2009 SESSION LIST
Attendees will select one presentation from each of the four sessions listed below
Session One
Word Wealth: How to Fine Tune and Market Your Poetry
In an interview on BBC-TV, Robert Graves once said, “There’s no money in poetry, but then there’s no poetry in money, either.” However, the first part may not necessarily be true anymore. The literary world is currently ripe with opportunities for poets to make their efforts pay off through contests and publications. There are legitimate publishing places and, sadly, those that will take your money but not give you the recognition or compensation you deserve. This will be a discussion of how and where to send your finished poems to optimize the chances of winning, including craft suggestions for making the work most publishable. Bring writing materials for a hands-on writing exercise. WORKSHOP
Margo LaGattuta, 2005 winner of The Mark Twain Award for her contribution to Midwestern Literature, has her MFA from Vermont College and four published collections of poetry: Embracing the Fall, The Dream Givers, Noedgelines, and Diversion Road. Her poetry and essays have been published in many national literary magazines and anthologies. She has conducted writer-in-the-schools residencies and teacher in-service sessions, both locally and nationally, for more than 20 years and edited eight anthologies for small presses. In 2002/2003 she received a Michigan Creative Artist’s Grant from ArtServe Michigan to complete her newest poetry collection: Bridge of Birds. She is a two-time winner of the Midwest Poetry Award, many National Federation of State Poetry Societies Awards, including a recent Founders Award, and was nominated by Naomi Shihab Nye for a Pushcart Prize for her work in small press publishing. Margo writes for Community Lifestyles in Rochester, MI, where she creates a weekly creative nonfiction column, articles and theater reviews. She teaches writing at University of Michigan-Flint, Baker College and Oakland Community College and conducts creative writing workshops both locally and nationally. www.inventingtheinvisible.com
Promote your Writing by Building an online Presence
Whether you already use social networking sites or are just starting out, this session will introduce you to key concepts in building a strategic online presence that will promote your writing. Social media and networking need not be time-consuming in order to be effective. Topics will include networking sites such as Twitter, FaceBook, and She Writes; why a dot com website is still the number one priority for a working writer; strategies to consider in creating an effective blog; an overview of niche websites to consider for self-promotion; and how to create an ‘online elevator pitch’ to share with agents, publishers, and other paying markets. Examples of real life business connections made online will be shared as evidence that writers can indeed benefit from using social networking sites. This session will help you determine which sites are most applicable to your writing career and will provide you with quick tips and key concepts in making the most of your online networking experience. LECTURE
Lori A. May, is a poet, novelist, and freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications such as The Writer, Two Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, and anthologies such as Van Gogh’s Ear. She is the Founding Editor of The Ambassador Poetry Project and The Western Literary Review, as well as a Contributing Editor to The Big Thrill, published by International Thriller Writers. A college writing instructor, Lori is a member of the AWP, Modern Language Association, Michigan College English Association, Midwest Pop Culture Association, and the Poetry Society of America. Her debut novel, The Profiler, was a WaldenBooks bestseller and led to the release of her second suspense novel, Moving Target. She is also the author of three poetry chapbooks and the full-length collection, stains: early poems. Lori is currently working on a new novel for Young Adults. More information is available online at www.loriamay.com
Script and Screenwriting
Script and screenwriting is by no means a get-rich-quick career. But money can be made as a professional script and screenwriter who knows what they’re doing! This class is an introduction to writing scripts and screenplays in narrative, corporate, and documentary formats. We will cover such topics as industry-standard Hollywood and 2-column A/V formats, craft, structure, dialogue, scene description, hero, desire line, empathy, adaptation from another medium, professionalism, and the three fundamental questions every screenwriter must ask of their story. LECTURE
