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21st Annual Western Reserve Spring Writers’ Conference

Saturday, March 31, 2012   8:30 a.m. – 1: 30 p.m.  

Conference Coordinator:  Deanna R. Adams

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.  – Registration and Coffee

9:00 a.m. – Welcome To Lakeland: Ann D’Agostino, Program Coordinator, Community Learning

Overview of Conference – Deanna R. Adams

 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Writing for Trade/            All about Writers’          Beginnings, Middles        Unleashing the Power                       

Specialty Publications       Critique Groups                 & Endings                      of Google Docs

Gail Bellamy                      Diane Campbell Taylor        Liana Laverentz                Erin O’Brien                                            

____________________________________________________________________________________

10:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

____________________________________________________________________________________

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Writing for the                  Living the                 Self-Publishing Options:            Writing about          

Chronologically Superior       Writing Life               What’s Best for You?                Real People                     

Barbara Kussow                  Claudia Taller                  Peter Grondin                         Deanna R. Adams                

____________________________________________________________________________________

 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

11:45 - 12:45 p.m.

Ideas to Boost             Get the Facts, Make a           Writing Food                  The Yellow Brick  

Your Creativity           Plan, Get Published                 Memoir                         To Storytelling                           

Liana Laverentz            Julie Anne Lindsey                 Erin O’Brien                   Carole Calladine                

 ____________________________________________________________________________________

12:45 - 1:00 p.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

____________________________________________________________________________________

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. - Social Reception and Refreshments, Book Sale and Author Signing

1:15 – 1:30 p.m. – Q & A Panel on Writing – All Your Questions Answered by Experts!

1:15 - 1:30 p.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

$69 – Conference course #

$10 – Prearranged Editing Consult (See Below)

 

Sessions with Editor Nancy Piazza                            Sessions with Editor Elizabeth Irwin

 (10:15-10:30 am)                                                             (10:15-10:30 am)

 (11:30-11:45 am)                                                             (11:30-11:45 am)

 (12:45-1:00 p.m.)                                                             (12:45-1:00 p.m.)

 (1:15-1:30 pm)                                                                 (1:15-1:30 pm)

Editing session details will be e-mailed from Deanna Adams upon registration.

Lakeland Registration, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland OH 44094. For more information, CALL: 440-525-7116, 440-525-7812 or 1-800-589-8520. Online information, www.lakelandcc.edu/comeduc/

 Presenters & Editors

Deanna R. Adams is a freelance writer, author, instructor, and award-winning essayist. Her books include Rock ’n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection (Kent State University Press, 2002), Confessions of a Not-So-Good Catholic Girl (Infinity Publishing, 2008) and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Roots (Arcadia Publishing, 2010). She has recently completed her first novel. Deanna is also an instructor and coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers’ Conference and founder of the Women Writers’ Winter Retreat. Course Description – WRITING ABOUT REAL PEOPLE:  Writing about real people isn’t as easy as it sounds. Yes, they certainly are “characters” but these ones you can’t make up! Deanna will talk, and demonstrate, how to make even the dull people you’re writing about interesting—even unforgettable.

Poet/journalist/author Gail Bellamy, Ph.D., is executive food editor of a national monthly magazine for the restaurant industry and has had freelance work published in approximately 100 literary, trade and consumer publications. Her books include Cleveland Food Memories (Gray & Co., 2003),  Design Spirits (PBC International, 1995; St. Martin’s Press, 1996), Victual Reality and Traveler’s Salad (Pudding House, 2000 & 2009); she also co-authored The Vegetable Storybook (Keiki O Ka Aina Press, 2010). Gail received a CPAC 2010 Creative Workforce Fellowship in Literature, funded by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, and served as 2009 and 2010 City of Cleveland Heights Poet Laureate. Course Description—WRITING FOR TRADE AND SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS: Gail will define this market, discuss the opportunities it offers, and provide tips on how to break into these publications.

Carole Calladine is a freelance writer with articles appearing in Parents’, Family Circle, and numerous Sunday Magazines. Her books include: Second Story Woman, One Terrific Year, and Raising Brothers and Sisters Without Raising the Roof. Besides offering writing classes, Carole facilitates workshops on Soul Collage®, journaling, and time management. Course Description—THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO STORYTELLING: If you’re like Dorothy, you need some trusty companions to write your way to a satisfactory ending. This workshop will discuss opening lines, need for conflict, and the narrative arc of the main character’s journey. So come and learn how to find your magical, ruby writing slippers.

Pete PJ Grondin is author of four McKinney Brothers Murder Mystery/Suspense novels.  The series includes A Lifetime of Vengeance (Second Edition, PD House Holdings, LLC, 2006), A Lifetime of Deception (PD House Holdings, LLC, 2007), A Lifetime of Exposure, PD House Holdings, LLC, 2009) and A Lifetime of Terror (PD House Holdings, LLC, 2011). Course Description – SELF PUBLISHING OPTIONS: WHAT'S THE BEST PATH FOR ME?: Based on his bad experience with a not-so-reputable publisher and his success in self publishing, Pete provides valuable information on the pitfalls and rewards of self publishing in an easy-to-follow, entertaining presentation.

 Elizabeth Irwin is a freelance editor and writer with 20 years' experience. Recently published clients include Karen C.L. Anderson (After the Before and After, BookLocker, 2010) and Adrienne Wilder (City of Dragons: Blood Bonds, Liquid Silver, 2009). In addition to editing everything from memoir to dark urban fantasy, Elizabeth coordinates the Write Brain Workshop each fall in Perrysburg, Ohio; and teaches "Writing Family History" and "Writing Short" at Owens Community College; and serves as a Biblical storyteller. She also maintains a blog about faith, hope, gratitude and the creative life called "I Face the Sun." 

Barbara Kussow is editor of Still Crazy, a literary magazine that publishes poetry, fiction, and essays written by and about people over fifty.  The magazine looks for fresh perspectives and material that challenges patronizing, sentimental, and stereotyping attitudes toward aging.  Course Description – WRITING FOR THE CHRONOLOGICALLY SUPERIOR: Writing for the “chronologically superior” is not exactly a genre like Chick Lit, YA Lit, or Kid Lit, but its practitioners are talented with a rich diversity of ideas and experiences. Barbara seeks and offer perspectives that challenge patronizing, sentimental or stereotyping attitudes. Using examples of poems, short stories, and essays from Still Crazy, she will discuss the themes and characteristics that offer a glimpse into a relatively untapped area of writing.

