Upcoming Writing Workshops and Conferences

Keeping with my DIY education, I’ve scheduled and registered several writing workshops and conferences for the upcoming months.  I am staggering the registration for all of these events, avoiding as much monetary strain.  The only thing keeping me from wussing out:  it beats spending $30,000+ a year for grad school.

Writing With Authority April 1- May 2, 2011


A month long online writing workshop through Pennwriters with Seton Hill University creative writing faculty Jason Jack Miller and Heidi Ruby Miller.  I'll learn to analyze my writing, spot passive voice, and practice using strong action verbs.    


Philadelphia Stories Novel Workshop April 16, 2011

A one day (9-5) novel workshop in Center City led by published author Elizabeth Mosier.  I'll learn strategies to bulldoze through mental blocks and strenthen my writing process.  I look forward to focusing on the opening and closing paragraphs of my mystery novel. 

Pennwriters Conference May 13-15, 2011

A three day writing and career conference in Pittsburgh, PA.  Jacquelyn Mitchard and Jonathan Maberry are the scheduled keynote speakers.  I'll be able to attend 30+ workshops, schedule agent/editor pitching with bigwigs like Janet Reid, hear readings and receive critiques from agents, editors and published authors and attend the genre networking lunch.  

Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop June 12-17, 2011 

A week long writing conference at Hollins University in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.  I plan to study the short story structure with Laura van den Berg.  The daily schedule includes manuscript work, craft seminars and workshops.    

ThrillerFest July 6-9, 2011

This four day intense thriller festival takes place at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.  R.L. Stine is this year's Thrillermaster.  I'm completely stoked.  He kept me busy reading in middle/high school between Goosebumps and Fear Street, thus sparking my love for the genre.  I can remember doing my book report on Monster Blood in the 7th grade with authentic gooey, green blood.  Other authors and writers attending the festival include Ken Follett, Robert Crais, Diana Gabaldon and John Lescroart.  

I plan to attend the Craftfest, learning from big names in the thriller business, participate in Agentfest, providing me an opportunity to practice my elevator pitch and (fingers crossed) land an agent.  The rest of the festival I will spend attending author panels, checking out vendor booths and perusing new books.    I have until the end of April to register and receive the discount price.   

   
What workshops or conferences do you plan to attend?  Do you recommend any you enjoyed and felt were helpful?

Comments

Matthew MacNish said…
I'm planning on going to WFC in San Diego this fall. It will be my first conference ever.
March 3, 2011 at 8:59 AM
Laura M. Campbell said…
Great! I can't wait to hear about it on your blog.
March 4, 2011 at 10:49 AM
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