Dirk Eichhorst began his interest in making movies in 1980 at the age of twelve using his Dad’s Super-8mm camera. He wrote and directed ambitious sci-fi and action movies through junior high and high school and began making headlines in local newspapers, such as The Macomb Daily and The Advisor. As a young filmmaker, Dirk’s attractions to the craft were special effects and elaborate fight scenes. In time, he came to realize the power of cinema on human emotions and the possibility that brings for introspection. He began to write scripts from the heart, and turn his cameras towards serving the greater good by working on projects that enrich and educate, as well as entertain. Dirk attended film school at Columbia College in Chicago, which opened his eyes to many new creative perspectives, including the works of D.W. Griffith, Sergei Eisenstein, and Alfred Hitchcock. In certain ways, though, it was a re-run for him. Dirk had already learned much about the filmmaking process through his own projects as a teenager. So, he dropped his courses in favor of venturing out on his own as an entrepreneur. www.DirkEichhorst.com
Session Two
Brainstorming, Work, and Creativity: Thinking Outside of the Box
Right brained or left, it doesn’t matter - being creative is essential in the current economy. Access your inner poet and your muse with poet and entrepreneur, Chloe Miller, who will lead a discussion of how to connect creativity with business planning and the generation of concrete ideas. This is a hands-on, interactive, process-driven voyage of discovery. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves. WORKSHOP
Chloe’ Yelena Miller, received an MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She has poems forthcoming or published in the Cortland Review, Alimentum, Lumina and Privatephotoreview.org, among others. She teaches writing online for Fairleigh Dickinson University, edits Portal del Sol and reads for The Literary Review. She founded Word Arrangement, a personalized wedding poem company and related blog: www.WordArrangement.Wordpress.com
Traditional Publishing Panel
A discussion by local authors about agents, publishers, and getting your book to market. PANEL DISCUSSION
Annick Hivert-Carthew, Moderator of the Panel, Michigan Author
Robert Lytle, Michigan Author
William Hanford, Michigan Author
Re-work, Re-sell, and Re-print: Secrets to Recycling your Writing in the Marketplace
Don’t be surprised at how many of your previously published freelance stories could earn more paychecks. In this lecture, we’ll discuss the importance of “evergreen” pieces and retaining the rights to your published work. Drawing on lucrative examples from the published essays in her book, Writing Home, Cindy La Ferle will show you how to get the most mileage out of what you’ve written. She’ll explain how she finds new homes for old pieces and how you can negotiate fees for reprinted material. LECTURE
Cindy La Ferle, ASJA, is the author of the award-winning essay collection, Writing Home. Her pieces have appeared in more than 60 national publications, including The Christian Science Monitor, Reader’s Digest, Country Gardens, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Writer’s Digest, and Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion. Her essays have been anthologized in a wide variety of publications, from Guideposts gift books to a Houghton Mifflin Harcourt English textbook for high school students. Locally, her essays have appeared in The Detroit Free Press, and her long-running lifestyle column for The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak) won First Place Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. She’s currently writing online columns on midlife issues for The Oakland Press and Michigan Women’s Forum, and blogs weekly at Cindy La Ferle’s Home Office: www.laferle.com
Keynote Address
“The knowledge and expertise this conference provides is astounding, and looks to benefit aspiring and professional writers alike. It brings together writers of all levels, each with a common passion for their craft, and I consider it an honor to share with them my own passion for literature.”
Chip St. Clair has been capturing the hearts of audiences everywhere with his compelling story of hope, triumph, and the discovery of the true measure of strength each of us has when we can simply gain the courage to look within.
As he began sharing his story nationally in 2002 in appearances ranging from Good Morning America to Dateline, from Montel to Inside Edition, St. Clair quickly adapted to making a private life public, always mindful of the fine line between entertainment and journalism. As founder and executive director of the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation, St. Clair’s work often places him in the media spotlight as he fights relentlessly for tough legislation aimed at combating identity theft and protecting children, and in 2005, he was honored as the recipient of a U.S. Congressional Record for ardent advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.
