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                             The 37th annual Western Reserve Writers' Conference  has been rescheduled for Saturrday, October 10, 2020.

                                                                                              Stay tuned for Details.

                                                 The 36th annual Western Reserve Writer's Conference and Workshop

                                                                           Saturday, April 27, 2019   9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The 35th Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference and Workshop

Saturday, April 28, 2018   9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

9:00-9:30 AM - REGISTRATION, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, COFFEE

9:30 AM - WELCOME & CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Deanna R. Adams, Conference Coordinator
Laurie Kincer, William N. Skirball Writers' Center

9:40-10:20 a.m. - Keynote Speaker: Literary Agent Elizabeth Kaplan

Note: Sessions with an asterisk (*) include a writing exercise.

10:30-11:30 a.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. *Powerful Words for Powerful Nonfiction Prose / Sunny Morton (Craft, N): Powerful prose is lean and muscular. Learn to adjust your writing for a strong technical manual, slim precise ad copy, or toned-and-smooth consumer prose.

2. The Seven Universal Plots / Claire McMillan (Craft, F):. CCPL’s Writer in Residence and Simon & Schuster author, Claire McMillan, will teach you how to deepen character by thinking about the “seven universal plots.” 

3. Taboo Writing / Laura Walter (F/N): Learn how to respectfully approach controversial subject matter in your writing and how to face common challenges and pitfalls.

11:30-11:45 a.m. - BREAK & PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS:

Individual editing sessions with editors, Judy Allen, Laura Walter

11:45 AM-12:45 p.m. -BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. *Writing the Personal Essay / Jacqueline Marino (Craft, N): Develop your story senses, from inspiration to completed personal essay.

2. *The All-Important Query Letter / Deanna R. Adams (Business, F/N): Writing a good query letter is an art, and one you’ll need to perfect if sending your work to an agent or traditional publisher. Deanna will help you get it done!

3. What's the Real Story and How to Get It / Mike Olszewski (N): With this veteran writer’s help, explore different research methods and learn how to get the real story you need for that nonfiction article or book.

12:45-1:45 p.m. - LUNCH BREAK PLUS BOOK SALE & AUTHOR SIGNINGS
Brown bag or go out. Restaurant map available at registration table.

1:30-1:45 p.m. - PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS

1:45-2:45 p.m. Q & A PANEL: FIRST PAGE CRITIQUE: Panelists Elizabeth Kaplan, Renee Rosen, Claire McMillan. Submit the First Page of your WIP (prose only, fiction or nonfiction) on conference morning. Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman-12, with Title/Genre]. Each panelist will raise a hand at the point where they would stop reading. Then will comment on what stopped them. *Pages will be randomly selected.

2:45-3:00 p.m. - BREAK & PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS

3:00-4:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. 15 Can-Do Tips for Writing a Play / Kelly Boyer Sagert (Craft, F): Kelly will share a step-by-step way to write a script.

2. * Revise & Edit Like a Pro / Renee Rosen (Craft): Explore the importance of editing and revision, how to effectively polish your work and get it in tip-top shape for submitting to agents and editors.

3. The Benefits of Blogging / Jill Grunenwald (Business,): Learn how blogging can help you engage with your readers and the best ways to create valuable and memorable content

4:00-4:15 p.m. - PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS

4:00-4:30 p.m. -DOOR PRIZES, BOOK SALE & AUTHOR SIGNINGS

To Register: http://attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/event/473490

                                               ***

   The 34th Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference and Workshop

Saturday, September 23, 2017   9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

9:00-9:30 AM - Registration, Continental Breakfast, Coffee

9:30 AM - Welcome and Conference Overview
Deanna R. Adams, Conference Coordinator
Laurie Kincer, William N. Skirball Writers' Center

9:40-10:20 a.m. - Keynote Speaker: Brian Klems. "GETTING PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S WORLD: 10 TIPS TO MAKE YOU A WRITER AGENTS AND PUBLISHERS WANT": Brian A. Klems (@BrianKlems), a graduate of the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, is the senior online editor of WritersDigest.com and author of the bestselling book, Oh Boy, You're Having a Girl: A Dad's Guide to Raising Daughters (Adams Media). His blog, The Writer's Dig -- which covers everything writing and publishing -- is one of the fastest growing blogs in the writing community. Brian has been a part of the Writer's Digest family since 2003 and has overseen the launch of all the Writer's Digest blogs as well as helped Writer's Digest become a vibrant member of the social media community.

Note: Sessions with an asterisk (*) include a writing exercise.

10:30-11:30 a.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. * Public Speaking For Writers / Ray McNiece (Business): Learn simple techniques for reading your work to a live audience from a master performance poet. Practice reading your work and get feedback.

2. *Revising Your Work / Deanna R. Adams (Craft): Learn how to see your work through an editor’s eyes, and start revising your work today! Writing exercise included.

