How To Make The Best Out of A Writing Event

by Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon

Is this workshop for me, you may ask yourself as you study announcements of writing events, each one more appealing than the other? Answering this question may be more complicated than you anticipated unless you have done some introspective work. (Don’t worry, it is painless.) To help you go through this process, we have identified hereby some factors you ought to consider prior to deciding which writing event(s) will best fit your needs.

Know Where You Are
Your level of experience is a key factor. If you are a beginner writer, a workshop on book publishing is not for you. Conversely, if you have already published articles or stories, you ought to look for programs that are going to challenge you.

Know How Much You Can Spend
How much can you afford to spend? Financial cost is an important element to take into account as most writing events are fee-based. Some workshops provide financial aid and scholarship. Make sure to check on this option.

Know How Much Energy You Can Put In
Some events last one day; others, two to three weeks. Some retreats require little or no homework from the participants; others do expect students to submit manuscripts in advance and complete assignments all along the event. Therefore, decide in advance whether or not you are ready to commit time and effort other than to sit down in class and listen.

Know What You Want To Get Out of the Event
It is critical that you clearly identify what you want to bring back with you. The following questions might help you to clarify what you are looking for.

Do you want to use the workshop to start working on a novel?

Do you need help to finish your chapter book?

Are you looking for perfecting a technique (dialogue; narrative voice; profile writing)

Are you interested in getting an overall view of various writing genres? (fiction; novel; mystery) or would you rather attend a workshop specialized in one genre (children writing; travel writing; fantasy?)

Do you see the event as a networking opportunity?

What format appeals to you? (Having your work critiqued, attending lectures, meeting privately with instructors, combination of different options, etc)

Know The Organization
Once you have selected workshops that interest you, make phone calls. Talk to the organizers, inquire about the format, number of participants per session, accommodations, transportation, extra-curriculum activities, etc. Try to talk to one of the instructors and former participants.

And Finally Go with An Open Mind
Rather than focusing exclusively on the objectives you have set for yourself, allow yourself to go with the flow. Listen, broaden your approaches to writing, share your experiences, make friends.

P.S. Don’t forget to bring loads of business cards..

Here is a partial listing of upcoming writers' conferences. This is done only as a service to writers, so please verify all information, as we are not responsible for errors, cancellations etc.
This listing will be updated mid-March.

JANUARY 2003

How To Sell Your Novel
January 18
Macon, Georgia
Contact
Macon State College
(478) 471-2770
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Short Story & Novel Feedback
January 18
Macon, Georgia
Contact (See above)

How To Sell Your Novel
January18
Contact (See above)

Creating Your Novel
Jan.19 2003
Contact (See above)

Algonkian Novel Workshop
January 22-26
Algonkian Park, Sterling VA
This workshop will analyze and discuss novel elements, narrative, prose style, and techniques through lectures and exercises.
Contact Michael Neff (703-281-4426)
algonkian@webdelsol.com
http://webdelsol.com/Algonkian

How To Be Published
January 24-26
Memphis, Tennessee
Contact
University of Memphis
(901) 678-4030
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

A Guide to Self-Publication
January 31
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Contact
Northwestern State University
(800) 376-2422
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Screenwriting For the Movies
January 31
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Contact (See above)

.

FEBRUARY 2003

Short Story & Novel Feedback
February 1
Contact
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Northwestern State University
(800) 376-2422
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm
Creating Your Novel
February 1
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Contact (See above)

How To Sell Your Novel
February 2
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Contact (See above)

From Movie to Screenplay – Reverse Engineer Your Way to Success
February 7-11, Quebec, Canada
Contact: http://www.writersretreat.com/2003workshops.htm

Southern California Writers Conference
February 14-17
San Diego CA
Varied genres of writing addressed include fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, poetry, film and television writing. Participants can submit work in advance for the “Read and Critique Sessions.” Presentations followed by Q and A.
Contact
Michael Steven Gregory
4406 Park Blvd., Ste. E
San Diego, CA 92116
Ph: (619)282-2983
E-mail: msg@writersconference.com
www.writersconference.com

Poetry/Snapshots in Words (Guatemala)
February 14-23
Antigua, Guatemala
Contact
Art Workshops in Guatemala
4758 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Ph: (612) 825-0747
E-mail: info@artguat.org
www.artguat.org

Self-Editing for Publication
February 15, Quebec, Canada
Contact http://www.writersretreat.com/2003workshops.htm

Algonkian Novel Workshop
February 19-23
Sterling, Virginia
See January 22 description

Angelo State University 7th Annual Writers Conference
Angelo, Texas
February 20-22
Central theme is poetry. With special guest Walt McDonald 2001 Texas Poet Laureate.
Contact
Dr. John Wegner
Angelo State University
Box 10894, ASU Station
San Angelo, TX 76909
Ph: (915) 942-2281
john.wegner@angelo.edu

A Guide to Self-Publication
February 21
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Contact
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Ph: (803) 535-1234
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Screenwriting For the Movies
February 21
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Contact (See above)

How To Sell Your Novel
February 22
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Contact (See above)

Short Story & Novel Feedback
February 22
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Contact (See above)

Creating Your Novel
February 23
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Contact (See above)

National Association of Women Writers (NAWW) Annual Conference
February 21-22
Arlington, Texas
Program includes variety of presentations on topics including “Using your Words: Making the Most Out Of Your Writing Life,” and “Little Known Publicity Alternatives.” Readings also scheduled. For aspiring and published writers and/or those simply interested in words.
Contact
http://www.naww.org/generic10.html

Florida Romance Writers
February 21-23
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Workshops and Panel discussions will be held. Editors and agents will be available for private consultations.
Contact
http://www.frwriters.org/conferences