St. Clair’s harrowing story is chronicled in his bestselling memoir The Butterfly Garden (HCI, 2008) – a haunting account of surviving the darkest of family secrets — a childhood unknowingly spent on the run with one of America’s most wanted killers — and of his metamorphosis from unthinkable horror to a future of self-discovery, hope, and peace using the power of love and literature to battle the demons of the past.
Universities and high schools across the country have incorporated The Butterfly Garden into their curriculum, and St. Clair’s expertise in advocacy and his riveting lectures have become an integral part of the training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and DHS is several states. In April of 2009, St. Clair was called upon by nearly 100 media outlets around the world to partake in interviews of behalf of Child Abuse Awareness Month.
His passion for advocacy is rivaled only by his passion for literature, to which he credits provided him sanctuary as a child and purpose as an adult. With an epic historical fiction trilogy in the wings, St. Clair relishes the opportunity to speak with other authors and connect with colleagues, sharing with them his journey, his media experiences, and his love for the power of the written word.
He currently resides in Rochester, MI with his wife, Lisa, and their two Yorkshire Terriers. http://www.ChipStClair.com
Session Three
Magazine Editors’ Panel
Southeast Michigan editors will be fielding questions from attendees about the current freelance marketplace. PANEL DISCUSSION
Rebecca Stevens, earned a BA in Journalism from Wayne State University. She interned and served as Assistant Editor at Clear, an international fashion and design magazine based in Royal Oak, before being named Managing Editor of Ambassador Magazine at the age of 25. Outside her editorial duties with Ambassador, she is a freelance fashion stylist whose work has appeared in national and international print and online publications, including BG, La’G, Prim, Cliche, and Hint. She has also worked with a diverse range of clients, including Seventeen Magazine Rock The Runway, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Bocci Salon. www.ambassadormag.com
Becky Repp, American Road Magazine. www.americanroadmagazine.com
Create a Successful Writing Career
Discover the true keys to success! Sandra will share the secrets to her success and how you can make more money with your writing! Whether you want to write a book, a column, poetry, or music lyrics, you will need to move past any doubts to achieve your goals. To overcome challenges, you will have the opportunity to experience he “Awakening Process”—a special, empowering approach from Sandra Agazzi Chimenti new book, “The Real Me: Awakening Your True Self—Positive Affirmations for Empowering Your Life.” Through experiential exercises that tap into your creative potential, Sandra will guide you to go from where you are to where you want to be. Her real-life experiences as an author and publisher will guide you past common challenges to achieve your dreams. By being your wonderful real self and affirming positive goal statements, you will learn how to use positive communication, focused plans, and step-by-step actions to share your writing talents. You have the power to develop your writing passion into a successful money-making career! WORKSHOP
Sandra Agazzi Chimenti, M.Ed., is the owner of Creative Books and Music, L.L.C. and Growing Parents. She is a successful author, musician, pianist, composer, empowerment presenter, poet, artist, parent, and educator with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She was the Growing Parents columnist for the Suburban Lifestyles newspaper for six years, sharing her parenting expertise and guidance. She was also a freelance writer for the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, and Metro Parent Magazine. Now, as the owner of her own publishing company, Sandra shares her books, music, and other creations. Sandra is the host and producer of the cable show Discover Your Power to Succeed! which features guest presenters. She has also appeared as a guest on television, radio, and in newspapers, featuring her empowering book and inspirational messages. Sandra offers various presentations, consultations, book-signing events, and interviews. Visit her web site at www.CreativeBooksAndMusic.com
Writing For the Christian Market
Have you ever wondered if you can make money writing fiction or non-fiction for Christian publishers? In this presentation you will learn about the craft of writing fiction and how Christian fiction differs from secular fiction, and you will be provided ideas and tips on how to sell your work to magazines and Sunday school materials. LECTURE
