Writer's Center Writer's Center Writer's Center

There are a plethora of things coming up at the Writer's Center.

On Saturday, March 14, from noon to 3 PM we will have an Open House that will offer all varieties of swag & opportunity:

-Learn about the new Literary Magazine subscription discount program for members, saving you 40% on top-tier journals like New England Review and Hayden’s Ferry Review;
-Meet workshop instructors during our “speed dating”-style conference to ask questions about their classes;
-Get an additional 20% off your new book purchases during the event (Members save 30%);
-Peruse books by attending instructors in our special display and get book recommendations from the staff;
-Win a free workshop, membership, or Poet Lore subscription in our hourly raffle drawings;
-Save $25 on one workshop, $50 on two workshops, or $75 on three workshops when you register anytime on March 14.

I'll be there. Why? Well, first off...because Charlie Jensen always throws an awesome shindig. But, second, this season be my first time teaching at the Center--two one-day seminars:

Breaking Through: Book Contests
4/4/2009 Saturday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Publishing a poetry collection via the contest system can drain time, money, and sanity. Learn the rules to the game. This seminar will examine details of the contest selection process: guest versus in-house judges, behind-the-scenes editorial considerations, and how to position your manuscript to be a strong contender. We'll identify emerging powerhouses of small press publishing--and discuss "warning signs" for ones that may be struggling. Attendees receive an annotated handout of resources. 1 session.

Fanning the Spark of Poetry (for High School Students)
5/9/2009 Saturday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

For talented high-schoolers, poetry can get lost in the shuffle of extracurriculars and college applications. Don't let the spark die. This seminar will include tips on revising and tracking your drafts. We'll encourage the leap from studying textbook "masters" (Whitman, Dickinson) to enjoying contemporary poetry--and then using these poets to inspire your own work. We'll also identify publishers, awards, and local reading venues open to younger writers. Attendees receive an annotated handout of resources. 1 session.

I think these are both going to be great. If you have any questions, please feel free to backchannel with questions. And I hope to see you next Saturday!

P.S. -- Sorry about the BlogRolling wackiness. It'll either be fixed soon, or I'l be moving on to a another vendor.