Travel Writing Workshop (Guatemala)
February 27- March 08
Antigua, Guatemala
Contact
Art Workshops in Guatemala
4758 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Ph: 612-825-0747
E-mail: info@artguat.org
www.artguat.org

MARCH 2003

Algonkian Novel Workshop
March 7-9
San Francisco California
See January 22 description

Dynamics of Dramatic Structure
March 7-11, Quebec, Canada
Contact
http://www.writersretreat.com/2003workshops.htm

A Guide to Self-Publication
March 13
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Contact
Middle Tennessee State University
Ph: (615) 898-2462
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Screenwriting For the Movies
March 13
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Contact (See above)

Short Story & Novel Feedback
March 14
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Contact (See above)

Creating Your Novel
March 14
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Contact (See above)

How To Sell Your Novel
March 15
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Contact (See above)

Mystery Writers Conference (Florida Chapter)
March 13-16
Deerfield Beach
Boca Raton, Florida
Organized by the Mystery Writers of America, Inc. Florida Chapter with special Ggest: Sue Grafton. Includes manuscript critiques, lectures, panels open to writers of all levels and genres and consultations with agent/editor.
Contact
http://www.SleuthFest.com
or send SASE to Anne K.
Walsh, 6056 NW 56th Drive, Coral Springs, FL33067
e-mail: Rwymer55@aol.com
or call: Jody Lebel at (954) 782-8872.

11th Annual Spring Literary Festival
Charlotte, North Carolina
March 17-19
Hosted by The Central Piedmont Community College, this Festival will feature workshops in journalism, editing, historical fiction and mosaic writing.
Contact
www.cpcc.edu/literary/2003/workshops/defaut/htm

Algonkian Novel Worshop
March 19-23
Sterling, Virginia
See January 22 description

A Guide to Self-Publication
March 21
Somerset, Kentucky
Contact
Somerset Community College
Ph:(606) 679-8501, X3302
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Screenwriting For the Movies
March 21
Somerset, Kentucky
Contact (See above.)

How To Sell Your Novel
March 22
Somerset, Kentucky
Contact (See above.)

Short Story & Novel Feedback
March 22
Somerset, Kentucky
Contact (See above.)

Creating Your Novel
March 23
Somerset, Kentucky
Contact (See above.)

TMCC Writers’ Conference
March 27-30
Reno, Nevada
Format includes critique workshops and craft sessions. Different genres of literature discussed such as literary fiction, spy thrillers, poetry and short fiction.
Contact
TMCC Community Services
4001 S. Virginia Street, RTM #A1
Reno, NV 89502
Ph:(775) 829-9010
http://commserv.tmcc.edu

Shaping and Structuring Your Story (Guatemala)
Antigua, Guatemala
March 29-April 7
Contact
Art Workshops in Guatemala
4758 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
612-825-0747
E-mail: info@artguat.org
www.artguat.org

APRIL 2003

Missouri Writers Guild’s Annual Conference
April 4-5
Jefferson City, Missouri
For both published and aspiring writers. The conference features seminars on
fiction and nonfiction.
Contact
Vicki Cox
Missouri Writers Guild
P.O. Box 1895
Lebanon, MO 65536
E-mail: vcox01@yahoo.com

Self-Editing for Publication
April 11-15
Quebec, Canada
Contact
http://www.writersretreat.com/2003workshops.htm

From Movie to Screenplay – Reverse Engineer Your Way to Success
April, Colorado
Contact
http://www.writersretreat.com/2003workshops.htm

Algonkian Novel Workshop
April 9-11
San Francisco California
See January 22 description

Guide to Self-Publication
April 17
Valdosta, Georgia
Contact
Valdosta State University
Ph: (229) 245-6484
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Sreenwriting For the Movies
April 17
Valdosta, Georgia
Contact
See above

How To Sell Your Novel
April 18
Valdosta, Georgia
Contact
See above

Short Story & Novel Feedback
April 18
Valdosta, Georgia
Contact
See above

Creating Your Novel
April 19
Valdosta, Georgia
Contact
See above

A Guide to Self-Publication
Two dates: April 21 and April 25
Ada, Oklahoma
Contact
East Central University
Ph: (580) 332-8000 Ext. 456
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

Screenwriting For the Movies
Two dates: April 21 and April 25
Ada, Oklahoma
Contact (See above)

Creating Your Novel
Two dates: April 22 and April 26
Ada, Oklahoma
Contact (See above)

Short Story & Novel Feedback
Two dates: April 22 and April 26
Ada, Oklahoma
Contact (See above)

How To Sell Your Novel
Two dates: April 23 and April 27
Ada, Oklahoma
Contact (See above)

Screenwriting For the Movies
April 28
Arlington, Texas
Contact
UT Arlington
Ph:(817) 272-2581
http://www.writing2sell.com/workshop.htm

How To Sell Your Novel
April 29
Arlington, Texas
Contact (See above)

Short Story & Novel Feedback
April 30
Arlington, Texas
Contact (See above)

Annual Journey Conference Sponsored by the Writer Magazine
April 24-27
Incline Village, Nevada 89450
This four-day writing event features over 50 workshops, editor/agent appointments, banquets,
socials, readings and more. Classes are specialized for either beginning or
seasoned writers.
Contact:
Ph:(505) 244-9337
Fax. (800) 853-7655
info@authorsVenue.com
http://www.AuthorsVenue.com

Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon is a freelance writer specialized in women's issues and children non-fiction. She is responsible for a monthly weekly column at Washington Women, Looking your Best. Her articles have appeared in numerous sites and publications including (Medscape.com, Aribella.com, Nervy Girl, Washington Parents and New Moon for Girls.)
Brigitteaflalo@aol.com