3. Let’s Get Cozy: Writing the Popular Who-Done-It / Amanda Flower (Fiction): Learn what it takes to make your cozy stand out from the rest and get the attention it deserves.

11:30-11:45 a.m. - BREAK, PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS with Judy Allen and Lex Hupertz

Eight writers' names were drawn in August for eight free, 15-minute individual editing sessions with editors Judy Allen or Lex Hupertz.

Judy Allen edits manuscripts for suspense, coming-of-age, short stories, children's, romance, sports, self-help and social commentary titles.

Lex Hupertz of Write Now Publishing offers a range of editing services from developmental and line editing through proofreading

11:45 AM-12:45 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. * Getting Rid of Your Internal Censor / Barbara Snow (Craft): Do you still hear that self-doubting voice that makes you question your talent as a writer? Barbara will help hush that voice inside and make you realize that Yes! You are a Writer!

2. * Agents: When You Need One, When You Don’t / Deanna R. Adams (Publishing): Deanna will take you through the steps of pitching your book to an agent, and also how to get published without one. Query letter writing included.

3. Writing for the Young Adult Market / JT Dutton (Fiction): Explore what it means to “sound fifteen” and develop a coming-of-age voice that readers will love and remember.

12:45-1:45 p.m. - LUNCH BREAK PLUS BOOK SALE & AUTHOR SIGNINGS
Brown bag or go out. Restaurant map available at registration table.

1:30-1:45 p.m. - PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS with Judy Allen, Lex Hupertz

1:45-2:45 p.m. Q & A PANEL: FIRST PAGE CRITIQUE: Panelists Deanna Adams, Brian Klems, and Claire McMillan. Submit the First Page of your WIP on conference morning. Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman-12, with Title/Genre]. Each panelist will raise a hand at the point where they would stop reading. Then will comment on what stopped them. *Pages will be randomly selected.

2:45-3:00 p.m. - BREAK & PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS with Judy Allen, Lex Hupertz

3:00-4:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. Beware! Don’t Get Fooled Again / Steve Grant (Business/Publishing): Learn about how to deal with the traditional publishing world, and protect yourself from unscrupulous companies in the self-publishing world.

2. * Point of View: It’s Not Just Who Tells the Story / Shelley Costa (Fiction): Explore the special features of the most common points of view, and, aside from the nuts and bolts of narration, consider each point of view and its meaning. 

3. * Dialogue Do’s / Claire McMillan. With CCPL’s new Writer in Residence, Simon & Schuster author Claire McMillan, take a close look at how best to use dialogue to deepen character and serve plot.

4:00-4:15 p.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions, with Judy Allen, Lex Hupertz

4:00-4:30 p.m. -DOOR PRIZES, WRITER GROUP GATHERINGS, BOOK SALE & AUTHOR SIGNINGS

Register: http://cuyahogalibrary.evanced.info/eventsignup.asp?ID=83040

Presenters Bios:

Deanna R. Adams is an author of both nonfiction and fiction books, and the coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers Conference. Her website is, www.deannaadams.com. Session Title - Revising Your Work:  Learn how to see your work through an editor’s eyes, and start revising your work today! Writing exercise included. Session Title - AGENTS: WHEN YOU NEED ONE, WHEN YOU DON’T: When it comes to traditional publishing, you don’t always need to get an agent. Deanna will take you through the steps of pitching your book to an agent—including writing a good query letter—and how to get published without an agent.

Shelley Costa is the author of four mystery novels; the latest is A Killer's Guide to Good Works. Both an Edgar and Agatha Award nominee, Shelley teaches fiction writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her website is, www.shelleycosta.com. Session Title – POINT OF VIEW: IT’S NOT JUST WHO TELLS THE STORY: Why is point of view one of the most important choices you'll make before you even begin to write your story? If you're writing a family saga, what can first person point of view do for you? Or third? Or multiple? What if you're writing a romance, or a mystery? Explore the special features of the most common points of view—and consider whether, aside from the nuts and bolts of narration, each point of view carries its own meaning.

JT Dutton is an assistant professor of English and Creative Writing at Hiram College and the author of two novels for teens. Session Title - WRITING FOR THE YOUNG ADULT MARKET: An intimate and confessional point of view and strong voice are the hallmarks of good Young Adult fiction. A teen narrator should convey relatable characteristics of adolescence including cynicism, rebellion, attachment to the new, and growing self-awareness. Explore what it means to “sound fifteen” and develop a coming-of-age voice that readers will love and remember.

Amanda Flower is a national bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling author, Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is librarian in Northeast Ohio. Session Title - LET’S GET COZY: WRITING THE POPULAR WHO-DONE-IT: Do you love traditional and cozy mysteries? Do you want to know how to write a popular mystery and create a series that will grab the attention of both agents and editors? Learn what it takes to make your cozy stand out from the rest and the get the attention it deserves.

