Schedule and Workshops

Friday morning, March 27, 2009

• Saturday, March 28th detailed schedule
• Sunday, March 29th detailed schedule
• Download the registration worksheet.

A1. In profile: The art of writing lives, with Frank Bures
Profiles are one of the most sought-after stories by publications these days. We'll examine how they work and the basic elements that make up a profile. We'll look at the mythical structures that underlie most profiles. Learn ways to turn a two-dimensional look at someone's life into a three-dimensional work of art - that sells.

A2  Writing all you know and then some:  exploring fiction’s tactics, biographical or not, with Anne Calcagno
Through exercises we’ll explore why for each writer there is a chance to write both “what you know” and “what you don’t know.” This workshop presents techniques for creating deeper, better stories. Why do we sometimes “know” without proof? When we hear that famous quote, “No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader,” the idea is:  shouldn’t the writer follow mystery and chase the unknown? We use ourselves in writing, but if we add observation and try unexpected story forms, we can transform reality into better stories. We’ll play with characters in invented situations. Bring with you (or jot their essence down in your notes) three family photos and a small item of personal importance.

A3  Creating unforgettable series characters, with J.A. (Joe) Konrath
The author of the award-winning Jack Daniels mystery series shares the secrets of developing realistic, empathetic characters, and how to make them stay fresh and interesting from book to book. Learn how goals, flaws, quirks, and perspective can make your protagonist three-dimensional and irresistible to agents and editors. Includes handout and worksheet.

A4-27  Private pitch times
Six slots with each agent. Each writer gets eight minutes. Please sign up for a time slot when you register (or at the event if slots remain open). Additional fee. See pitch session tips page for details.

A4–9  Private pitches with Lauren Abramo

A10–15  Private pitches with Jennifer Jackson

A16–21  Private pitches with Victoria Skurnick

A28  Finding your fortune:  Things I’ve learned, with Marshall J. Cook
(Ticket required for this event.) Join us for a networking, working lunch with prize giveaways for dessert. Deadline for buying a ticket is Monday, March 24.
           
Marshall has been published in several fields, including novels, nonfiction books, articles, and short stories. He contends, “So can you.” Discover what he knows to be true for a writer’s success.

The bookstore opens at 11:30 a.m. Friday and is open all day Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

B1  Recipe for a five-star agent, with Jennifer Jackson
Some people like just a little salt; others prefer a lot of spice. Writers with discerning tastes should seek an agent that matches their specific wants and needs. Jennifer offers an overview of different aspects of agents and agencies, and how to develop your personal wish list for the ideal agent for you. Be advised that this opens with an interactive session that requires volunteers. Come prepared to have some fun!"
           
B2  The Pastie* Principle of Fiction, with Marshall J. Cook
Every culture has one, a concoction of meat and potatoes, maybe onions, peas, mushrooms, rolled into a flavorful dough. We might apply the pastie recipe to our fiction. Our stories need to go heavy on the meat and potatoes—plot and characterization, always working in harmony. We then blend the spices—description, metaphor, rhythm—with restraint, to bring out—not overwhelm—the flavor. To get maximum benefit from this workshop, bring a story-in-progress in mind to work with, and drop in on “Teddywedgers,” a take-out restaurant at the top of State Street, across from the Capitol, for a great pastie. (They do have vegetarian varieties, and that works, too.)
(*It’s pronounced like “pasta,” only with a long ‘e’ at the end. It’s what the Cornish miners who settled southwestern Wisconsin called their mitt-sized meal.)

B3  Writing for a living and living as a writer:  how to become a successful ghostwriter of books and articles, with Patricia Crisafulli
For nine years ghostwriting books and articles has enabled Patricia to make a very solid living while funding her other creative pursuits. Through discussion and writing exercises, Patricia presents six essential skills that ghostwriters must develop. You also learn the essentials of book proposals, and how to find experts that need your writing assistance.
           
B4-21  Private pitch times

Six slots with each agent. Each writer gets about eight minutes. Please sign up for a time slot when you register (or at the event if slots remain open). Additional fee.

B4-9  Private pitch time, with Lauren Abramo

B10-15  Private pitch time, with Victoria Skurnick

C1  Solving your novel plotting challenges by borrowing from screenplay structure, with Christine DeSmet
Many novelists and other writers use screenplay techniques for creating the plot and revising drafts. A screenplay plot “schematic” is a thumbnail technique that can quickly help you plump up a thin manuscript or cut a bloated one, or create a first draft that’s on-track. Bring your plot idea in logline (one-sentence) form, or just bring your questions about this method. Christine will demonstrate how to find your Central Story Question (the “control” for every scene), the core of story/character threat and tension, your Plot Points I and II, Midpoint, your likely ending, and more. This is not a story formula; this is about the bones of structure in most stories no matter what genre or form you choose to write in.

C2  Creating the page turner with killer scenes, with Kathy Steffen 
All it takes is conflict and killer scenes! A scene’s structure mirrors a book—beginning, middle, and end. But how do you make it hook the reader so they can’t put down the book? Learn how to ramp it up (in terms of internal and external conflict) and decide if that scene’s a keeper. Polish with the aid of a checklist to help avoid common pitfalls. We’ll also take a look at linking scenes together and plotting techniques.

C3  Q&A and more about the publishing business, with Victoria Skurnick
Informal discussion. Bring your questions or just listen in.

C4 through C21  Private pitch times

Six slots with each agent. Each writer gets about eight minutes. Please sign up for a time slot when you register (or at the event if slots remain open). Additional fee.

C4–9  Private pitch time, with Lauren Abramo

C10–15  Private pitch time, with Jennifer Jackson
           
C16–21  Private pitch time, with Amy Tipton

Please note—Agent meetings continue Saturday and Sunday. Check those days’ schedules for appointment times.

D1   Write like a poet: Six tricks that poets can teach every writer, with Angela Rydell and Laurel Yourke
 
Unless writers are poets themselves, they tend to see poetry as something they can take or leave—and for the most part leave. But if you pause for a leisurely look at poetry, you’ll discover that those who write it harness many clever strategies. For example, what can poets teach every writer about the impact of surprise, or the handling of metaphor? During this session we’ll take that leisurely look by visiting some old favorites and meeting some new ones. Along the route you’ll discover at least six secrets for writing more skillfully, succinctly and beautifully. Bring a page of writing along with you, so we can spend some time applying at least one of these techniques. Join us in bringing together both poets and non-poets to explore a world that’s useful and available to every writer, whether a poet or not.

Department of Liberal Studies & the Arts
610 Langdon Street, Rm. 715.....Madison WI 53703
Phone: 608-263-6320 or .....877-336-7836
Fax: 608-265-2475.....E-mail: liberalarts@dcs.wisc.edu

File last updated: January 2008
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