MENDOCINO COLLEGE LIT FEST 2010 - WORKSHOPS

 

Jean Hegland
How to Create and
Maintain a Successful Writers’ Group

Nothing beats a writers’ group for helping writers improve their work. But finding the right group—and keeping it going—can often be a challenge. This workshop will discuss the logistical details and practical decisions involved in joining or forming the writers’ group that is just right for you. In addition, we will practice effective strategies for responding to other writers’ work in ways that are helpful, supportive, and sustainable. Writers who currently belong to writers’ groups will discover how to make their groups even more effective, while writers interested in forming or joining groups will have an opportunity to make their specific needs and interests known.

Sign up for this workshop here: Sign-Up

For more information, call (707) 468-3051

 

 

Armando Garcia-Davila
A Writer Shares His Secrets

I realized one day that if I was not allowed to write anymore it would be a death of sorts, so I used to call this workshop “Write or Die.” The author and poet will have a dialogue with the participants and share several examples of his writing process. Prose as well as some poetry will be discussed.

Sign up for this workshop here: Sign-Up

For more information, call (707) 468-3051

 

 

Theresa Whitehill
Collaborative and Spontaneous Writing

Brief Description: This workshop encourages an ongoing practice of writing. Learn techniques and ideas for generating new writing and getting unstuck when your writing has gotten bogged down. We’ll focus on experimenting with new techniques such as quick writing, collaborative “hooping” (writing a single piece together with other authors), writing to foreign language music, and using the surrealistic collaborative form “exquisite corpse.” You’ll have time for writing practice and for reading pieces you write during the workshop. There will be no critique of written work.

Sign up for this workshop here: Sign-Up

For more information, call (707) 468-3051

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molly Dwyer
Story Stalking

There is a process by which we become good storytellers, able to develop fleeting ideas into satisfying stories that keep people turning the page. This workshop is not as much about "good writing" as it is, "good storytelling." We'll look at how to woo the unconscious and incorporate things like dream, day dream, synchronicity, coincidence, observation and travel into the building fiction. Through hands-on exercises, we'll explore ways to deepen the truth and power of any storyline. Please come prepared to write. Open to all levels.

Sign up for this workshop here: Sign-Up

For more information, call (707) 468-3051

 

 

Peg Kingman & Doris Eraldi
Finished? Congratulations! Now Rewrite. . .

Finished your book? Congratulations! Now, three important questions: How can you tell if it needs a rewrite? (Hint: It does.) How do you actually tackle a rewrite? And how do you know when you're done? Two experienced writers (each with a second novel appearing this summer, from major publishers) share their insights about the all-important process of rewriting. Rewriting elevates promising first drafts into publishable books - and aspiring writers into published authors. For writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether aiming to industry-publish or self-publish.

Sign up for this workshop here: Sign-Up

For more information, call (707) 468-3051

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.E. Chaffin
Writing Poetry for Publication

Poet/editor/publisher C. E. Chaffin will lead a workshop on writing poetry for publication, including general information about how and where to get published. Participants are encouraged to bring their best unpublished poems for a review.

Sign up for this workshop here: Sign-Up

For more information, call (707) 468-3051

 

Pamela Pizzimenti
Writing for Young Adults

Writing for young adults (YA) gives an author the opportunity to influence young readers, plus the YA market has had an 87 percent increase in the number of titles published in the last two years – it’s one of the healthiest segments in the industry. Audience becomes an important consideration when drafting a YA novel. Come and get familiar with the genre and audience. Learn the difference between middle grade and YA, and focus on strategies for improving the core components of your YA book, including; plot, character, subject matter, and dialogue.

Elizabeth Haze Vega
The Laughing River Children's Workshop

The Laughing River, a Folktale for Peace. This musical story is orchestrated and narrated by the author and has been presented as a theater piece by Sonoma Counties 'Actor's Theater' and school children across the United States. Elizabeth will facilitate a drum building workshop and an interactive presentation of the "Laughing River", which integrates drumming, instrument playing, and singing. Participants will share in the telling of this delightful folktale for peace.

Note: Best for ages 6-12 years old.

 

For more information, call

(707) 468-3051

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