olson
We’ll analyze the structure of story, uncovering layer by layer all the elements you’ll need to understand if you want to give your readers the ride of their lives.
Writing in the Shadows, Parts 1 and 2—John Olson
We’ll discuss techniques for making your prose strong and evocative, by analyzing “before and after” writing samples illustrative of each technique.
Nonfiction
Basics of Journalism—Matt Snyder
In a fast-paced world, people rely on quality writers to bring them information from their local communities. Not everyone has time to attend school board meetings, ribbon-cuttings for new businesses, or every local basketball game, but they are interested in these goings- on all the same. A reporter’s craft is to give people this information in an easily read story that front-loads the most important pieces of information. This basic course on news writing will focus on the inverted-pyramid style of journalism, crafting a solid lead, and writing to a broad audience.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Researching and Writing a Photographic History--Roland Barkesdale-Hall
Explore with a writer, of the famed Arcadia Images of America Series how, step-by-step, to solicit community involvement, find vintage photographs, gather oral history and create a memorable photographic history.
Homework Sells—Bobbi Updegraff
Tips and techniques for researching market matches, and crafting an article that sells, paying particular attention to the magazine’s personality and readership.
The Business of Writing: Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Writer—Hana Haatainen Caye
Running a freelance writing business can be more profitable than you may think. In this workshop we'll cover the various types of business and creative writing opportunities that exist. This class is for writers who see beyond their fiction and poetry and want to find a way to make a living, or simply earn some extra cash, through the written word. Examples will include: press releases, advertising copy, magazine articles, on-hold message scripts, sales letters, web page writing, search engine optimized writing, newsletters, and more.
Connecting With Denominational Magazines—Bobbi Updegraff
Tips on finding your niche in the denominational market.
Poetry
Nested Meditation—Shirley Stevens
Nested meditations, originated by Kevin Anderson in 2003, combine poetry and prose. The writer employs word play and imagery to create a layered or “nested” format. Anderson suggests that these meditations awaken a sense of the sacred in the ordinary. We will examine models and create our own examples in this workshop. Reading examples aloud, we will explore how circling back through the meditation leads to new opportunities for reflection.
Wordweaving—Christine Doreian Michaels
This presentation will introduce you to some of the possibilities for weaving poems together, especially around a theme--whether for personal use, to present poems with more texture to an audience, or for a group presentation. Examples from two to multiple voices will be discussed, including a description of a performance group called Tea-Time Ladies which presented in the Pittsburgh area from 1991 to 2000. The talk will be more effective if prospective members e-mail a free-verse nature poem (at least four lines) to me at: christine.michaels4@gmail.com. The latter is not mandatory, and I will need your permission to use your poem. But the class will be more fun if I can illustrate the process with our own material, and we can read it aloud.
Intense Critique Group—Liane Norman
For feedback and insight into your own poems, Liane Norman offers a workshop on poetry critique. Open to the first ten participants to register. Bring 11 copies of one of your poems to discuss.
Sijo—Shirley Stevens
The Sijo, a Korean form of lyric poetry, is related to the Japanese haiku. The three lines of this form are longer than the haiku, since a haiku contains only 17 syllables whereas a sijo contains between 44 and 46 syllables. This lyrical form was originally a short son. Although it is centuries old, the form has been rediscovered by modern poets. It also has elements of Biblical verse, particularly the psalms. Writers who try this form, which may be written in three or six lines, will learn the discipline of compressing thoughts. The final line adds a twist of surprise.
Craft
Beginners—Gloria Clover
First writers conference? Working on your first book? Just thinking about doing some writing? I’ll share some of the basics of the business to get you started and heading in the right direction.
The Power of Blogging: Using your writing to influence the world—Hana Haatainen Caye
Have you thought about blogging but just weren’t sure where to begin? Or did you wonder, “Who would care what I have to say?” It’s amazing how many people across the globe will visit your blog, provided you know how to drive visitors to your site. We’ll talk about how to optimize your blog for the search engines, so you can reach the widest audience possible with your thoughts. We’ll also address the money-making opportunities that exist with a well-written blog.
Secrets to Finding the Right Agent—Michele Huey
You’ve finished your baby—your first book. What now? Since most publishers consider only agent-submitted manuscripts, finding an agent is the first step to seeing your book in print. This workshop will walk you through the steps of finding—and securing—the right agent for you. You’ll learn how to research literary agencies, properly prepare your query, and keep track of your submissions. Bring a copy of Sally Stuart’s Christian Writer’s Market Guide (a current one would be best, but any copy will do), highlighters, and sticky tabs. This is a hands-on workshop!