Steve Grant is an intellectual property attorney with Standley Law Group, where he practices patent, trademark and copyright law. Additionally, Steve is an adjunct professor at the Capital University Law School, where he teaches intellectual property law and patent law. He is a popular and frequent speaker at this conference, and addresses issues of matters concerning writers. "Session Title - WRITERS BEWARE! DON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN: Whether you self-publish, or go the traditional route, you need to know how to protect yourelf and your rights. Come and learn how to deal with today's publishing world.

Ray McNiece is the author of nine books of poems and monologues, most recently Love Song for Cleveland, a collaboration with photographer Tim Lachina. The Orlando Sentinel reporting on Ray’s solo show at the Fringe Festival called him “a modern day descendant of Woody Guthrie. He has a way with words and a wry sense of humor.” He toured Russia with Yevgeny Yevtushenko where he appeared on Good Morning, Russia and performed at the Moscow Polytech, the Russian Poets’ Hall of Fame where he was dubbed ‘the American Mayakovski. He toured in Italy twice with Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Session Title – PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR WRITERS: Interested in presenting your writing, but not sure where to start? This presentation is for anyone who reads aloud and will cover aspects of performance drawn from drama, storytelling, stand-up comedy and improv. Participants will learn simple techniques for performing their work and have the chance to read their work and get feedback. For all genres.

Barbara Snow - She teaches, she writes, and she cooks - but not always in that order. Barbara is Adjunct Faculty at Tri-C and teaches at Chautauqua Institution; she has reported events for the News Herald and the Associated Press; and she cooks with kids, adults, and University Hospital's Five Star Sensation. Session Title – GET RID OF YOUR INTERNAL CENSOR: Do you hear that little voice inside your head (and maybe even your heart) when you sit down to write? The one says "Who do you think you are, a writer?"  This class will help hush that voice and help you realize yes, you are a writer.   There will be writing practices in class, so bring your favorite writing tools.

 2016 Conferences and Retreats

Write-in-The-Country Autumn Conference/Retreat

2016 Write-on-the-Lake Retreat, May 20-22nd

www.eaglecliffinn.com

Find your Muse in this lovely historic Bed & Breakfast Inn, located directly on Geneva-On-The-Lake Strip, just across the street from the Lake Erie shore.

Deanna Adams is your host for a weekend filled with motivation, education, and creation in a beautiful relaxing beach atmosphere. Come Friday afternoon and stay until noon on Sunday. Write, relax, learn, and share among the support of fellow writers. All workshops are optional - write whenever you want. It’s your retreat!

Event Schedule:

Friday: Welcome! B&B guests may arrive anytime after 3 p.m. and move into their reserved rooms.

5 - 6 p.m. - Social Hour - Refreshments on the house!

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Pizza Party

7 - 8 p.m. – Building Character: Characters, real or imagined, make the story! Author and retreat founder, Deanna Adams, will provide ways to bring these personalities to life.

8:00 p.m. - Free Time - Write, Rest, or Enjoy Geneva’s nightlife.

Saturday:

10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker: John Ettorre will share what he learned from his friendship with noted American writer and editor, William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well, among others.

Noon - 2 p.m. - Lunch Break. Book Sale. Writing Time. Social Time.

2:00 - 3 p.m. -  “Your Story Can Save Someone’s Life,” with Nicole Eva Fraser, Author/Ghost Writer and columnist for Huffington Post. For writers of memoir, other nonfiction, as well as fiction. 

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Write Time

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. -  Happy Hour (Wine Provided)

 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. - Dinner Break

7 - 8:00 pm. - Deanna hosts Open Mic! Or Write Time

Sunday: 10:30 - Noon – Writer’s Roundup (Discussion of your works. Troubleshooting.). Weekend Wrap-up.

To Register: Contact Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Provide your name, address, phone number, email, and preferred room (based on availability). The earlier you register, the better chance of getting the room of your choice.

Secure your Writing Room today!

*Early Bird Registration – Until April 8th

Complete Weekend Package: Includes Friday and Saturday overnight suite stay, breakfast, all sessions and workshops:

Single Room - $335.  Shared Room - $255 each. After Early Bird: Single Room - $355 Shared Room - $275

 *Saturday Only: $115.00

Plan to Commute? Weekend Rate for Commuters: $155

*$50 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.

Full payment must be made by May 1, 2015.

The 10^th Annual Women Writers’ Winter Retreat

February 26 – February 28, 2016

LADIES ONLY - AT OUR NEW LOCATION!

Write, Read & Relax in the Historic Steele Mansion in Painesville!

STAY OVERNIGHT OR COMMUTE

Event Schedule

Friday:

3:00 – 5:30: Overnight Guests move in and get settled in your big, beautiful room

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. – Check in. Take a tour of the Mansion. Enjoy social time with other writers in the gathering room and in-house bar. Sign up For Works in Progress Roundtable (interested participants)

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Keynote Presenter: Mystery writer, Shelley Costa will explore reasons why you need to “Put a Little Mystery in Your Writing.”

