2013 Schedule

Dates for the conference are Thursday afternoon, July 25, through Saturday evening, July 27, with optional break-out sessions on Sunday morning, July 28. Attendees can concentrate on a single concentration of interest -- genre fiction and nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, or publishing -- during the course of the conference, or else "mix and match" sessions as desired.

 

Thursday, July 26

Registration

Noon – 5 p.m.: Taylor Hall Welcome Center
(enter south Taylor Hall door above "Mountaineer" statue)  

On-Campus Room Check-in
4 – 6 p.m.: Chipeta and Pinnacles Halls (for those staying on campus)

 

Reception

6 – 7 p.m.: Aspinall-Wilson Conference Center

Event Locations

  • Keynotes and Panels are in Taylor 228.
  • Genre sessions are in Taylor 200.
  • Poetry Symposium sessions are in Taylor 101.
  • Publishing sessions are in Taylor 100.
  • Joint Sessions are in Taylor 228.
  • Screenwriting sessions are in Taylor 205.
  • Pitches and Critiques in Taylor Hall, as assigned.
  • Saturday afternoon Open Mic is in Taylor Studio Theater.
  • Evening Presenter Readings are in Aspinall-Wilson Conference Center.


Click below for info on

 

KEYNOTES

 Keynotes take place in Taylor Hall 228.

Friday, July 26, 9-9:45 a.m.
W.C. Jameson
"Strategies for Launching a Successful Series"

Whether we’re talking books, movies, documentaries, or video games, if audiences like the story you tell then they want more – more featuring the same story, the same characters, themes, and worlds. As an award-wining and bestselling author of over eighty books, W.C. Jameson shares strategies he’s used to land contracts for writing the successful book series. And he’ll tell us both the advantages and the disadvantages of embracing this popular trend as authors


Friday, July 26, 1-1:45 p.m.

Charlie Craig
"If I Knew Then What I Know Now…"

How do I get an agent? How do I get a job? Now that I have a job, how do I keep it? Now that my show was cancelled, how do I get another job? These are the questions that dominate a TV writer's life, causing headaches, lost sleep, and second-guessing that choice not to major in accounting. It turns out the answer to all the questions is the same… and it's simpler than you think. Long-time television writer, executive producer, and showrunner Charlie Craig tells all.


Saturday, July 27, 9-9:45 a.m.

Jan Schreiber
"Stalking the Typical Poem"

Contemporary poets and readers pay particular attention to certain qualities of language. Debates about formal properties in poems are often debates about the figure of the poet in relation to listeners and readers (an oracle or prophet, or just one of the guys?), and the attitudes behind those debates are constantly changing. Nevertheless, there does seem to be such a thing as a style of the times. There are prevailing artistic preferences among some poets and not a few strategically placed editors today. As a result there are some types of poem that might well be considered typical of a certain strain in contemporary writing.


Saturday, July 27, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Jim Minz

"E-Book Trends"

 James Minz has worked in genre publishing for nearly two decades, but his association with Baen Books puts him at the forefront of the e-book trend since, in addition to a leading indy SF publisher, they’ve also been an e-book retailer for more than 13 years. Jim offers his insights about the impact of e-books and the future of publishing.

 

Evening Readings

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Our featured guest presenters will offer readings open to the public each evening of the conference. These events take place 7-9 p.m. in the Aspinall-Wilson Conference Center.

We'll also offer a cash bar preceding each evening reading.

(You can find bios on each evening's featured presenters by following the "Faculty" and "Speaker" navigation buttons to the upper left on this page.)

Thursday, July 25

  • Russell Davis
  • Natalie Gerber
  • Jack Lucido
  • David Yezzi


Friday, July 26

  • Simon Jarvis
  • W.C. Jameson
  • Jan Schreiber
  • Kim Bridgford


Saturday, July 28

  • Marilyn Taylor
  • Laurie Jameson
  • David J. Rothman
  • Frederick Turner

 

POPULAR GENRE FICTION/NONFICTION SESSIONS

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Genre sessions take place in Taylor Hall 200.

Friday, July 26, 10-10:45 a.m.

"Teaching: The Other Writing Profession"
Presenter: Barbara Chepaitis

In this session Dr. Barbara Chepaitis leads participants in a discussion designed to enhance their understanding of the art of teaching writing, the other profession for authors. Together you'll explore resources, strategies, and techniques to bring what you know into the classroom. And don’t forget that wider audience of conferences, workshops, and writers groups as a way to supplement your own writer’s habit!

 

Friday, July 26, 11-11:45 a.m.