Liana Laverentz is the award-winning author of three contemporary romances with The Wild Rose Press. Her motivational articles and essays published in Faith Magazine and Zen Moments.  She’s been writing and editing for nearly 25 years and has a freelance editorial business as well.  Her blog, Living on a Prayer, Living with PMDD, prompted her upcoming non-fiction book on women’s health and wellness.  Her website is www.lianalaverentz.com.  Course Descriptions: TEN GREAT IDEAS TO BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY - Liana will share ways to jump start your brain when you think you’re stuck or feel like you have writer’s block.  BEGINNINGS, MIDDLES AND ENDINGS - Liana will provide tips on how to write an opening that gets an editor’s attention, keep your story’s middle from sagging, and write an ending that leaves your reader wanting more. 

Julie Anne Lindsey’s romance novella, Bloom, launched a new imprint, Honey Creek books, with the Turquoise Morning Press and also begins her Seeds of Love series. Her debut women’s fiction novel, Death by Chocolate, kicks off her Killer Confections Saga with kNight Romance Publishing. She is a member of the Canton Writer’s Guild, and maintains a daily blog, Musings from the Slush Pile, where she shares thoughts, tips and tricks to stay out of the slush. Course Description –GET THE FACTS, MAKE A PLAN, GET PUBLISHED: If you’re determined to break into the publishing industry, you need to set goals. Then create a detailed plan to reach them, and obtain the facts to make it happen. Get ready to reach your writing goals. Julie will show you how.

Erin O'Brien's eclectic features have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Plain Dealer and others. Her book of humorous nonfiction and food memoir, The Irish Hungarian Guide to the Domestic Arts was recently published by Red Giant Books. Course Descriptions – WRITING FOOD MEMOIR: In this fast-paced session, see how to turn everyday kitchen triumphs and mishaps into charming food essays and memoir. Discover how unlocking the key to your reader’s heart is as simple as guiding them through your kitchen. Come prepared to jump into the discussion and complete a "tasty" exercise. UNLEASHING THE POWER OF GOOGLE DOCS: Google Docs is one of the most powerful tools for writers, allowing you to turn any document into a live webpage. Learn the basics and get the tips you need to unleash this simple, formidable and FREE resource.  

Award-winning, professional editor Nancy E. Piazza is a published writer with 23 years of editing experience, working for aspiring as well as published writers. Nancy’s editing is always well received, as she is down-to-earth and assists writers in a friendly, helpful manner toward achieving their goals of publication. Through her business, Writeperson Ltd.—Western Reserve Editing (www.writeperson.com), she edits novels, short stories, nonfiction books, articles, essays, and letters. Nancy is profiled in the National Directory of Editors and Writers, (M. Evans and Company, 2005) and is a member of several organizations, including Publishing and Editing Professionals along with Authors, Writers, Publishers, Editors, and other Professionals. Visit her web site for an up-to-date list of edited books and recommendations.

Claudia Taller is the corporate columnist for Paralegal Today, a regular contributor to Cool Cleveland, and has written for Northern Ohio Live, West Shore Live Well, Muse, Long Weekends, Yahoo!, and The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine. Her book Ohio’s Lake Erie Wineries was released in June 2011. She helps people ignite possibilities through Word Lovers retreats.  Course Description - THE WRITING LIFE: Many people want to write, but self-doubt and lifestyle constraints hold us back. If we give ourselves permission, call ourselves writers, and just start writing, we find our own voices and the topics we are passionate about. Success requires us to read like a writer, find our spiritual connection, and focus on writing goals. Claudia will help you truly live the Writing Life.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a personal writing coach and editor. Currently working on a Cleveland-based historical novel, Diane's essays have appeared in The Plain Dealer and Grit magazine. ALL ABOUT WRITERS' CRITIQUE GROUPS: Learn how to take your writing to the next level by forming or joining a critique group. Diane will provide tips on effectively giving and receiving feedback and discuss how to decide whether an in-person or an online group is right for you.

The 28th Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference and Workshop

Saturday, September 24, 2011   8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Conference Coordinator: Deanna R. Adams

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.:  Registration, Continental Breakfast, Coffee                             ______________________________________________________________________________

9:00 – 9:45 a.m.:  Welcome Overview: Ann D’Agostino and Deanna Adams

Keynote Address: Author, David Giffels: “The Discomfort of Memoir” _______________________________________________________________

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Workshop                         Workshop                  Workshop

Writing For                  The Elements           Writing Creative         Publicizing Your Work                 

Young Adults                 of Mystery                  Nonfiction                  Through Social Media

Lisa & Laura Roecker     Amanda Flower           Deanna Adams                Lori Weber                                            

 

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. – Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Elizabeth Irwin, Diane DiPiero  _____________________________________________________________________________

11:15 - 12:15 p.m.  

                                                                                                                        Workshop                                                           

Do You Need         Before and After            Developing Issues               The Power of                  

An Agent ?            the Writing is Done       in Today’s Publishing         Point of View                 

Deanna Adams            James Barnes                  Steve Grant                   Marsha McGregor  

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.  LUNCH – Included in fee, if paid by September 16, 2011 -                              Door Prizes, Book Sale & Author Signings

1:15 – 1:30 p.m. – Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Elizabeth Irwin, Diane DiPiero  _____________________________________________________________________________

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. - Q & A Panel: The Writing Life - A Lively Discussion on Writers and Their Work . . .  Hosted by the Following Presenters:

*The Road to Publication     *E-Books Are Here To Stay    *New Opportunities for Writers

  Lisa and Laura Roecker          Susanne Alexander                     Kristen Hampshire

 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. – Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Elizabeth Irwin                                                                 

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

 Workshop                                                                                                Workshop                    

Writing Romance        Editing Your         Writing Nonfiction           Creating Great

& Women’s Fiction     Manuscript            Books and Articles            Characters        

Debbie  Alferio              Diane DiPiero          Mike Olszewski                    Les Roberts

 

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. - Networking Reception, Refreshments, Door Prizes, Book Sale/Author Signing                                                                                                                                     s                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. – Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Elizabeth Irwin                                                                 

*Private Editing Consults! Fee: $10. Register early! Spaces are limited. Interested participants should contact Deanna Adams at DeeNCR@aol.com for details and scheduling. Also, visit her website, www.deannaadams.com.