Free Time – Write, Rest, or Enjoy the Gathering Room or Lounge inside the Historic Manor, built in 1867.

Saturday: 

8:30 - 10:00 a.m. – Overnight Guests enjoy a bountiful breakfast. Registration for all begins at 9:30 a.m. Door Prizes for Writers throughout the Day!

10:00 - 11:15 a.m. – Session: “The Sense of Place,” with Charlotte Morgan

11:15-1:00 p.m. – Lunch Break in downtown Painesville

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. – Session:  “Yoga for Writers,” with Darlene Kelbach

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Works in Progress Roundtable (Prearranged Group) or Free Time

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Meet up in the Gathering Room for lively conversation about writing and writers OR Write Time!    

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Dinner Break

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Open Mic (Participants’ reading of works)

Free Time – Go Out, Write, Read, Sleep

Sunday:  10:00 – 11:15 a.m. – Session:  “Publishing Options for Fiction and Nonfiction Writers, with Deanna R. Adams            

Registration for Overnight Guests:

Deadline for Registration is Friday, February 1, 2016. However, keep in mind that all rooms may be booked by then.

To Register, please EMAIL Coordinator Deanna Adams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or Charge by Phone: (440) 639-7948. Overnight stays only: If charge, please email Deanna first to register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*Complete Weekend Package: Includes Friday and Saturday overnight suite stay, Sunday session, breakfast and workshops:

Single Room - $395

Shared Room - $295 each

Weekend Commute: $165 - all sessions.

Saturday Event Only:$135 - 9:30 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.

Questions? Please contact Deanna Adams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit website: www.deannaadams.com.

*$50 Non-refundable deposit required to reserve room.* Booking on a first-pay basis

Deadline for Commuters is Friday, February 19, 2016

No Refunds after Deadline.

Our Presenters:

Shelly Costa’s work has been nominated for both the Edgar and Agatha Awards for her mysteries. Shelley Costa’s stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents 13 Tales of New American Gothic, The World’s Finest Mystery and Crime Stories, and elsewhere. She has been nominated for an Edgar Award in the Best Short Story category, and she chaired the Best Paperback Original category for the 2011 Edgar Awards. She is the author of The Everything Guide to Edgar Allan Poe, and she has lectured on Poe at various events. She has a PhD in English and is on the faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she teaches fiction writing and screenwriting.

Workshop Description: "Put a Little Mystery in Your Writing." Does all good fiction explore the mystery of human nature? You don't have to be writing a whodunit to put the special features of the mystery story to good use. Shelley  will discuss ways in which complex characters and a devilishly unfolding plot work beautifully across genre lines to create a compelling narrative.

Charlotte Morgan is a veteran reporter, editor, photographer and music critic and adjunct faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College. Workshop Description: The Sense of Place: The memoirist often writes about a place. These recollections of a place at a specific time during your life help to build the identity of the narrator who is different from the writer. In this workshop, Charlotte will help you develop memories about time, place and culture. Write about place and how it teaches your reader about your unique culture—the morals, behaviors, of a family, community, etc.—that in turn develops the identity and voice of your narrator. 

Darlene Kelbach is a Registered Yoga Instructor from Cleveland, as well as a poet and singer/songwriter. Workshop Description: Darlene will discuss the benefits of calming the mind, centering, stretching, connecting to inner knowing that is related to writing and creativity. She will include a short writing practice to cleanse the mind of distracting thoughts and clutter to allow clarity of mind and encourage automatic flow of writing. 

Attendee Comments from Recent Events:

From The Write-on-the-Lake Retreat:

"I felt so at home and learned so much."

"Really enjoyed being with other writers, a great group!"

"The presenters were fantastic!"

 From Western Reserve Spring Writers Conference: 

"Very encouraging, entertaining and inspiring."

"I liked the range of topics."

"Really enjoyed the panel session!"

"Excellent."

32nd Annual Western Reserve Writers Conference and Workshop

Saturday, September 26, 2015   8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

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

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.   Welcome To Lakeland: Ann D’Agostino, Continuing Education Coordinator.

Conference Overview: Deanna Adams, Conference Coordinator

9:15 – 9: 45 a.m.  Keynote Speaker: Author/Journalist, Mike Olszewski: “The Search for the Real Story”  

*Workshop is a presentation that includes a writing exercise.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

                                                          Workshop                                         Workshop 

The Art of                                Writing Short Stories                   The Elements of Storytelling:                            

The Interview                             & Flash Fiction                             Fiction & Nonfiction                                                    

Erin O’Brien                              Chantelle Osman                                Deanna Adams 

11::00 – 11:15 a.m.  – Prearranged Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Diane Taylor, Chantelle Osman  

_____________________________________________________________________________

11:15 - 12:15 p.m.   