Joint Session for Popular Genres and Publishing

"What Small-Press Editors Want”
Presenters: Larry Meredith, Leah Rogin, Caleb Seeling, Sonya Unrein

Many aspiring authors launch their careers by signing that first contract with a small press. Some writers enter into life-long relationships with such houses while others get that all-important first break that brings them to the attention of larger markets. Publisher Larry Meredith moderates discussion that gathers other small-press editors and publishers, inviting Q&A from the audience.

 

Friday, July 26, 2-2:45 p.m.

"Becoming Your Own Best Editor"
Presenter: Russell Davis

The great Kurt Vonnegut, when asked if it was really possible to teach anyone how to write, said, “… there were creative writing teachers long before there were creative writing courses, and they were called and continue to be called editors.” But until you’ve sold a novel and you have an editor of your very own, you need to learn how to become your own best editor. In this one hour session, we discuss two key topics: how to think like an editor and an actual step-by-step revision process that will make your book better before an agent or editor ever sees it.


Friday, July 28, 3-4 p.m.

"Author/Editor Relations"
Presenters: Jim Minz and Russell Davis

Most authors aren’t Thomas Wolfe and most editors aren’t Max Perkins, but the fact remains that the relationship between an author and an editor is a crucial one. This relationship, which must walk a tightrope between story and money, can create a bond that lasts through many books – or create a nightmare that ends in catastrophe. In this one hour session, Jim Minz and Russell Davis tackle some of the most important aspects of this relationship from handling story disagreements to what happens when an editor changes publishers.

 

Friday, July 28, 4:15-5 p.m.

KAFFEE KLATCHES in Taylor Hall Welcome Center, Mezzanine Level
Hosts: Charlie Craig, Jim Minz, Andy Zach, Terrie Wolf

Grab some java and sit in on any the informal circles to chat with our guest industry professionals about what they do.


Saturday, July 27,  10-10:45 a.m.

"Flash! It’s Fiction"
Presenter: Michaela Roessner

Everybody understands the concept that Flash Fiction is writing that can be read in a flash. But what is it really? And why is it so hot these days? Learn what defines it (including its various forms), how to write it, and how to utilize its terrific advantages for getting a leg up in becoming a published writer and entering your chosen genre or genres. Bring paper and a pen or pencil, or your laptop. This presentation includes a couple of in-house writing exercises.

 

Saturday, July 27, 11-11:45 a.m. (Taylor 229)

Joint Sessions for Popular Genres, Publishing, and Screenwriting

"Markets for Books, including Screen Options"
Presenters: Andrew Zach, Terrie Wolfe, Charlie Craig

Our professionals share insights about what authors should know about storytelling markets.

 

PUBLISHING SESSIONS

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Publishing sessions take place in Taylor Hall 101.

 

Thursday, July 25, 2-3 p.m.

"Building Your Author Platform Before You Publish"
Presenter: Author Julie Luek

Building your fanbase starts long before you sign that contract. In fact, one of the questions an interested agent or acquisitions editor will ask is, “What’s your platform?” Be sure you’ve done your homework and have the answer that lands your book deal. Author Julie Luek will share strategies that help you build your audience, so readers can’t wait for the release of your published book.

 

Thursday, July 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

"Building Your Author Brand After You Publish"
Presenter: Author Laurie Jameson

Okay, you’ve signed that three-book deal. Now the real work begins, and we’re not talking about writing the sequels – it’s the job of extending your fanbase and post-selling your book to ever widening circles of potential readers. Both small and large presses expect authors to become active partners in book promotion. Author Laurie Jameson shares strategies that not only help make your book a success but also create a brand for your name as an author.


Friday, July 26, 10-10:45 a.m.

"Publish(er) or Perish!”
Presenter: Larry Meredith

Okay, maybe not perish, but join author-turned-publisher Larry Meredith as he shares the eye-opening journey of moving to the other side of the submission table, explaining what authors can expect from the dynamic world of small-press houses – and what authors should know if they’re thinking about independent publishing.

 

Friday, July 26, 11-11:45 a.m.

"Alternative Publishing Markets”
Presenters: Larry Meredith, Mavis Bennett, Robert McBrearty

Many aspiring authors launch their careers by signing that first contract with a small press. Some writers enter into life-long relationships with such houses while others get that all-important first break that brings them to the attention of larger markets. Publisher Larry Meredith moderates discussion that gathers not only university and small-press markets but also magazine editors and publishers, inviting Q&A from the audience.


Friday, July 26, 3-4 p.m.
(Taylor 100)

"Author/Editor Relations"
Presenter: Jim Minz and Russell Davis

Most authors aren’t Thomas Wolfe and most editors aren’t Max Perkins, but the fact remains that the relationship between an author and an editor is a crucial one. This relationship, which must walk a tightrope between story and money, can create a bond that lasts through many books – or create a nightmare that ends in catastrophe. In this one hour session, Jim Minz and Russell Davis tackle some of the most important aspects of this relationship from handling story disagreements to what happens when an editor changes publishers.