*Workshops Noted Above Include Writing Prompts

*Conference Fee: $99    *Conference Fee with Prearranged Editing Session: $109

*Easy and Fast! Online Registration  https://cl.lakelandcc.edu/CourseStatus.awp?&course=12FPER900.01

Or by Mail: Lakeland Community College, Continuing Education Registration, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, OH 44094-5198

For More Information: 440-525-7116 –  440-525-7812 –  1-800-589-8520

*Editing Sessions details will be e-mailed upon registration from Deanna Adams, DeeNCR@aol.com

 

 

*Conference Presenters

Keynote Speaker:

David Giffels is the author of the acclaimed, award-winning memoir, All the Way Home: Building a Family in a Falling-Down House, and coauthor of the nonfiction books, Are We Not Men? We Are Devo! and Wheels of Fortune: The Story of Rubber in Akron. A former columnist for the Akron Beacon Journal, he also was a writer for MTV’s Beavis and Butt-Head. Now an assistant professor of English at University of Akron, he teaches creative nonfiction in the Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts Program. Keynote Address: “I Hope Everyone Buys It But No One Reads It: The Discomfort of Memoir.” David reveals the tension and difficulty of writing honestly about personal events and emotions, while offering advice on adapting true life to personal nonfiction.

 

Deanna Adams is a freelance writer, award-winning essayist, author of three books, and an instructor at Lakeland Community College. She’s the longtime coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers Conference, and founder/director of the Women Writers’ Winter Retreat. She has just completed her first novel, and at press time, is shopping agents. Her web site is www.deannaadams.com. Course Descriptions:  WRITING CREATIVE NONFICTION - Learn how to tell a true story in a way that hooks readers in the first paragraph and takes them on an intriguing journey. This session will spark ideas, and inform you on the markets available. DO YOU NEED AN AGENT? - What can an agent do for you? This session will cover what you need to know about agents and help you decide if you do, in fact, need one. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, Deanna will show how to find, and interest, the right agent for your needs.

Susanne M. Alexander, a relationship & marriage coach, has written and published many books on the topic. Both her latest, All-in-One Marriage Prep (a 2011 finalist in The Eric Hoffer Award), and Marriage Can Be Forever—Preparation Counts! are available as PDF eBooks. Susanne is now branching out to include MOBI, LIT, and ePub formats, as well as producing some books only as eBooks. Her web sites are www.marriagetransformation.com, and  (www.allinonemarriageprep.com). Or email her at: susanne@marriagetransformation.com. Panelist Discussion: eBOOKS ARE HERE TO STAY - Susanne will share her experiences and lessons learned, as well as answer questions about creating, publishing, and marketing eBooks.

Debbie Alferio is an award-winning author and speaker whose Forever Love series was inspired by an actual dream. Debbie is the Ohio Representative for Authors Across America, and member of the International Writer’s Association, Ohio Professional Writers, Writer’s Ink, and the Sauna Friends Writer’s Group. Her web sites are www.freewebs.com/debsbooks, www.debbiealferio.blogspot.com. Course Description: WRITING ROMANCE AND WOMEN’S FICTION - Debbie will discuss the differences between romance and women’s fiction, and demonstrate how to develop plots and subplots that will capture and keep the reader’s interest from start to finish. Learn how to incorporate “women’s issues” to enhance your story, how to organize chapters to keep the pages turning, and how to create memorable characters that will leave readers wanting more. 

James O. Barnes has been teaching and telling stories most of his life. James holds a Masters in Ancient and Classical History and is an author, and publisher for Loconeal Publishing, as well as a father and homeschooling dad. James is currently working on his second Book of Orenck titled, Imposter. Course Description: BEFORE AND AFTER THE WRITING IS DONE - Discover how to become “known” before your manuscript is complete through both traditional and modern technology sources. Learn what steps should be taken and what assets to benefit from. Websites, blogs, freelancing, blog tours, conferences, the enhanced submission process— this and more will be covered in this presentation.

Diane DiPiero began her editorial career about 20 years ago at Ladies’ Home Journal in New York City. After serving as associate editor of Colonial Homes Magazine, she moved to Cleveland to pursue a career as a freelance writer. Her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications. Her blogs are: www.asiwaswriting.blogspot.com and www.dianedipiero.com. Course Description: EDITING YOUR WORK - Spell Check is  wonderful, but when it comes to creating near-perfect copy, you have to rely on your own editing abilities. Learn how to check your writing for clarity, flow and value, as well as for spelling and grammatical errors. This session is valuable for independent writers, bloggers, and anyone planning to publish or self-publish a book or e-Book.

Amanda Flower is an Agatha-nominated mystery author. Her debut novel, Maid of Murder, is an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel, and the first in a series, featuring amateur sleuth India Hayes. Like her main character, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. Her next mystery, Murder in a Basket, will be released in January 2012.  Her website is: www.amandaflower.com. Course Description: THE ELEMENTS OF MYSTERY - Are you wondering what it takes to write a breakout mystery novel? This session will reveal the ins and outs of mystery writing and will include a comparison of mystery’s subgenres that will help you pick the right subgenre for your writing style.

Steve Grant is an intellectual property attorney in Columbus, where he is also an adjunct professor at Capital University Law School.  Course Description:  DEVELOPING ISSUES IN TODAY’S LITERARY PUBLISHING - Traditional business models in the book publishing industry are floundering. Libraries are making a strong push-back against a model that has been adopted for e-Books. Learn how these changes and others will affect existing and future contracts with authors. Is the traditional publishing house extinct?   

