Wednesday, May 9, 2007

The Scoop on the WIW Conference

If you’re a writer in the Washington area ISO motivation and/or marketing advice, check out the 2007 Washington Writers Conference, sponsored by Washington Independent Writers: "Living On Words: Get Inspired, Get Writing, Get Published!" The date is Saturday, June 9, 2007, at the Cafritz Center at George Washington University. Go here for more information and registration details.

I’ll be moderating a panel called "Fiction Writing Tool Kit: 12+ Ideas to Use Tomorrow to Improve Your Writing," with novelists/short story writers Doreen Baingana, Amy Stolls, and Mary Kay Zuravleff.

Writer C.M. Mayo (proprietress of the wonderful Madame Mayo blog) has also put together a great line-up for a panel on travel writing.

Other events include plenary speaker Peter Bowerman, author and self-publisher, who is known for his books The Well-Fed Writer and the The Well-Fed Editor. In addition to the opening speech, Peter will lead a workshop based on his books and will provide practical steps and tips on marketing and selling your writing.

The keynote speaker is Francine Prose, award-winning author of 11 novels, including Blue Angel, a finalist for the National Book Award. Her latest book is Reading Like A Writer. She has also written four children's books and co-translated three volumes of fiction. Prose is a contributing editor of Harper's magazine and writes regularly on art for The Wall Street Journal.

Fourteen different sessions throughout the day cover everything from the practical aspects of writing to the creative process. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with agents (both fiction and non-fiction) and network. More info.

Work-in-Progress

DC-area author Leslie Pietrzyk explores the creative process and all things literary.