Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Workshop A Unique Writing Event

(PRWEB) April 7, 2005 -- Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings put a uniqueness in her works "The Yearling" and "Cross Creek" that made them classics. Now novelists, playwrights, fiction writers of all genres and even non-fiction writers can polish their craft at a writing workshop that is just as unique as the woman whose name it bears.

Sponsored by the Gainesville Association for the Creative Arts, the Ninth Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Writing the Region workshop will be held July 20-24, 2005 in Gainesville, Fl, a short drive from Rawlings' Cross Creek home.

The workshop is a writers' buffet, with literally something for everyone.

Many of the workshops focus on the writing process:
·Accomplished playwright and screenwriter Sarah Bewley will discuss "Beginnings and Endings." In her workshop, she will show writers how to hook readers into their story from the very beginning and keep them engaged all the way through to an ending that works for the reader. Anyone who has started a book and either stepped away from the keyboard or put down a novel that doesn't work knows how difficult this can be.

·Do you enjoy writing New Journalism? Do you even know what New Journalism is? Well, award winning writer and documentary producer Bill Bellville will discuss the ins and outs of this style of creative non-fiction that uses some of the narrative techniques of fiction writing to tell the non-fiction story.

·Need a little tension in your work? Let Novelist Rita Ciresi show you how to infuse a little drama into your writing without going over the top into melodrama.

·Finally, what about Theme? And how do the Characters get involved? Renowned Humor Writer Shelly Fraser Mickle shows you how to link your theme to your main character.

Other sessions will bring writers up-to-speed on the business side of the profession.

·Doris Booth of AuthorLink and literary agent Ann Hawkins will present a workshop on Market and Editorial Trends that will give writers a look into the business side of writing. The session will feature a discussion of several books that made it into print and why these authors were successful.

·St. Petersburg Times columnist Jeff Klinkenberg will provide a peek inside his own life as a professional writer, showing the rest of us how to stay sane and organized.

For writers with completed works ready for the marketplace, the following sessions may prove interesting.

·Getting Your Book in the Hands of Readers: Making the Sale and Beyond, with Mary Anna Evans who will share her tips on getting an agent, finding a publisher and finally publicizing the finished work.
·And if all else fails, newspaper columnist Bill Maxwell will discuss How to Deal with Rejection and what you should do next.

As wonderful as the individual sessions are, the Writing the Region workshop is so much more.

New this year is the opportunity to try out your "Pitch" on two seasoned publishing professionals. Doris Booth and Ann Hawkins will listen to your ideas and give you their honest impressions. Returning is the popular Editor's Table with Robert Fulton. Writers get 15 minutes of quality hands-on time with one of the nation's most renowned editors.

And what would the Rawlings Workshop be without the wonderful food and entertainment. Participants will again enjoy the talent of Workshop and UF Faculty Member Sid Homan who will direct in "readers theater" format from plays by faculty members Shelly Fraser Mickle and Michael Gannon. Other events include an evening of performances of works by Workshop Faculty and an evening trip to Rawlings' Cross Creek home.

Early-bird registration for the workshop for the five days is just $345, which includes all sessions and meals. There are also one-day and half-day rates available. For more information, call toll-free: 1-888-917-7001, or visit our website at http://www.writingtheregion.com/.

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