Getting the Word Out: Newsletter Publication—Roland Barksdale-Hall
For the novice to the more experienced writer, I will offer publication management tips on content and design. We will discuss how you can create newsletters for your church, family, or organization.
The ABCs of Children’s Picture Books—Roland Barksdale-Hall
As the creator of the Brother Barksdale Series, I will teach you how to write and tell a children’s story—from characters who grab to plots that keep children reading.
Writer’s Life
Read Like a Writer—Linda Turner
We’ll discuss why writers need to be readers and why you should read your own genre and others. By doing so, you can discover ways authors make their characters and plot compelling, and give their readers a “worry factor” and satisfying ending. We’ll see how authors thread information, themes and symbolism throughout their work, and discover ways we can do the same. You’ll be given examples, checklists and opportunities to “Read like a Writer.” Bring a favorite book for us to discuss, if you want.
Self-Discipline for Disciples—Audrey Stallsmith
Beginning a book was always fun for me. But, once the thrill of inspiration wore off, finishing seemed like too much slogging work. So I always started over again when a new brainstorm broke over my head. I never got published until I learned perseverance. And I never progressed in my spiritual life until I learned to persist through the thrill-less parts of that as well! In this class, we will discuss how to finish what you start, both in writing and righteousness.
The Benefits of Networking and Writers Groups—Liana Laverentz
Writing is a solitary occupation, despite the Internet and all the other electronic ways we have of “connecting.” Still, nothing beats a real conversation. Joining writers groups and networking in-person can provide invaluable inspiration and contacts to help you navigate the confusing world of getting published. Workshops, conferences, and writers group meetings are great places to meet agents, editors, and fellow writers, some of whom may become friends for a lifetime. You can also find critique partners, collaborators, and fellow brainstormers. Or you can just hang out with those who understand the writer’s life a whole lot better than your regular friends and family do. Learn what groups are available, along with tips for coming out of your shy self and meeting others.
Be a Professional Writer(or Look Just Like One)—Marjie Stewart
You’ve been working hard, honing your skills, and learning more about your craft by attending conferences like this. What are some of the things you need to change in your non-writing life to show the commitment you have made to your craft and your career? This workshop will look at everything from your schedule to your social life, to make sure you’re sending out the message that you’re a real pro.
Jumpstart Success with a Good Mentor—Michele Huey
What do Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, and John Knowles have in common? (Besides being famous American writers, of course.) Answer: They all were mentored by other, more established writers. Ambrose Bierce mentored both London and Hemingway, Bret Harte mentored Mark Twain, and Thorton Wilder mentored Knowles.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the difference between mentoring and editing, how to respond to your mentor’s feedback, how to be an effective mentor, and how to find a mentoring program that will benefit you. Bring along a sample of your work—from your fiction or nonfiction book, an article, or, if you’re a poet, a poem or two (prose: 1,500-word limit, double-spaced; poetry: 30 lines maximum). You’ll be paired up with another writer who will act as your mentor (and vice versa) for this workshop. Learn how a mentor can help you become the writer you’ve always dreamed of becoming.
Workshops Schedule
| Workshop 1 10 - 10:50 AM |
Workshop 2 11 - 11:50 AM |
Workshop 3 12 - 12:50 PM |
Workshop 4 1- 1:50 PM |
Workshop 5 2 - 3 PM |
|
| Fiction | "Writing Bigger" John Olson |
"Writing the Big Picture" John Olson |
LUNCH | "Writing from the Shadows I" John Olson |
"Writing from the Shadows II" John Olson |
| Nonfiction | "Basics of Journalism" Matt Snyder |
"Photographic History" Roland Barksdale-Hall |
"Homework Sells" Bobbi Updegraff |
"The Business of Writing" Hana Hatianen Caye |
"Connecting with Denominational Magazines"
Bobbi Updegraff |
| Poetry | "Nested Meditation" Shirley Stevens |
"Word Weaving" Chris Michaels |
"Intense Critique Workshop" Liane Norman |
LUNCH | "Sijo" Shirley Stevens |
| Craft | "Beginner Basics" Gloria Clover |
"The Power of Blogging" Hana Haatainen Caye |
"Querying the Right Agent" Michele Huey |
"Newsletter Publication" Roland Barksdale-Hall |
"The ABC’s of Picture Books" Roland Barksdale-Hall |
| Writers' Life | "Read Like a Writer" Linda Turner |
"Self-Discipline for Disciples" Audrey Stallsmith |
"The Benefits of Networking and Writers' Groups" Liana Laverentz |
"Be a Professional Writer" Marjie Stewart |
"The Power of a Mentor" Michele Huey |