Kristen Hampshire is an award-winning freelance journalist and author of 12 nonfiction books in the home and garden, pet lifestyle, arts and medical genres. Her work has appeared in national publications including Ladies’ Home Journal, Fortune, Cooking Light, Consumers Digest and online at HGTV.com and FrontDoor.com. Panel Discussion: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS - Clients need your writing! Take your talents to outlets other than traditional magazine and newspaper. Think beyond the written page and tap into other opportunities, from copywriting to marketing and online opportunities. Kristen Hampshire will lead a discussion about where you can sell your writing tomorrow.

Elizabeth Irwin is a freelance editor, writer and voiceover professional with 20 years’ experience. In addition to participating in the Western Reserve Writers’ Conference, she coordinates the Write Brain Workshop in Perrysburg, Ohio, and teaches writing classes through Owens Community College. Elizabeth is working on a memoir and two novels. She also maintains the blog, “I Face the Sun” at Wordpress. And sometimes, she even gets to sleep a little.

Marsha McGregor writes essays, op ed articles and features that have appeared in a variety of regional and national venues. Her essays frequently appear in Cleveland Magazine. Her poetry has earned regional awards and her middle-grade novel manuscript was a finalist for the Katherine Paterson Prize for YA and Children’s Writing. One of her essays will be included in the upcoming collection YOU. An Anthology of Essays in the Second Person (Welcome Table Press). Course Description: THE POWER OF POINT OF VIEW - Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, few elements of story carry as much weight as the narrator’s voice. This session will illustrate how an authentic voice creates believable characters in fiction, and engages readers in nonfiction. Participants will examine examples from published works, as well as experiment with tools and techniques of voice.  

Mike Olszewski is a veteran radio/TV journalist and author of several books on media history, including Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars and the newly published WIXY 1260: Pixies, Six-Packs and Supermen (Kent State University Press). Mike is also a documentary filmmaker, winning a 2009 Emmy for the program based on his Radio Daze book. he is also an instructor of media and popular culture at KSU, Notre Dame and the University of Akron. Mike and his wife, Janice, have yet another book on media history due out in 2013. Course Description: WRITING NONFICTION BOOKS OR ARTICLES - You can be creative with everything but the facts. Getting those facts can sometimes be difficult, thanks to faulty memories and “personal mythologies.” This session explores the many hurdles to getting the story right the first time.

Award-winning editor Nancy E. Piazza is a published writer with 22 years of editing experience. Through her business, Writeperson Ltd.—Western Reserve Editing (www.writeperson.com), Nancy edits novels, short stories, nonfiction books, articles, essays, blogs, and letters for aspiring as well as published writers. She is profiled in the National Directory of Editors and Writers, (M. Evans and Company, 2005). In February 2011, Nancy’s client, Phyllis Levine, a former English teacher, published her fourth novel, What’s Up, Matilda? (Wasteland Press). Nancy’s editing is always well received, as she assists writers in a friendly, helpful manner toward achieving their goals of publication.

Les Roberts came to mystery writing after 25 years as a TV writer-producer in Hollywood before relocating to Northeast Ohio in 1990. Fifteen of his 25 books are set in Greater Cleveland. His newest is The Cleveland Creep and a “stand-alone” (i.e. non-series) novel is due in November. Course Description: CREATING GREAT CHARACTERS – Les Roberts’s books are all character-driven. So it’s only fitting that he speak on how to create characters that captivate readers and keeps them hooked—not just from page to page, but book to book.

Lisa and Laura Roecker are sisters-turned-writing-partners with a love of all things “Young Adult.” Some call it arrested development, but the Cleveland-based sisters claim it keeps them young. Their first novel, The Liar Society, was released in March 2011 (Sourcebooks). Course Description - WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS: Capturing the elusive teen voice can be tricky. Lisa and Laura will discuss together what will help your YA writing stand apart from the rest (aside from watching copious amounts of MTV, which may or may not be a prerequisite). This includes pacing, believable dialogue, three-dimensional characters and more!

Lori Weber’s writing career started when she accepted the crime beat reporter position at the Las Cruces Sun News in New Mexico in 1990. Since then, she has written articles, annual reports, blog posts and tweets on everything from alpacas to food to tires to knitting. Her work has appeared in Women’s World Magazine, Cleveland Magazine and other publications. Course Description – PUBLICIZING YOUR WORK THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA: Lori entered the world of Social Media (SoMe) kicking and screaming, believing its primary purpose was to fritter time away that would be better spent writing. What she didn’t expect was that the SoMe medium would turn into an amazing professional vehicle. Learn how to use SoMe to showcase your work as well as network with other professionals and writers.

 

 

 

 

 

Read about us in the January issue of Writers' Digest!

 

The 20th Annual Western Reserve Spring Writers’ Conference

Saturday, March 26, 2011   8:30 a.m. – 1: 30 p.m.

  

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.  – Registration and Coffee ______________________________________________________________________________________

 

9:00 a.m. – Welcome To Lakeland: Ann D’Agostino, Program Coordinator, Community Learning

Overview of Conference – Deanna R. Adams

 

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

 

 Self-Publishing &               The Art of Writing            How to Write Articles        Increasing Suspense              

The POD Method                 Women’s Fiction                       That Sell!                          in Your Novel

 Paul Mathews                     Diane Campbell Taylor           David Budin                       Malcolm Wood                                     

 

10:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin ______________________________________________________________________________________

 

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

 

 

Flash Writing: Stories          Plotting Sci-Fi &              Writing—and Selling--         How to Win Over           

1, 000 Words or Less             Fantasy Stories                 Your Children’s Book         an Agent or Publisher                     

Michael Wilson                       S. Andrew Swann                   Vicki Stracensky                        Deanna R. Adams                

      

  

 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

11:45 - 12:45 p.m.

 

Researching Your              Poetry for                       Amp it Up!:                                 Book It! The Latest on                  

Memoir                                Prose Writers              Adding Drama to Stories          Publicity & Promotion         

Vicki Vigil                             Ray McNiece                  Casey Daniels                         Jane Lassar & John Gorman                    

 

12:45 - 1:00 p.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Networking Reception and Refreshments, Book Sale and Author Signing

1:15 – 1:30 p.m. – Q & A Panel on Writing – All Your Questions Answered by Experts!

