Amateur and experienced writers alike will have the opportunity to hone their skills, network and participate in specialized workshops at the Upper Arlington Public Library’s first ever writers’ conference this fall.
From left to right, Faith Van Horne, Pat Snyder, Nita Sweeney, Jody Casella and Trudy Vandenburg. Additional presenting authors include John Ondo and Karen Edwards.
Photo courtesy of the Upper Arlington Public Library
The Write Stuff Writers’ Conference and Expo, scheduled for Nov. 14, is a collaboration between the library, UA Cultural Arts Division and the UA Parks and Recreation department. The conference is free upon registration, which is open until the day of the event. Space may be limited for some of the more popular sessions.
Deb Mosely, LifeLong Learning program coordinator, says Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation as well as the library noticed a demand for writers’ resources. There were a lot of requests from residents who wanted to learn more about the path to self-publishing.
“There was a need for an event that would give them (this information),” Mosely says.
That’s how the idea for the conference was born.
“We need to sort of test the waters to see if this is something people are clamoring for, and that there is a huge desire for it,” says Jennifer Faure, community engagement specialist at the library. “I think we’ve had enough people contact us about writing programs that we believe there is a demand. It should be an opportunity to get some writing basics in, and I think experienced writers can get something out of it as well.”
Seven writers, including some who live in the Tri-Village and central Ohio areas, will be leading workshops. The lineup includes Trudy Brandenburg, experienced in character development and independent publishing; Pat Snyder, a humor writer; Nita Sweeney, who specializes in writing practice; Karen Edwards, who is experienced in freelance magazine writing; John Ondo, with knowledge on websites and blogging; Jody Casella, a published young adult author; and Faith Van Horne, who will share her tips on self-editing for publication.
Area publishers including Thurber House, Ohioana Library, Sisters in Crime, Ohio University Press and Upper Hand Press will also have booths at the expo.
“We want this to offer to a broad range of writers,” Faure says.
Depending on how the conference is received by the public, the organizations are planning on making it an annual event.
“We’ll never charge for this event as long as it’s at the library,” Faure says.
Mosely adds that feedback from this year’s participants will be important in determining future itineraries.
“We’ll see what people are most interested in,” Mosely says. “That’ll be part of determining how this goes down the line.”
But this year, the parks and recreation department and library are looking forward to connecting writers and giving them a chance to learn and grow.
“There is such a mystique about breaking into (the writing industry),” Mosely says. “Writing is such a solitary process. It helps to have mutual support.”
The Write Stuff Writers’ Conference and Exposition Schedule
-11 a.m., Social Media and Websites for Writers, Friends Theater
-11 a.m., Bring Your Cast of Characters to Life, Meeting Room B
-12 p.m., Keep Your Hand Moving!, Meeting Room B
-12 p.m., Self Publishing with CreateSpace and Kindle, Friends Theater
-1 p.m., Using the Hero’s Journey to Unlock Your Own Stories, Friends Theater
-1 p.m., Self Editing for Publication, Meeting Room B
-2 p.m., Drop-in Literacy Fun for Kids and Families, Activity Room
-2 p.m., Humor Writing: When the Dog Eats Your Planner, Friends Theater
-3 p.m., Freelance Writing for Magazines, Friends Theater
-3 p.m., Try Your Hand at Humor Writing, Meeting Room B
To register, go to www.ualibrary.org and visit the events calendar.
Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