Gail Gaymer Martin, writes women’s fiction romance and romantic suspense for Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Beginning fiction writing in 1997, she sold her first novel in 1998 and now has signed forty-two fiction contracts with three million books in print. Gail’s books have been honored with seven national awards. She is the author of Writing the Christian Romance released by Writers Digest. Gail has also written hundreds of magazines articles, short stories and Sunday school material for Christian magazines. She is a co-found of American Christian Fiction Writers and a keynote speaker and workshop presenter across the U.S. Gail has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit. She has taught high school, served on the counseling staff, and was an adjunct instructor of English at Davenport University for five years. http://www.gailmartin.com
Session Four
Creating a Winning Pitch: How to Develop a Lead that Sells
There’s a lot that goes into a successful query, but what it really comes down to is focus: it’s all about the right topic with the right angle at the right time to the right audience. Participants will learn how to choose all those components and work on a professional query that will grab an editor’s attention, plus which magazines might be interested in your story and how to approach those editors. This workshop will be led by Theresa Falzone, editor in chief of Signature Media, the magazine publishing division of Detroit Media Partnership, publishers of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. Falzone heads a highly talented team of editors, writers and designers to produce StyleLine magazine, Michigan’s largest monthly magazine; Michigan Senior Living, the state’s most widely distributed magazine for those 55 and older; and the Michigan College Guide, for metro Detroit’s high school seniors. Recent titles include Strut, Vital, Signature, and Home & Design. WORKSHOP
Theresa Falzone, Editor in Chief, Styleline Magazine. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Falzone began at her career at Heritage Newspapers in Southgate. As editor in chief of Lawrence Street Publications in Southfield, she launched Women’s HealthStyle magazine, among other consumer and business-to-business publications, then joined Hometown Newspapers as associate publisher of Specialty Communications, the company’s custom publishing division. Her honors include a Michigan Press Association award for feature writing, and the Vanguard Award, given by Women In Communications for innovatively using communications to improve the quality of life for others. www.signaturemichigan.com
Songwriting 101: Lyrics to Market
Learn how to write killer lyrics and understand why song structure makes all the difference. Even if you cannot sing or play an instrument, you can make money as a songwriter. You will discover how to find musicians with melodies, chords, and grooves to co-write with you. We will also cover how to find recording artists you can write for and what these artists are looking for. Finally, we discuss the current song marketplace and how to sell your work. Musical and lyrical examples will be part of the session. LECTURE
Bill Edwards, is a talented and prolific songwriter and performer. His songs have been recorded by several artists, including T. Graham Brown, Lee Roy Parnell, and Hoyt Hughes. He’s placed first in the Country division of the Billboard® national songwriting contest. Through his own music publishing company, Edwardsongs, and jointly with Sharp Objects on Nashville’s Music Row, he pitches every day in the Nashville song marketplace. He has deep experience in that process, including song co-writing, producing professional demos and getting his songs heard by movers, shakers, bobbers and weavers in the music industry. Find out more about Bill at www.edwardsongs.com
Contracts, Copyrights, & The Business of Writing
The history of copyright, intellectual property, distinction from trademark and patent. Authorship, originality, fixation, how does an author obtain and transfer copyright, what are the benefits of registration, and what’s with that ‘C’ with the circle around it. Work for hire and derivative works. Publishing contracts: Basically, “How to be your own literary agent” in about 30 minutes. Rights, rates, scales, clauses. Defamation, right of privacy, and right of publicity. LECTURE DISCUSSION
David J. Rubin is a lawyer, editor, software programmer, and writer. As a legal editor at LexisNexis Matthew Bender, Rubin managed publishing contracts with attorney authors. Rubin also served as managing editor of The Forensic Echo, a journal dedicated to the study of behaviorial sciences and law. Rubin has reported for radio and newspaper, and his fiction has appeared in The Texas Review, The New Mexico Humanities Review, and elsewhere. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A., M.F.A.) and of New York Law School (J.D., Law Review, Editor in Chief). He has passed bar examinations and is licensed to practice law in California (inactive status), Michigan, and New York.
Check-in Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
A full schedule with session times, breaks, lunch and keynote address is listed on the Home page of this site.
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