 

1:15 - 1:30 p.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza and Elizabeth Irwin

 

$65 – Conference course #

$10 – Prearranged Editing Consult (See Below)

 

Sessions with Editor Nancy Piazza                            Sessions with Editor Elizabeth Irwin

 (10:15-10:30 am)                                                             (10:15-10:30 am)

 (11:30-11:45 am)                                                             (11:30-11:45 am)

 (12:45-1:00 p.m.)                                                             (12:45-1:00 p.m.)

 (1:15-1:30 pm)                                                                 (1:15-1:30 pm)

*You must register for the conference first before booking an Editing Session. 

 

Lakeland Registration: Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland OH 44094. For more information, CALL: 440-525-7116, 440-525-7812 or 1-800-589-8520.

Online Information and Registration: www.lakelandcc.edu/comeduc/

 

Conference Presenters

 

Deanna Adams is a freelance writer, award-winning essayist, author of three books, and has just completed her first novel. Her books include Rock ’n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection (Kent State University Press, 2002), Confessions of a Not-So-Good Catholic Girl (Infinity Publishing, 2008) and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Roots (Arcadia Publishing, 2010). Deanna is the coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers Conference, and an instructor at Lakeland Community College. Her web site is http://www.deannaadams.com. Course description - HOW TO WIN OVER AN AGENT OR PUBLISHER: If you want to get your book published, you need to know the ins and out of the business. In this session, Deanna will discuss how to write a standout, professional query for both fiction and nonfiction works. She’ll show how to find the right agent or publisher for your book and get their attention.

 

David Budin is a longtime free-lancer for many national and regional magazines, and former editor of Cleveland Magazine and Northern Ohio Live publications. Course Description - HOW TO WRITE ARTICLES THAT SELL!: Discover useful tricks of the trade, along with essential nuts-and-bolts information to sell your articles. But first, it begins with story ideas and how to pitch them to editors, then write them in a way that’s compelling to readers. This veteran writer will show you how.

 

Casey Daniels once applied for a job as a cemetery tour guide.  She didn’t get the job, but she did get the idea for the heroine in her popular Pepper Martin mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The seventh book in the series, A Hard Day's Fright, will be on shelves April 5th. In addition to mysteries, Casey has written romance, young adult novels, and a book for children. She has published more than 40 books in her career. Course Description - AMP IT UP!: ADDING DRAMA TO YOUR STORIES: Learn how to add both tension and drama to your books, short stories and/or nonfiction articles. Every element of writing works together to make your stories dramatic: Characters, Dialogue, Pacing, Plot. Casey will let you in on three simple things that can make a huge difference and get your writing noticed.

 

Vicki Stracensky is a multiple Emmy award-winning director at Fox8 in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University. Wise On Weather!, illustrated by chief meteorologist, Dick Goddard, is Vicki's first book. Part of the book’s proceeds go to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. Her website is WWW.WISEONWEATHER.COM. Course Description – WRITING—AND SELLING—YOUR CHILDREN’S BOOK: Vicki will share with you her journey of how she got her idea from head to heart to hand.  She will help you brainstorm creative book ideas, find avenues for sales, and interesting collaborations that can get your children’s book published. She will discuss how to develop your story and where to market it to attract both the obvious and the unique audiences.

 

Jane Lassar is publicist for Gray & Company, Publishers. For over 30 years, she has worked in the public relations field getting prime-time coverage for authors and clients and lining up radio and TV interviews. John Gorman is a media consultant and author of The Buzzard: Inside the Glory Days of WMMS and Cleveland Rock Radio. Course Description - BOOK IT! THE LATEST ON PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION FOR WRITERS AND AUTHORS: This session offers two for one! Learn hot tricks of the trade from a working publicist and an author who built his brand using social media tools. Whether doing your own publicity or working with a professional publicist, get an insider’s view of the media: what editors, reviewers, and producers are looking for and how they work. Also, a look at the ever-changing role of social media and how one author gained thousands of new readers through blogging and Facebook.

 

Paul Mathews is an engineer and scientist with 30 years of experience at GE Lighting, Lakeland Community College, and as an independent consultant. He’s written two textbooks to support his training and consulting business. His first book was published by a large publishing house. He decided to self-publish his second book using the print-on-demand (POD) method. After experiences with both options, Paul has decided to self-publish his third book. Course Description - SELF-PUBLISHING AND THE POD METHOD: With few exceptions, publishers, not authors, make the money. After you’ve invested thousands of hours in writing your book, shouldn’t you invest some time deciding how to publish it? Learn the steps in establishing yourself as a publisher and the process of printing your book using Print-on-Demand services.

 

Ray McNiece is a poet, actor, singer, educator, and the author of six books of poetry and monologues, most recently Our Way of Life from Bottom Dog Press. He co-edited the anthology of Contemporary Buddhist Poetry, America Zen. He has captained two National Poetry Slam Championship teams in Boston and Cleveland, and won the Arkansas Grand Slam. He is the poetry editor for political e-zine Nov3rdClub, and for the Lit Center’s arts-lit magazine, Muse. Course description – POETRY FOR PROSE WRITERS: Mark Twain said “the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightening bug and lightening.” In this workshop, Ray will explore how to find the right word using poetic techniques.

 

S. Andrew Swann has published over 20 novels, across several genres, including SF, Fantasy and Horror. His latest book is Messiah (DAW Books, Feb. 2011) which concludes the epic three-volume space opera, Apotheosis. His Wolfbreed (Spectra, 2009) and Wolf's Cross (Spectra, 2010) books are about werewolves and the Teutonic Knights in medieval Eastern Europe. His web site is www.sandrewswann.com. Course Description - PLOTTING SCI-FI AND FANTASY: Plotting is the engine that makes a story go. You can populate your story with the most interesting characters in the world, have a gorgeous prose style, and present the most intricate world-building imaginable, but if the story has a weak or absent plot, it’ll just sit there inert, failing to engage the reader. S. Andrew Swann will present the questions you’ll need to ask in a SF/F story—and in fiction in general—in order to rev up that idling plot engine.

