Steve Heller, Keynote Speaker
F) Where Do Stories Come From?
In this workshop we'll examine the relationship between memory and imagination in story-making. We'll talk about
how most stories have some connection to the writer's real life, to things we experienced and remember. We'll examine
how viewing the same experience from different perspectives can reveal things we never saw before – and in
the process transform memory into story. (Not hands-on)
K) Transforming Life Into Story
Participants will privately identify a scene from real life that they can recall vividly. Using a series of prompts,
we will fictionalize this real life moment without changing anything that actually happened, transforming a memory
into the beginning of a short story. Volunteers will read their first pages to the group and we'll discuss strategies
for completing their stories. (Mostly hands-on)
Wendy Bertrand
C) Shaping Memoir
Why do we write in the first person and what is the history of autobiography? There are many good books on writing
memoir suggesting fictional techniques used in novels that are useful in holding the memoir readers' attention. One
of the major challenges in writing memoir is deciding on what parts of your big life to use, how to arrange themes,
and how to chisel away at the unnecessary. (Not hands-on)
Jody Gehrman
G) and M) Give Your Young Adult Fiction Zap and Zing!
What makes some novels so appealing to young readers while others languish on the shelves? How can adults capture
the elusive teen "voice" editors seek? In this interactive lecture/discussion/writing exercise workshop,
the presenter will address the three most sought-after ingredients in young adult fiction: atmosphere, action, and
attitude. (Somewhat hands-on)
Becca Lawton
D) The Power of Words: Language and the Writer's Life
Writers work with language, a potent medium in shaping lives. Habitually using words that promote creativity requires
awareness of their power. We will read, discuss, and script language that encourages regular creative practice and
positive presentation of ourselves as writers. A copy of Write Free: Attracting the Creative Life is included
with the cost of the workshop. (Mostly hands-on)
H) Change: Writing Your Story in a Warming World
"All good books...[describe] the people and the places and how the weather was." — Hemingway. Because change
is certain, writing details of people, places, and weather is becoming more complex. We will explore storytelling in a warming
world through reading, discussion, and written response to examples of excellent writing that integrates the concept of physical
change. (Mostly hands-on)
Ken Letko
B) Object, Image, Surprise: A Creative Poetry Workshop
The instructor will direct the participants through a series of activities that will generate a draft of a poem.
Participants will be asked to spend about 25-30% of the time writing. This is a hands-on workshop accessible to all
levels of poets. Participants will practice generating concrete details, appealing to the five senses, and connecting
feelings to concrete details. (Hands-on)
Rebecca Olson
A) The Landscape of LitMags
During the past five years, major changes have taken place in the world of literary magazine publishing. In this
workshop, I'll catch you up to speed on what's new in LitMags today (including an essential reading list!) and give
some practical tips for sending your work out to editors. (Not hands-on)
E) Radical Revision: Practical Advice for Revising/Re-imagining Your Poetry
Donald Hall once revised a poem 600 times before he considered it "done." Unfortunately, many writers get
stuck in the revision process long before the 600th draft. So what's the best way to begin revising a poem, and why
is it important to revise in the first place? How can we look at a poem that has never felt quite right? Bring a
poem that has you in a lurch and we'll send you home with some new ideas. (Somewhat hands-on) |
