From Prose to Publication: The Reality of Fiction Writing January 21, 2006

Washington Independent Writers
All-Day Seminar Series
From Prose to Publication: The Reality of Fiction Writing
Acclaimed fiction writers and publications professionals discuss
what you need to know for successful publication.

Saturday, January 21, 2006
Cafritz Conference Center
The George Washington University
800 21st Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20052

Keynote Address:

Richard McCann, author of Ghost Letters and Mother of Sorrows

McCann, an author of literary fiction and poetry and professor of creative writing at American University, shares his journey from blank page to award-winning publications.

Session I?The Authors' Perspective

A distinguished panel of authors joins moderator Ken Ackerman for a discussion about how they turned their creative writing into published fiction. Joining Ackerman is Clyde Linsley ( Saving Louisa ), C.M. Mayo ( Miraculous Air) and Tim Wendel ( Castro's Curveball ). Ackerman is the author of three books of historical nonfiction.

Session II?Through the Fiction Editor's Lens

One of the best markets for fiction writers is literary magazines. Moderator Richard Peabody , founder and editor of Gargoyle Magazine, is joined by editors Blair Ewing of WordWrights, Nathan Leslie of Pedestal Magazine and The Potomac, and Julie Wakeman-Linn of Potomac Review . Find out what editors look for in editorial submissions, and the perks and peeves of working with fiction writers.

Session III?The Industry Perspective

A book is just a stack of paper in a drawer without authors' representatives and booksellers. WIW president and Publishers Weekly contributing editor Joe Barbato is joined by literary agent Elaine English of Graybill & English and Terri Mertz , owner of Chapters: A Literary Bookstore. Find out what agents look for in fiction writers. Learn what gets authors invited to book signings, plus hear what kind of books Mertz predicts readers will make the next big sellers.

Session IV ? Your Open Forum

Share your experiences and concerns as a fiction writer. Mine the collective wisdom of panelists, presenters and your fellow participants. Ringmaster for this free-form fun discussion will be Al Portner , WIW treasurer and president of editorial services company, The Assignment Desk.

Prices:

WIW Member...........................$119

Nonmember.............................$189



Program hours: 9 a.m.?5 p.m. Registration at 8 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Refreshments served throughout the day. Ample break for lunch.
Attendees are responsible for their own lunch.

Register Early.

Attendance is limited.

Call Washington Independent Writers at (202) 775-5150.

Or register online at www.washwriter.org.