 

Diane Campbell Taylor’s personal essays have appeared in Grit magazine and the Plain Dealer. She is currently working on the second novel in her historical romance series. Course Description - THE ART OF WRITING WOMEN'S FICTION: What do women want to read? In this interactive session, learn how to keep your work of women’s fiction out of the slush pile. Diane will give vital tips on characterization, story structure, and other elements of great fiction. Come prepared to join in on a fun writing exercise.

 

An unusual epitaph in the local newspaper got Vicki Blum Vigil interested in area cemeteries.  That led to her first book, Cleveland Cemeteries Stones, Symbols and Stories, and then two more, Finding Your Family History in Northeast Ohio and Cemeteries of Northeast Ohio. Vicki has visited numerous historical societies, archives, and genealogy groups while gaining knowledge that is essential when researching your family memoir. She is President of the Ohio Cemetery Alliance, Chairperson of the Cemetery Committee for the Ohio Genealogical Society and project chair of East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society. Course Description – RESEARCHING YOUR MEMOIR: Vicki will introduce a variety of formats and styles for memoir, offer ways to generate ideas for your project, and offer tips about publishing the final product. 

Michael Wilson is the author of Flash Writing: How to Write, Revise and Publish Stories Less Than 1000 Words Long (http://www.flashwriting.com) and has been teaching creative writing classes for more than a decade. He’s been a featured guest speaker at the Thurber House, the Columbus Writers Conference, and on The Writing Show podcast. He also publishes a blog: Grist for the Muse: http://gristforthemuse.blogspot.com. Course Description – FLASH WRITING: HOW TO WRITE STORIES 1,000 WORDS OR LESS: What is Flash Fiction? How do you write it? Improve your writing skills by learning how to compress the elements of fiction into one compact story. Join Michael Wilson to learn the basics of how to write stories for this hot literary trend.

Malcolm Wood is the West Side Writers Workshop fiction moderator and a popular presenter at writing conferences. He keeps up on current trends as an attendee and/or panelist at numerous  conferences. He has participated in the Cleveland Science Fiction Workshop, written seven novels, and is currently seeking an agent. Course Description – INCREASING SUSPENSE IN YOUR NOVEL:  Mysteries, action/adventure, and detective stories all require components that build, add, and/or continue the suspense—but so do other fictional genres. Authors need to keep readers’ attention, keep them turning the page, and give them something to worry about. Malcolm will share tips, tricks and methods to increase suspense in your novel.

 

Conference Editors

 

Elizabeth Irwin is a full-time freelance editor, writer, and voiceover professional with 20 years’ experience. She has taught classes on editing and writing family history for Owens Community College in Toledo. Her clients have written and published in a variety of genres, from memoir to dark urban fantasy. In September 2010, her client, Adrienne Wilder, published her first novel, City of Dragons: Blood Bond (Liquid Silver Press). Elizabeth is our newest addition to professional editors for this conference. Her web site is www.irwinfreelance.com.

 

Award-winning editor Nancy E. Piazza is a published writer with 22 years of editing experience. Through her business, Writeperson Ltd.—Western Reserve Editing, Nancy edits novels, short stories, nonfiction books, articles, essays, blogs, and letters for aspiring as well as published writers. She is profiled in the National Directory of Editors and Writers, (M. Evans and Company, 2005). Nancy’s editing is always well received, as she assists writers in a friendly, helpful manner toward achieving their goals of publication. Her e-mail is editor@writeperson.com or visit www.writeperson.com.

Comments on the 27th annual Western Reserve Conference, September 2010 

 

"This was my first conference and it was wonderful! Very encouraging."

 

"Excellent day! Well worth the reasonable fee."

 

"I learned a lot - I'll be back next year!" 

 

"Terrific, so glad I came."

 

"Superior. A lot of fun!"

 

 

The 27th Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference and Workshop

Saturday, September 25, 2010   8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Conference Coordinator: Deanna R. Adams

 

 

*Registration info and Presenters Bios at bottom...

 

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.    Coffee and Juice                            

9:00 – 9:45 a.m.   Welcome To Lakeland: Ann D’Agostino, Program Coordinator, Community Learning

Overview of Conference – Deanna Adams

Keynote Address: Author Don Brun: “Writing the Stuff Dreams Are Made Of”

 

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

                                                                                        Workshop                   Workshop

Social Networking?          Crafting the Novel             Mastering the                Polish Your                   

There’s a Better Way        from the Inside Out            Memoir                           Poetry    

John Ettorre                         Scott Lax                           Erin O’Brien                Michael Salinger         

 

11::00 – 11:15 a.m. – Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza,  Beth Irwin,  Jo Gibson

 

 

11:15 - 12:15 p.m.  

                                           Workshop                      Workshop                                Workshop                                      

Teens Rule: Today’s       Write Now!            About Book Proposals             Elements of a Great    

Hot Y/A Market               And Later!               & the Novel  Synopsis              Personal Essay

Judith Kuns                    Barbara Snow                Deanna Adams                     Stephanie Wass                              

 

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.  LUNCH – Included in fee if paid by *September 10, 2010

                               Door Prizes, Book Sale & Author Signings

 

1: 00 – 1:30 p.m.  - Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza,  Beth Irwin,  Jo Gibson

 

 

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. : Q & A Panel: The Writing Life - A Lively Discussion on Writers and Their Work . . .  Hosted by the following Presenters:

 

*Jumpstart Your Writing Life             *Public Speaking for Writers           *Editing Your Own Work

Alanna Klapp                                             Michael  Salinger                           Susanne Alexander

 

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. - Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza,  Beth Irwin  

 

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

 

Workshop                                  Workshop                    Workshop             Workshop                    

Oh the Drama of It All!       How to Write a               Write it               Pitching Your Book                    

Storytelling in Prose             Sci-Fi/Fantasy Story        Right!             to an Editor or Agent            

Jo Gibson Ph.D                   Mary Turzillo                    Keith Manos            Sandra Gurvis                           

 

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. - Networking Reception, Refreshments, Door Prizes, Book Sale/Author Signings

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. –Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Beth Irwin

 

*Workshops Include Writing Prompts

 

Private Editing Consults! Fee: $10. Register early! Spaces are limited. Interested participants should contact Deanna Adams at DeeNCR@aol.com for details and scheduling. Also, visit her website, www.deannaadams.com.