   Workshop                                                                                           Workshop                                                    

Turn Creativity                         All about Contracts                       Make Your Own

  into Cash                                  & Copyright Issues                         Book Trailer   

Kelly Boyer Sagert                       Steve Grant                                   Tammy Bailey             

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.  LUNCH – Included in fee if paid by September 18, 2015

                 *Door Prizes, Book Sale & Author Signings in Conference Room*

1:00 – 1:15 p.m.  - Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Diane Taylor, Chantelle Osman    

1:15 – 1:30 p.m. –Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Diane Taylor, Chantelle Osman

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:

Leaving Las Vegas: The Aftermath         Making Publishing Decisions              Why a Writers Group?                                    

  Erin O’Brien                                                    Deanna Adams                                   Diane Taylor                                       

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. - Editing Sessions with Nancy Piazza, Diane Taylor, Chantelle Osman                                                               

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

                                                    Workshop                                                  Workshop        

Writing the                             What’s New in                              Expressive Writing: The Path

Screenplay                              Picture Books?                                to Becoming a Better Writer                                     

Chantelle Osman                   Carole Calladine                                            Scott Lax  

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

 Private Editing Consults! Register early! Spaces are limited. 

*Earlybird Registration Fee (until September 1, 2015): $105*

*Conference with Prearranged Editing Session Fee: $120

*Registration Fee (after September 1, 2015):  $125

*Conference with Prearranged Editing Session Fee: $140

 *Registration After Sept. 18 and Walk-ins does not include lunch

Click Here to Register:

https://cl.lakelandcc.edu/wconnect/Ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=16FPER900.01

Our Presenters:

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Author/Journalist, Mike Olszewski  is a veteran Cleveland radio and television personality. Best known for his work at the legendary WMMS-FM, Mike has also hosted and produced programs for many other stations. He teaches media, speech, and communications classes at Kent State University, the University of Akron, and Notre Dame College. His books are Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars and WIXY 1260: Pixies, Six-Packs and Supermen. His latest book, Cleveland TV Tales (Gray & Company 2014)  was co-authored with his wife, Janice. Mike will speak on “The Search for the Real Story.”

Deanna R. Adamsis an award-winning writer, instructor, and author of both fiction and nonfiction books. She is also an event coordinator at Lakeland Community College, as well as director of several annual writers’ retreats. She is currently writing a book for aspiring authors. Course Description: THE ELEMENTS OF STORYTELLING: FICTION & NONFICTION Whether you’re telling a true story or making it up, you need to be entertaining. Deanna will share the key elements of storytelling, then have attendees write the first scene of their story using these elements.  Panel Description: MAKING PUBLISHING DECISIONS – Publishing a book is personal, so how do you decide if you should try the traditional route or self-publishing? Deanna will help you weigh the options.

Tammy L. Bailey is a writer of both contemporary and historical romance. Her first book, Lord Bachelor, will be soon published by The Wild Rose Press. A member of the Romance Writers of America,she is currently working on a contemporary Christmas romance called Mistletoe. Her website is, http://www.tammylbailey.com. Course Description – HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BOOK TRAILER: In today's book world, marketing your novel is essential to boosting sales. Tammy will show you, from start to finish, how to create a professional book trailer to display on your website, share on Facebook, or disperse to the universe on YouTube.

Carole Calladine is on the Northern Ohio regional board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is also author of Raising Brothers and Sisters Without Raising the Roof, One Terrific Year, and Second Story Woman. Course Description – WHAT’S NEW IN PICTURE BOOKS: Learn the craft of today’s popular picture books. Carole will share the 32-page picture book dummy and other tools for writing this genre. She will help you work on hooks to hone your book's focus and to make every word count.

Steve Grant is an intellectual property attorney with Standley Law Group in Dublin, Ohio, where he practices patent, trademark and copyright law. Additionally, Steve is an adjunct professor at the Capital University Law School, where he teaches intellectual property law and patent law. He is a popular, frequent speaker at this conference, and addresses issues of matters concerning writers. Course Description – ALL ABOUT CONTRACTS & COPYRIGHT ISSUES: Do you have questions about copyrights and contracts? Learn about questions you didn’t realize you had. As the ability to publish becomes universal, what impact does this have on the author?  How does one deal contractually with the publishing industry? Come and find out! Bring questions, too.

Erin O’Brien is the development news editor for Fresh Water Cleveland and freelancer. Her features and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Plain Dealer and Cleveland Scene. She is also the author of The Irish Hungarian Guide to the Domestic Arts. Visit erinobrien.us for a complete profile. COURSE DESCRIPTION: THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW: Whether the subject is Aunt Hattie for your family memoir, a financial CEO for a glossy feature or the chief of police for the research of your novel-in-the-works, Erin will give tips and direction for getting the most out of an interview. Participants will conduct mini interviews on each other. Panel Description: LEAVING LAS VEGAS: THE AFTERMATH: Erin will contrast her modest writing career to that of her brother, John O’Brien, who took his own life shortly after learning his debut novel, Leaving Las Vegas, was to be made into a film.

