Education Connection: A Roundup of Writer Events – Part I, by Lori Ann Palma

Note: Some of these events are happening as soon as this weekend! Check ’em out now. My apologies for posting this a bit late! ~Lindsay 🙂

 

As summer draws to a close and September ushers in books and backpacks and long school days for the kids and teachers, Eastern Penn Points turns its focus to education as this month’s theme. When I first began writing, I quickly realized that being a writer means being a lifelong learner. From plot to character, to writing queries and formatting a manuscript, to researching locations and occupations, the work is never done. There is always something I didn’t know, a piece of knowledge that seems to appear just when I need it. It can be difficult to juggle writing with learning—but, like a seedling, time and care are necessary to grow your skills. With this in mind, I wanted to share education opportunities with the Eastern PA SCBWI group so that we might all learn something new.

 

Below is a list of local upcoming conferences and events, as well as online courses if you can’t find the time to get away for a day or more. While I haven’t attended any of these events in the past, they all include links to more information. I hope you can make it to one or two! If there are any upcoming events you know about and want to share, please add them in the comments below. 

 

Check back soon for part II with even more education opportunities!

 

Upcoming Conferences

 

Light Your Fuse Creativity Retreat

September, 12, 2015, Bethlehem, PA

Presented by the Penn Jersey Women Writers Guild, this conference welcomes writers of all genres and skill levels for one day of workshops to re-energize your writing. Additional information and registration are available at: http://www.pjwwg.org/light-your-fuse-2015/

 

Shore Thing Writing Getaway

September 12, 2015, Atlantic City, NJ

Presented by Stockton University, this one day writing retreat focuses on a craft discussion, writing time, and sharing your work. The retreat schedule and registration are available at: http://www.murphywriting.com/writing-getaways/new-jersey-writing-workshop-shore-thing-writing-getaway.html

 

NEPA BlogCon

September 12, 2015, East Stroudsburg, PA

This one day blogging conference provides sessions on topics in blogging and social media for new bloggers and those who have been at it for years. For additional information and registration, visit: http://nepablogcon.com/

 

The New York Pitch Conference

September 17-20, 2015, New York, NY

Held four times a year, this conference focuses on writer’s workshops and pitching to publishing house editors to improve your manuscript. The conference is geared toward writers who have a finished or close-to-finished manuscript in young adult, middle grade, and YA/MG fantasy/science fiction (as well as other genres in the adult market). For more information and the application to attend, please visit The New York Pitch Conference home page at: http://newyorkpitchconference.com/index.htm

 

2015 Comadres and Compadres Latino Writers Conference

October 3, 2015, New York, NY

In its fourth year, this conference provides Latino writers with access to published Latino authors as well as agents and editors who have a proven track record of publishing Latino books. Scheduled sessions include craft workshops for children’s books and writing for children and young adults. For additional information and registration, visit: http://lascomadres.com/latinolit/2015-ccwc/

 

YA Fest PA

October 10, 2015, Easton, PA

Held at the Palmer Branch of the Easton Area Public Library, YA Fest PA is a young adult book and author festival with a mission of providing a chance for readers to connect with YA and MG authors through book signings and a panel Q&A discussion. More information is available at: http://yafest.org/

 

 

Local Writing Events

 

“Writers on Writing” Radio Show

September 13, 2015, 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Online

Guest host Clarence Reynolds talks with author Naomi Jackson about her debut novel “The Star Side of Bird Hill,” a coming-of-age story about two young sisters from Brooklyn, New York, who are sent to live with their grandmother in Barbados. During the conversation, Reynolds and Jackson discuss her journey as a writer, characters in her story-telling, and stories reflected in today’s fiction. “Writers on Writing”is part of The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College. The live show will be available at: http://www.wmecradio.com/

 

Afternoon Craft Talk with Fiction Author Daren Dean

September 17, 2015, 4 p.m – 4:45 p.m., Elizabethtown, PA

Presented by the Bowers Writers House at Elizabethtown College, author Daren Dean discusses his writing process and how he managed to turn his first novel into a publishing success. This is a free event! More information is available at: http://www.etown.edu/centers/writershouse/events.aspx#/?i=1

 

Writer Discussions

September 27, 2015, 12 p.m., Willow Grove, PA

At the Willow Grove Barnes & Noble, local writers meet to network and discuss writing. Additional upcoming meeting dates are listed at:http://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2782?page=1&size=10&month=Month&day=Day&type=all

 

 

Fiction Writing Class Series

September 30, 2015 (first class), 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Elkins Park, PA

Open Book Bookstore will host an 8-week fiction writing class taught by local novelist, editor and writing teacher Hilary Plum. More information, the class schedule, and registration are available at: http://lynnrosen.com/fiction-writing-class-with-hilary-plum/

 

 

Online Courses

 

Gotham Writers Workshop

Various Admission Dates

Gotham’s online writing classes focus on various fiction writing topics, including Children’s Book Writing.

Depending on the selection, sessions can run from a three week intensive course to a 10-week workshop. Each online session begins weekly at the same time and unfolds gradually all week long. Courses are available in Level I, Level II, and, periodically, Level III. Information about the online writing classes is available at:https://www.writingclasses.com/classes/online. The online course catalog for fiction is available at:https://www.writingclasses.com/classes/catalogue/fiction

 

If you have experience with any of these events, let us know in the comments. I’d love to hear your feedback! Additionally, if you don’t see a local event on this list, please share it below.

Part II, coming soon!