Conference begins at 7:00 PM, Thurs., Sept 22, with a mixer, appetizers, and desserts. It ends Sunday, September 25, at noon after lunch.
BEGIN STRONG Got Motivation? Melissa Stewart Learn how to begin, and even more difficult, how to stay the course as you pursue a writing life.
When Inspiration Isn’t Enough Pat Miller Techniques for getting organized, staying on task, and overcoming fears.
Choose Topics Editors Love Kelly Milner Halls Strategies for findings subjects that kids will love and editors will buy.
RESEARCH Research—Basics and Beyond Kelly Milner Halls Discover the best library and online resources, and much more. These strategies will help you gather credible information, no matter how non-traditional your topic.
Five Ways to Use Mentor Texts Pat Miller Published authors have gone where you want to go. Learn how to use their work to create your own.
WRITE What the Heck is Informational Text by Melissa Stewart There is a lot of confusion about nonfiction types. Learn how educators and editors define them.
The Voice of Nonfiction Peggy Thomas Voice, tone, and style—learn the difference and how to develop each in your own work.
Bridges and Scenes Candace Fleming Learn how to create scenes and shape them into authentic, telling moments based on your research. Then bridge them to create an engaging narrative.
REVISE Big Picture Revision Peggy Thomas Develop your manuscript’s story arc, pacing, and theme to ensure that you have crafted a compelling, unique story.
Four Steps to a Stronger Manuscript Melissa Stewart When all the key pieces are in order, it’s time to tune up the language to powerfully express your ideas and capture your audience. Bring a hard copy of a work-in-progress MS to revise during this session.
Making the Most of Critique Groups Pat Miller Strategies for getting and adding group value whether you have a manuscript or not.
SUBMIT From Idea to Submission Nancy I. Sanders will put everything together to show you how to land a contract with Chicago Review Press; from idea through research, from market analysis to writing and submitting a proposal to her editor.
Do I Need an Agent? Pat Miller Locate publishers that accept without an agent, and learn how to get an agent if you need one.
Ask the Faculty (panel discussion) The faculty will answer your burning questions. Feel free to send questions in advance.
Do you write fiction for children? Here are five good reasons you're qualified to write nonfiction!
September is colorful, and warm, in Rosenberg.
Removed during renovations, this sign was discovered half buried in the bank of an area creek. It now hangs in the Civic Center, inspiring writers to refurbish their work!
The Rosenberg Civic Center is bordered by the Seabourne Creek Nature Park which has a bird sanctuary, butterfly garden, wetlands preserve, and walking/jogging trails.