Kelly Boyer Sagert is a freelance writer with twelve traditionally published books and three full-length commissioned historical plays. One play, Trail Magic, was turned into a PBS documentary and was released in May 2015. She has also published thousands of pieces of writing in magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and online venues. Course Description - TURN CREATIVITY INTO CASH: Do you struggle to come up with ideas that make an editor say "yes?" In this workshop, discover how to brainstorm ideas that sell, and "right size" them for their intended purpose (you'll love one tip that can change how you query for good!). Also, learn to create saleable articles and more. 

Scott Lax is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, playwright, nonfiction writer, film and television writer and producer, writing teacher, and speaker. His most recent novel is Vengeance Follows​ (Gray & Co. 2014) Course Description: ​EXPRESSIVE WRITING: THE PATH TO BECOMING A BETTER WRITER - “Expressive writing” for both fiction and nonfiction, can help writers of all levels access their deeper talents and significantly improve their writing styles – and even their lives. Join Scott Lax for a session that can increase your skills while giving you a more authentic and expressive writing voice.

​Chantelle Aimée Osman is a freelance editor and published author of mystery flash fiction and short stories. She is also the author of the non-fiction QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE TO… series on writing. Chantelle teaches writing across the country. Course Description - WRITING THE SCREENPLAY: We’ve all said: “that would make a great movie,” but few of us have had the nerve to sit down and actually try to write it. This workshop provides the fundamentals of formatting a screenplay, as well as some basic tips on the common mistake new screenwriters make and how to avoid them. Course Description - WRITING SHORT STORIES AND FLASH FICTION: Telling a complete story in 7,500 words or less is easy when you create the key points in advance. This workshop will examine the fundamentals of a short fiction, including novella, short story and flash fiction, such as: plot, point of view, setting, character, dialogue, resolution etc. Tap into your automatic creativity with writing exercises. Participants will leave with the complete foundation for a short work of any genre, as well as the knowledge of how to find a market for their work. 

Diane Campbell Taylor is a writer and editor who has been involved in writers’ groups for more than 20 years. Panel Description: WHY A WRITERS’ GROUP?: Diane will offer tips on how to find a writers’ group or start one of your own. Discussion includes maximizing your group experience to foster the development of your writing and critiquing skills.

 Our Editors

Chantelle Aimée Osman is a freelance editor and president of A Twist of Karma Entertainment, LLC (www.twistofkarma.com), a screenplay and novel editing and consulting company, as well as an Anthony Award nominee and creator of The Sirens of Suspense (www.sirensofsuspense.com) website, which features blogs and interviews by and with mystery, suspense and thriller writers. 

Award-winning, professional editor Nancy E. Piazza is a published writer with 26 years of editing experience, working with 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. Visit her Web site for an up-to-date list of edited books and recommendations.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a longtime writing coach and editor whose goal is to help others take their writing to the next level. Her editing credits include Mainstream, Young Adult, and Women’s Fiction genres as well as personal essay and memoir. Diane attributes much of her writing success to being an active member of several local and national writers’ groups, including Romance Writers of America and its Northeast Ohio chapter. 

 Questions? Contact Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

24th Annual Western Reserve Spring Writers’ Conference

 at Lakeland Community College

Saturday, March 28, 2015   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

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.  

    Writing for Children                                  Powerful Words                                    Organizing Your Novel:               

     And Young Adults                                    Make Powerful Prose                            Characters & Plot                  

          Judy Irvin Kuns                                        Sunny Morton                                            Deanna Adams                                        

______________________________________________________________________________

10:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Elizabeth Irwin, Diane Taylor, Judy Allen

___________________________________________________________________________

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

    Editing and Revising                                Ghostwriting                                            Write, Publish                       

    Your Work                                                for Fun & Profit                                           Repeat                                                                            

    Marsha McGregor                                      Nicole Eva Fraser                                         Jim Kukral                                                                                            

_________________________________________________________________

11:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Elizabeth Irwin, Diane Taylor, Judy Allen

__________________________________________________________________________

11:45 - 12:45 p.m.

    How to Start and                              Writing Your Life Story                            Core Elements of

    Maintain a Blog                               When You’re Not Famous                               Fiction        

12:45 - 1:00 p.m. - Prearranged Editing Sessions with Elizabeth Irwin, Diane Taylor, Judy Allen

_____________________________________________________________________________   

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 Elizabeth Irwin, Diane Taylor, Judy Allen

$69 – Conference Only

Private Editing Consults! Register early! Spaces are limited. See times below. *Conference with Prearranged Editing Session Fee: $84

*Easy and Fast! Online Registration:  

*Or call to register at: 440-525-7116  –  440-525-7812  –  1-800-589-8520

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

Questions? Contact Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sessions with Editor Elizabeth Irwin                       Sessions with Editor Diane Taylor

 (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)

