Dateline: 04-11-2009
Writing Workshops at CONvergence
Open Fiction Writing Workshop [2.5 hrs]The instructor is Jeannie Holmes, author of supernatural suspense and urban fantasy and holding B.A. and Masters of Art degrees in English, with an emphasis in creative writing. She’s also a guest instructor at undergraduate level fiction workshops at the University of Alabama and a judge for the Romance Writers of America Golden Hearts Awards. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America. Her novel Crimson Swan is being published by Bantam Books in fall 2009.
Workshop includes:
- Closed critique session by instructor: The first 10-15 people to register will receive personal critiques of their work and will attend this session. Jeannie will critique one short story (approx. 4,000 words or less) or the first chapter and synopsis of a novel (synopsis usually 5 pages long). This critique includes a written summary as well as discussion during the group session. [1 hour]
- Open writing exercises for beginner writers on how to get started [45 minutes]
- Open writing exercises for advanced writers focused on plotting, characterization, etc. [45 minutes]
- Q&A session by the instructor: Open to all [45 minutes]
Open Poetry Writing Workshop [1.5 hours]
The instructor is Sandra Lindow, an award-winning poet, editor and teacher currently teaching part-time at the University of Wisconsin, Stout as well as doing some free-lance writing and editing. Her sixth poetry collection, Touched by the Gods, was published by Sam’s Dot in 2008. She is Regional Vice President for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and a member of the Science Fiction Poetry Association.
Workshop includes:
- Open critique session by instructor: The first 25 people to register will receive personal critiques of their work ahead of time. Sandra will critique up to three poems per poet. Selected submissions will be used as examples with the workshop group (including those who did not submit) for a general discussion. If you do not want your poem to be used as an example, please indicate that on your submission. [30 minutes]
- Short writing exercises with group critique session for everyone who wants to participate . [15 minutes]
- Q&A session with instructor is open to all [30 minutes]
- Meet with individuals with questions [15 minutes]