 

Friday, July 28, 4:15-5 p.m.

KAFFEE KLATCHES in Taylor Hall Welcome Center, Mezzanine Level
Hosts: Charlie Craig, Jim Minz, Andy Zach, Terrie Wolf

Grab some java and sit in on any the informal circles to chat with our guest industry professionals about what they do.

 

Saturday, July 28, 10-10:45 a.m.

“The Publishing Apocalypse:  It’s the End of the World as We Know it" Presenter: Andrew Zach
Random House is merging with Penguin.  The Department of Justice has sued to change the way books are sold.  Traditional publishers are providing services for self-publishers.  And agents are becoming publishers.  To quote Battlestar Galactica, “What the frack is going on?”  Join veteran literary agent, author coach, and publisher Andrew Zack as he tries to sort it all out and provide authors with guidance on the best way to get published.  From the traditional to the guerilla, he’ll take a look at it all.

 

SCREENWRITING SESSIONS

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All Screenwriting sessions take place in Taylor Hall 105.

Friday, July 26, 10-11:45 a.m.

“Screenwriting Primary School (Not everyone goes straight to film school)”
Presenter: Jack Lucido

With motion picture writing you get to play “show” and “tell.”  Every expert tells you that showing is always better that telling.  Here we’ll learn the basic tools and strategies of how best to show your characters, your core meaning, and tell your story in the visual medium of screenwriting.


Friday, July 26, 2-4 p.m.

“Writing 3-Dimensional Characters (No special glasses necessary)”
Presenter: JS Mayank

How to write characters that are memorable, fleshed-out, and relatable. How do you write a dynamic character introduction? What makes your characters come to life on the page? What are some common pitfalls and stereotypes to avoid while writing characters? We'll discuss all the above, and more... With examples from existing movies, and workshopping characters based on audience ideas.


Saturday, July 28, 10-11:45 a.m.

“What Am I Missing   (Action, voice, or story progression?)”
Presenter: Mark Schwiesow

Do your scenes move the way you want them to?  Is something really happening on each page?  Learn simple tips for writing crisp, evocative action to keep your story moving.  Do all of your characters sound the same, as if the same person wrote them all?  See how to differentiate your characters’ voices. Are elements missing that are keeping your script from being as good as you first imagined?  Learn to incorporate those unexpected twists to keep your story exciting and unique. 

 

POETRY SYMPOSIUM: THE CRITICAL PATH

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All Poetry sessions take place in Taylor Hall 100.

Session leaders David J. Rothman and Jan Schreiber will moderate the four rounds of papers presented by a distinguished panel of nationally published poets and critics, followed by discussion among presenters and audience.

The presenters are as follows:

Kim Bridgford
Natalie Gerber
Simon Jarvis
David J. Rothman 
Jan Schreiber
Marilyn L. Taylor
Frederick Turner
David Yezzi

 

Thursday, July 26, 2-4 p.m.

POETRY SYMPOSIUM SESSION ONE

Presenter: Kim Bridgford

"[Paper Title TBA]"

Presenter: Natalie Gerber

"[Paper Title TBA]"


Friday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

POETRY SYMPOSIUM SESSION TWO

Presenter: Simon Jarvis

"[Paper Title TBA]"

Presenter: David J. Rothman

"[Paper Title TBA]"


Friday, July 27, 2-4 p.m.

POETRY SYMPOSIUM SESSION THREE

Presenter: Jan Screiber

"[Paper Title TBA]"

Presenter: Marilyn L. Taylor

"[Paper Title TBA]"


Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

POETRY SYMPOSIUM SESSION FOUR

Presenter: Frederick Turner

"[Paper Title TBA]"

Presenter: David Yezzi

"[Paper Title TBA]"

 

Pitches and MSS Critiques

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 Click here for MSS Critique Guidelines and Deadlines
  • Pitches and Critiques locations assigned at conference.

 

Saturday, July 27

2:30-5 p.m.: Pitch, read, pitch, read...
(See sign-up schedules at the conference for times, places.)

  • Concurrent pitch sessions (Taylor Hall)
  • Concurrent ms critiques (Taylor Hall)
  • Concurrent open mic for conference attendees - 5-minute limit per speaker (Taylor Studio Theater)

 

Closure

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Sunday, July 29

7:00-9:00 a.m.: On-campus room check-out

10:00 a.m.: For those of you not catching flights or starting home early, we'll hold informal "brunch debriefings" (Dutch treat) of the conference by genre. Talk to the following during the conference to find out more:

  • Popular Genre Fiction/Nonfiction -- Mark Todd
  • Poetry -- David Rothman
  • Screenwriting -- Jack Lucido
  • Publishing -- Larry Meredith

 

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