Sessions with Editor Judy Allen    

(10:15-10:30 am)                                                            

(11:30-11:45 am)

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

(1:15-1:30 pm)                                                                                  

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: 

https://cl.lakelandcc.edu/wconnect/Ace/CourseStatus.awp?&Course=15SPER901.01&DirectFrom=Schedule&Origin=Special%20Events

Our Presenters

Deanna R. Adams is a writer, speaker, and author of both fiction and nonfiction works. Her latest novel is Scoundrels & Dreamers (Soul Mate Publishing, 2014), and she is now working on a nonfiction book for writers based on her popular class, What it Takes To Write A Book – And What it Takes To Sell It. Deanna is also a Lakeland instructor and coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers’ Conference and other events for writers. Her website is, www.deannaadams.com. Course Description – ORGANIZING YOUR NOVEL: CHARACTERS & PLOT: Outlining your novel is a great way to organize both your plot and story structure, as well as your characters’ bios. Deanna will show you how to do it in a way that allows you to change things as your story grows. Course Description – WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY WHEN YOU’RE NOT FAMOUS: You may have a great life story but if you’re not a celebrity, it’s hard to get a traditional publisher. But does that even matter? Discover how to write an interesting book on your life experiences and explore your options at getting it out into the world.

Nicole Eva Fraser is the author of two contemporary novels for women and is ghostwriting the memoir of a survivor of domestic minor sex trafficking. She also runs the ghostwriting service Quotable Women. Nicole has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the NEOMFA Consortium, and honed her ghostwriting skills through training with veteran ghostwriter Kim Pearson. Course Description - THE ART AND BUSINESS OF GHOSTWRITING: Come for an overview of the ghostwriting profession, including the skills and talents needed, and resources for training, networking, and job opportunities. You will learn how to build a ghostwriting portfolio, get business as an independent contractor, and freelance for a ghostwriting firm. Discover the possibilities!

Alanna Klapp is a freelance writer whose work appears in Moxie Lady, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Lingk2us Magazine, Strategy Magazine, Hope for Women Magazine, She Just Writes, The Suburbanite, and the Cuyahoga Falls Patch. She writes a parenting blog for FE Media called, The FTM Chronicles. She blogs at “The Chipper Writer” and contributes to the Cleveland Browns blog, Bitter Orange & Brown. Course Description - BLOGGING FUNDAMENTALS: TIPS & RESOURCES ON HOW TO START AND MAINTAIN YOUR OWN BLOG - Want to write your own blog but don't know where to start? Alanna will show you how to begin, help you brainstorm blog post ideas, and teach you how to add pictures and media to enhance your writing (for starters). 

Jim Kukral is an Internet marketing professional, and serves as a Program Faculty Member for the University of San Francisco’s Internet Marketing Program, where he teaches classes to students around the globe on the topics of Internet marketing, entrepreneurship and social media. Jim is founder of AuthorMarketingClub.com, which provides book marketing tools and training for authors. Course Description – WRITE, PUBLISH, REPEAT: Jim will discuss the methodology for building a successful career as an author in today’s Kindle world. He’ll show examples of authors who are earning a full-time living and what it took for them to get there and how you can do it, too! See more about Jim, visit www.jimkukral.com.

Judy Irvin Kuns holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her first middle grade novel, While You Were Out (Dutton, 2004), was a Junior Library Guild Selection and winner of the 2005 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers. Judy has also been published in Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty and Children's Digest magazines. An excerpt from her pre-published middle-grade novel, The Family Of Things, was short-listed for the Katherine Paterson Prize. Judy is a long-time member of SCBWI.  Course Description - WRITING FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS: Every draft has a spark. The key to fanning that spark into flame lies in asking the right questions. What made this character do that? What kind of family life does that character have that would cause him to react that way? What is the central problem here? What must he/she overcome?  And of course, the ultimate question, "What if....?"

Marsha McGregor’s personal essays and opinion pieces have appeared in publications such as The Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Herald, NPR, The Kenyon Review Online, Brain, Child Magazine, Fourth Genre, Zone 3, Ascent, Literary Mama, and three anthologies. Her essays are frequently published in Cleveland Magazine. She was a Peter Taylor Fellow for the Kenyon Review Writing Workshop. Marsha teaches writing workshops throughout northeast Ohio. Some of her work can be read at www.marshamcgregor.com. COURSE DESCRIPTION - EDITING AND REVISING YOUR WORK: Once the first draft is down, the writer begins shaping words into art. Learn how to refine and tighten your manuscripts, and how to work with eight facets of the polishing process that make stories shine: structure, voice, pacing, point of view, characterization, language, dialogue and narrative arc.