 

Fee: $95

Easy and Fast! Online Registration

Or by Mail: Lakeland Community College, Continuing Education Registration, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, OH 44094-5198

For more Information: 440-525-7116  –  440-525-7812  –  1-800-589-8520

 

*Conference Presenters:

 

Coordinator Deanna Adams is an award-winning writer whose articles and essays have been published in a variety of newspapers and magazines. She currently is Examiner.com’s “Cleveland’s Places & Faces” contributor. Her books include Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection (Kent State University Press, 2002), Confessions of a Not-So-Good Catholic Girl (Infinity Publishing, 2008) and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Roots (Arcadia Publishing, 2010). Deanna is also an instructor at Lakeland Community College, and director/founder of the Women Writers’ Winter Retreat. Course Description – ABOUT BOOK PROPOSALS AND THE NOVEL SYNOPSIS: If you’re writing a nonfiction book and want to get it published by a traditional publisher, you need to know how to put together a standard book proposal. If you have a completed novel, get ready to write that all-important novel synopsis. Deanna will show you exactly how to do it.

 

Keynote Speaker, Don Bruns, has been a comedian, advertising executive, singer, songwriter, painter, cook, short story writer, editor and novelist with 9 novels to his credit. His two series—an edgy Caribbean thriller series, and a humorous series featuring grown up Hardy Boys adventurers—have received rave reviews. He’s also received starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. His next book, Don't Sweat The Small Stuff, features clueless protagonists, a midget, a petting zoo, a carnival, and a large furry dog. In his keynote presentation, WRITING THE STUFF DREAMS ARE MADE OF, Don will discuss the importance of getting out from behind that keyboard and meeting other writers. He’ll include tips on networking while increasing your confidence and status. But first, he’ll kick start the morning with a musical tribute to writers!

 

Susanne Alexander has been editing for 40 years, both her own and other writers’ articles and books. Her latest editing project was All-in-One Marriage Prep: 75 Experts Share Tips and Wisdom to Help You Get Ready Now, which included a dozen of her own submissions. Her websites are www.marriagetransformation.com and www.smalexander.com. Panel Discussion: EDITING YOUR OWN WORK: How far can you take your own editing before you can no longer see your writing clearly anymore? Susanne will give needed tips for editing your own work, in addition to discussing what to know when working with an editor.

 

Jo Gibson, Ph.D is an instructor in Cleveland State University’s Department of English. A writer and editor, Jo Gibson also has 20 years’ corporate-world experience as a technical editor and writer.  Her interest in the uses of storytelling has informed her work, including the ethnographic research conducted for her dissertation and the articles that have appeared in a number of newspapers, magazines, and journals. In all these endeavors, her work is illuminated by these beliefs: That all writing is creative, and that “Let me tell you a story” is often a writer’s most powerful tool.  Course Description – OH, THE DRAMA OF IT ALL!: STORYTELLING IN PROSE: Even though it’s 2010 and we’re in a technological era, we are still hard-wired to want to tell our stories. This workshop will help spark your writing and offer a set of exercises to show how your stories, your life, and your writing might profitably interconnect.

 

Sandra Gurvis is the author of 15 books including Careers for Nonconformists (a selection of the Quality Paperback Book Club), Where Have All the Flower Children Gone? and the novel, The Pipe Dreamers. She has just finished her second novel, Country Club Wives and working on a postsecondary biography on Paris Hilton for Greenwood Publishing. Her web site is www.sgurvis.com. Course Description – PITCHING YOUR BOOK TO AN EDITOR OR AGENT:  Pitching your book to an editor or agent can be a scary, intimidating process. But it can also reap big rewards, if done in the right way and with the right person. Learn about pitching etiquette, pre-pitch research, and different ways to pitch by phone, email, or face-to-face.  Practice makes perfect, so the class will role-play by pitching each other with article and book ideas.

 

John Ettorre is an Emmy-Award-winning writer and writing coach, whose work has appeared in nearly 100 newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor. His seven-year-old blog, Working With Words, draws readers from around the world and has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists as the best blog in Ohio. Course Description - SOCIAL NETWORKING? THERE’S A BETTER WAY: Using social media to cultivate a grassroots following of your work? There are other ways to turn your work into a real writing practice. Treat it like a business and start building your relationships, along with your reputation as a writer. John will show you how.

 

Alanna Klapp is a writer and guest host for The Writing Show, a podcast that provides information and inspiration for writers (www.writingshow.com). She placed second in the Lea Leever Oldham essay contest in 2005 and second in the Procrastinating Writers Blog essay contest in February of 2010. She blogs at www.alannaklapp.blogspot.com and contributes to the Cleveland Browns blog, www.bitterorangeandbrown.blogspot.com. Panel Discussion: JUMPSTART YOUR WRITING LIFE:  Alanna will discuss how to avoid pitfalls and procrastination, how to organize and make the most of your writing time. Alanna will also provide resources for more information to explore. 

 

Judith Irvin Kuns is a graduate of the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.  Her stories have been published Jack and Jill, Children's Digest, Humpty Dumpty and Once Upon a Time magazines.  Her middle grade novel, While You Were Out (Dutton Children's Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection and winner of the 2005 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers. Course Description - TEENS RULE: TODAY’S HOT Y/A MARKET:  As a student at Vermont College, Judith had the privilege of working with a number of award-winning authors who have helped with her own work. In this session, she will share her most valuable lessons she gleaned from those experiences, as well as important advice for enduring the life of a writer, whatever the genre. 

 

Scott Lax is a novelist, short story writer, nonfiction writer , playwright and teacher. The Denver Post called his first novel, The Year That Trembled, “powerful” and one of 1998’s “milestones in fiction.” He’s won numerous awards from the Ohio Professional Writers (nonfiction), Cleveland Press Club (nonfiction), the MUSE Literary Competition (fiction), and a 2002 Midwest Filmmaker of the Year award. His second novel is forthcoming, and he’s currently finishing a book of short stories. Scott’s web site is www.scottlax.com. Course Description - CRAFTING THE NOVEL FROM THE INSIDE OUT: How does a novel go from an idea to a finished work to publication? What are the elements of fiction? How can you craft a novel that will interest agents and publishers? Scott will answer all those questions as he engages you in a lively, interactive session about novel writing, getting an agent, and getting it published.

