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Schedule & Workshops

Saturday morning, March 28, 2009

Held at Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison, WI

Please note: If you registered on Friday for both days you don't need to check in.

The bookstore is open 7:45 a.m. The bookstore has copies of the contest winners for you to read in the lounge area.

Lunch is on your own today, noon-1:15 pm. There are many quick choices on State Street and next door. Recommendations will be provided.

8:00-8:45 am	Registration (coffee, tea, juice, pastries). The bookstore is open.
8:45-9:00 am	Introduction of agents
9:00 am-11:45 a.m.	General session: Special presentation with Dara Marks

“Nobody can give a writer talent, but Dara Marks can guide us through the craft of telling our stories in the most thoughtful and thought-provoking way.” –Iris Rainer Dart, author, Beaches, quoted from Inside Story/The Power of the Transformational Arc

Making all of this matter: finding the muse, the bliss, the paychecks, and more. Join us for an intensive, lively workshop filled with hands-on exercises to flex your craft muscles. Nonfiction and fiction writers alike will take home ways to improve their writing.

Break: 10:15-10:30 a.m.

F1-24 Saturday morning agent pitch meetings, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
If you have an agent meeting, please try to sit near the door of the classroom so that you may leave with the minimum of disruption to others. Thank you.

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. See pitch session tips page for details.

F1-6 Private pitch time, with Lauren Abramo

F7-12 Private pitch time, with Jennifer Jackson

F13-18 Private pitch time, with Victoria Skurnick

F19-24 Private pitch time, with Amy Tipton

10:15-10:30 a.m. Break

G1-24 Agent meetings, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

G1-6 Private pitch time, with Lauren Abramo

G7-12 Private pitch time, with Jennifer Jackson

G13-18 Private pitch time, with Victoria Skurnick

G19-24 Private pitch time, with Amy Tipton

Saturday afternoon, March 29

Held at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.

1:00—4:15 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Break

H1 Inside Story: (Part 1) – Writing from the Inside Out, with Dara Marks
In the process of developing plot and character, it's easy to lose track of what is important and meaningful. Inside Story is an innovative approach to the art and craft of storytelling that helps writers stay focused on unifying principles that link plot and character to the thematic, emotional and even soulful dimensions of a story.

H2 The Novelist’s Boot Camp workshop, with Todd Stone
Especially helpful to new and intermediate-level writers, this workshop is packed with drills to get your writing in publishable shape. Drills cover plotting, character development, dialogue, action, description, revision, and other elements of the craft that will propel “stuck” writers forward. Take command of your novel. Learn how to focus your own creativity, voice, and style. Drills also cover: mental preparation for writing a novel, how to create your concept, using a character matrix, build a master story summary, how to blast through writer’s block, aim for the gut and emotions, leverage the intimacy of the five senses, triage your scenes, how to focus and not waste time in the editing and revision process.

H3 Nonfiction track, 1-2:30 p.m.: The inspirational, nonfiction essay: capturing time, place, and message, with Patricia Crisafulli
This field—that includes publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul and its many editions—is always looking for writers. Contests and publications abound—and they pay. This is an area where first-time writers have equal footing with seasoned professionals. What differentiates the inspirational essay from its more factual or opinionated counterpart is the mission to teach, inspire, and/or invoke feeling in the reader. This workshop covers three key elements of these essays: the set-up or “trigger”; the introspection; the connection. Short, fun exercises put you on a professional path to publication.

H4 Nonfiction track, 2:45-4:15 p.m.: What do you need to become a travel writer?, with Anne Calcagno
It’s not enough to pack your bags and hike around the globe. We’ll distinguish what’s essential to a good travel writing “short” (the actual name for the compact features that fill the first 20-30 pages of most travel writing magazines), and other travel writing genres/structures. We’ll talk about how you can convey passion for a place, and explore ways to infuse your travel writing with the energy of the storyteller. Bring a postcard, photo or the memory of a place you’ve been to inspire a writing exercise. Start your query letter here.

H5-18 Agent meetings, 1:15-2:30 p.m., Saturday

There is a 2:30-2:45 p.m. refreshment break between agent appointments.

Seven 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. See pitch session tips page for details.

H5-11 Private pitch time, with Victoria Skurnick

H12-18 Private pitch time, with Amy Tipton

(Lauren Abramo and Jennifer Jackson are not available during this time. Please see Lauren's Q&A session next hour.)

H19-32 Agent meetings, and 2:45-4:00 p.m., Saturday

H19-25 Private pitch time, with Victoria Skurnick

H26-32 Private pitch time, with Amy Tipton

(Jennifer Jackson is not available during this time. Please also see Lauren Abramo’s Q&A session this hour.)

H33 Q&A and more about the publishing business, with Lauren Abramo
Informal discussion. Bring your questions; practice your logline or pitch if you wish (in front of others); ask more about trends, contracts & money, or your book; or just listen in.

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

Liberal Studies & the Arts | UW Madison Continuing Studies