Sunny McClellan Morton is an award-winning writer, editor and popular lecturer. She is a Contributing Editor and columnist for Family Tree Magazine; Contributing Editor and Book Club moderator for the Genealogy Gems podcast and website; and Editor of Ohio Genealogy News. Book credits include My Life & Times: A Guided Journal for Collecting Your Stories and soon-to-be-published How to Find Your Family History in Church Records. Course Description: POWERFUL WORDS MAKE POWERFUL PROSE: Powerful prose is lean and muscular. Every word pulls its own weight! In this workshop, you’ll start with core strengthening to power up your verbs. Next, you’ll boost your sentence structure’s energy and momentum. Then, some resistance training: resist those flabby adjectives and adverbs! Finally, you’ll learn to adjust your writing workout for the type of “body” you’re after, whether it’s a heavy-lifting technical manual, slim-but-strong ad copy or toned-and-smooth consumer prose.

J. Thorn is a Top 100 Most Popular Author in Horror, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure and Fantasy (Amazon Author Rank). In March of 2014 Thorn held the #5 position in Horror alongside his childhood idols Dean Koontz and Stephen King (at #4 and #2 respectively). He is an official, active member of the Horror Writers Association and a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. For more, go to http://jthorn.net. Course Description – CORE ELEMENTS OF FICTION: Good genre fiction share many core elements. Learn how to take advantage of traditional storytelling techniques while creating a unique experience for the reader. Join J. Thorn as he shares practical and useful strategies for writing a novel.

Our Editors

Elizabeth Irwin has more than 20 years’ experience in writing, editing, marketing and voiceover work. A freelance editor and consultant since 2007, she’s worked with writers of many genres to fine-tune their manuscripts before seeking publication or representation, as well as assisted with book jacket copy and query letters. Elizabeth has also taught writing-related classes at Owens Community College, including “Blogging Basics,” “Writing Short,”and “Writing Family History.”

Judy Allen enjoys helping writers’ achieve greater critical, commercial, and artistic appeal. She has edited manuscripts for suspense, coming-of-age, short stories, contemporary Christian, romance, sports, self-help and social commentary titles.  Judy is a marketing consultant, and adjunct professor at Lakeland and Tri-C colleges. She is a book reviewer for the Plain Dealer, and member of the National Book Critics Circle. Examples of her editing guidelines and book reviews are at www.excellencezone.com.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a longtime writing coach and editor whose goal is to help others take their writing to the next level. Her editing credits include Mainstream, Young Adult, and Women’s Fiction as well as personal essays and memoir. Diane attributes much of her writing success to being an active member of several local and national writers’ groups, including Romance Writers of America.

2015 Write-on-the-Lake Retreat:  May 15 - 17th

                                                                                      www.eaglecliffinn.com

Find your Muse in this lovely historic Bed & Breakfast Inn, located directly on Geneva-On-The-Lake Strip, just across the street from the Lake Erie shore.

Deanna Adams is your host for a weekend filled with motivation, education, and creation in a beautiful relaxing beach atmosphere. Come Friday afternoon and stay until noon on Sunday. Write, relax, learn, and share among the support of fellow writers. All workshops are optional - write whenever you want. It’s your retreat!

NOW BOOKING!

Event Schedule:

Friday: Welcome! B&B guests may arrive anytime after 3 p.m. and move into their reserved rooms.

5 - 6 p.m. - Social Hour - Refreshments on the house!

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Pizza Party

7 - 8 p.m. – Climbing out of “The Trenches”: Author and retreat founder, Deanna Adams will get you unstuck in your work-in-progress and back on the highway to completion!

8:00 p.m. - Free Time - Write, Rest, or Enjoy Geneva’s nightlife.

Saturday:

10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker: Michael Heaton, the Plain Dealer’s Minister of Culture

Noon - 2 p.m. - Lunch Break. Book Sale. Writing Time. Social Time.

2:00 - 3 p.m. -  Spring Clean Your Manuscript with Julie Anne Lindsey. Improve your flow, tighten your prose and create a professional, publication-ready manuscript. Julie Anne Lindsey shares advice from her agent and editors on manuscript clean-up and putting your best work forward. 

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Write Time

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. -  Happy Hour (Wine Provided)

5:30 - 6:45 p.m. - Dinner Break

7 - 8:00 pm. - Deanna hosts Open Mic! Or Write Time

Sunday:

10:30 - Noon – Writer’s Roundup (Discussion of your works. Troubleshooting.). Weekend Wrap-up.

To Register: Contact Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Provide your name, address, phone number, email, and preferred room (based on availability). The earlier you register, the better chance of getting the room of your choice.

Secure your Writing Room today!

Early Bird Registration – Until April 3rd:

Complete Weekend Package: Includes Friday and Saturday overnight suite stay, breakfast, all sessions and workshops:

Single Room - $325. Shared Room - $245 each

After Early Bird:

Single Room or Cottage - $345

Shared Room or Cottage - $265

*$50 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.

Full payment must be made by May 1, 2015. NO REFUNDS after Deadline

Plan to Commute? Weekend Rate for Commuters: $155.

*Saturday Only: $115.00