 

Keith Manos, a teacher for 32 years, was named the 2000 Ohio English Teacher of the Year by the Ohio Council of Teachers of English/Language Arts, and honored as a National Honor Roll of Outstanding American Teachers in 2006. Keith is on the Greenwood Publications and Momentum Media Sports Publications editorial boards. His articles have appeared in many national publications, and he is author of 8 published books. Course Description - WRITE IT RIGHT!: Knowing how to create rhythmic sentences with punctuation marks can have a big influence on an editor selecting your piece over others. Interested?  If you want your writing to be coherent, concise, and complete, you should be. Participants will learn the key rules for using selected punctuation marks and strategies for composing rhythmic sentences.

 

Erin O'Brien’s keynote address at last year’s conference won her lasting fans. During her ten-year writing career, her eclectic features and essays have appeared in the Cleveland Scene, the Plain Dealer, Los Angeles Times, Muse, Northern Ohio Live and other publications. Her work explores everything from cell phones to gas wells to human sexuality. Her rollicking blog, “The Erin O'Brien Owner's Manual for Human Beings,” was designated a “Blog of Note” by Google staffers last year. Her web site is www.erinobrien.us. Course Description – MASTERING THE MEMOIR: In this fast-paced session, you’ll see that it’s not life’s large accomplishments that sparkle on the page of your memoir, but the everyday sighs and tears that tell our stories poignantly. Come prepared to join a frenetic discussion and take part in a fun exercise.

 

Michael Salinger is an author/educator/performer who has presented his work and lessons across the globe. As a frequent presenter at this conference since its inception, Michael is a real fan favorite. His web site is www.michaelsalinger.com. Course Description – POLISH YOUR POETRY: Michael will lead a hands-on workshop designed to sharpen your metaphors along with step-by-step tips for revision. Like good poetry—concise and precise—this session will be direct, yet surprisingly deeper upon reflection. Panel Discussion: PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR WRITERS: The number one fear of mankind is public speaking. Yet writers, who are often asked to give talks, need to know to overcome it. Michael will teach you how to look and sound cool and collected in front of your audience by following five easy steps.

 

Barbara Snow started her writing career by procrastinating, feeling frustrated, and listening to her internal censor. After  a few “bumps in the road,” she can now say she’s written for the Plain Dealer, News Herald, Northern Ohio Live, Examiner.com, and the Associated Press. Course description – WRITE NOW AND LATER:  Come prepared to write and have fun! Barbara  will lead you through a series of writing activities to help work past the little voice in your head that says you can’t write. Encouraging and fun, this high energy class will help get your thoughts and words onto paper.  Learn the secrets of finally hushing the internal censor and start moving ahead in your writing future.

 

Mary Turzillo’s work has appeared in Asimov's, Weird Tales, Cat Tales, Space and Time, F&SF, Weird Tales, among other publications. Her Nebula winner, "Mars Is No Place for Children," and her novel An Old-Fashioned Martian Girl (Analog) have been selected as recreational reading on the International Space Station.  Her Nebula finalist, "Pride," appears in Tails of Wonder and Mystery. Course Description – HOW TO WRITE A FANTASY/SCIENCE FICTION  STORY: Mary will take you from the seed of an idea to an outline for a finished story, with character and conflict providing the genesis of your story. Along with some hints on where to send your stories out, this session will provide a method for writing not just one story, but many.

 

Stefanie Wass is a freelance writer and essayist. Her essays have been published in many national publications including The Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times, Christian Science Monitor, The Writer Magazine, Cup of Comfort for Mothers, and eight Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. Stefanie is a member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators and is a writing instructor at several local community education departments.  Her web site is www.stefaniewass.com. Course Description: THE ELEMENTS OF A GREAT PERSONAL ESSAY: Do you marvel at ordinary miracles – a child’s smile, the change of seasons, time spent with family?  In this workshop, learn the elements of personal essay writing and how to craft your story for publication. Drafting, revision, and editing, and paying essay markets will all be discussed. 

 

 

 

*OUR EDITORS:

 

Requirements for Editing Sessions:

Conference attendees must first register for the writers’ conference before booking a consult with an editor. Once your session is confirmed with the editor of your choice (if available), you will send the editor a two-page, double-spaced sample of your work by September 1st. (After deadline, your session will be cancelled and moved to a person on the waiting list). On conference day, writers will meet with their editor at the scheduled time to discuss their work in a private one-on-one consultation. Aspects covered will include grammar, punctuation, word usage and content. Editors will also answer any questions of concern.

 

As an editor and instructor in Cleveland State University’s Department of English, Jo Gibson will guide her editing consults the way she successfully guides her students every day. See her bio above. Jo will be editing non-fiction and general fiction manuscripts.

 

Professional editor Elizabeth Irwin is also a full-time freelance writer who previously spent nearly 20 years as a broadcaster, copywriter, editor and media relations specialist. Her recent published client is Toledo Blade op-ed columnist S. Amjad Hussain, whose nonfiction anthology Treading a Fine Line was published in 2009. She is coordinator of the Northwest Ohio Writers Forum (nwowf.org) and the Write Brain Workshop. She will edit works ranging from nonfiction to epic sci-fi and dark urban fantasy. Elizabeth enjoys building relationships with her clients and taking them closer to their publishing goal. Her web site is www.irwinfreelance.com. 

 

Award-winning editor Nancy E. Piazza is a published writer with 21 years of editing experience. Through her business, Writeperson Ltd.—Western Reserve Editing, she edits novels, short stories, nonfiction books, articles, essays, memoirs, blogs, and letters for aspiring as well as published writers. Among many books, Nancy edited The Dead of Winter by Bill Warnock (Penguin Group, 2005) and Machine Shop Poet by Bill Wonders (AuthorHouse, 2009). She is profiled in the National Directory of Editors and Writers, (M. Evans and Company, 2005). Nancy’s editing is always well received, as she assists writers in a friendly, helpful manner toward achieving their goals of publication. Her e-mail is editor@writeperson.com or visit www.writeperson.com.

 

  
 

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