Three Days Featuring:
Jonathan Maberry
New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry is a 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, and comic book writer. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was produced as a Netflix original series, starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES) and debuted in 2019. He writes in multiple genres, including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, fantasy, and action, and he writes for adults, teens, and middle grade. His comics include Black Panther: DoomWar, The Punisher: Naked Kills, and Bad Blood. He is a board member of the Horror Writers Association and the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He lives in Del Mar, California.
Join us for this unique opportunity
The Write Stuff Writers Conference(TM)
Join us for this unique opportunity
=>April 11, 12, 13 - 2024<=
LIVE!
Three Days - 24 Great Sessions
plus: >>Limited time access to recorded sessions
for the days you register<<
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration closes Mar 31, 2024.
Agent/Editor Pitching is Back!
What people say about the Write Stuff Writers Conference:
A CHAMP OF A CONFERENCE!
I add my congratulations for a wonderful conference - great content and a mastery of the technology. Thank you so much.
-Martha Cichelli
Here here! Giving super positive feedback! Grandest. Conference. Ever. Had so much fun!
-Kelly Bender
Yes, this was pioneering work, and all very well done. Congratulations!
-Al Tucher
Thanks for creating a great learning opportunity. I was up writing this morning. It was a gift.
-Judy England-McCarthy
Having been at many conferences over my many years--writing conferences, nursing conferences, business conferences-- this one was the best----I'll repeat that: THE best.
-Mitzi Flyte
MAJOR kudos to the folks on The Write Stuff Comittee, who not only had to learn a whole new format in how to present a conference, but did so with no technical issues and the same great quality throughout.
-Laurel Wenson
So join us April 11, 12, 13 for
The Write Stuff Writers Conference 2024!
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration Policies
Looking to enhance your writing skills?
You have come to the right place. The Write Stuff(tm) offers a sterling faculty of writing and publishing professionals offering 24 events to help get you where you want to be in your writing career.
Scroll down for faculty, detailed course descriptions and schedules.
>Includes limited time access to recorded sessions for the days you register<
| Member and Students | Non Member | |
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Thursday: |
$119 |
$129 |
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Friday: |
$119 |
$129 |
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Saturday: |
$139 |
$149 |
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All 3 Days: |
$349 |
$369 |
Special: Price Below for Recorded Sessions Only, Limited Time Access
| Member and Students | Non Member | |
|
Thursday: |
$40 |
$45 |
|
Friday: |
$40 |
$45 |
|
Saturday: |
$80 |
$90 |
|
All 3 Days: |
$119 |
$135 |
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration closes Mar 31, 2024.
24 Great Sessions over Three Days
>Limited time access to recorded sessions for the days you register<
Two Half-Day Seminars
All Times East Coast USA
|
Morning - 8:30-11:30 Marketing Morning! Selling Your Work with Whether you are self- or traditionally published, there are many sideways methods you can use to jump sales. From selecting book topics that are likely to find eager readers, to optimizing your book to be found on Amazon and the web, to finding endorsers, interviews, and unusual sales platforms, it's exciting to see how many "out of the box" ideas might work for you to find eager readers. You may be surprised at just how much you can do to build an audience and move your book sales to the next level -- without a platform! |
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11:30 - 1:00 Lunch Included |
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Afternoon - 1:00-4:00 More Marketing: How to Elevate Your Platform
Are you looking to amplify your writing career and connect with a broader audience? Creating a podcast and/or being a guest on a podcast might be for you! In this session with author and podcaster, Melissa Koberlein, you'll learn the ins and outs of podcasting, from crafting compelling narratives to perfecting your on-air presence. How to prepare to be a guest on a podcast will also be covered, showing you how to share your expertise, promote your work, and build valuable connections with established podcast hosts. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage the power of podcasts to boost your writing career and engage with a wider audience.
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>Limited time access to recorded sessions for the days you register<
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Thursday Evening, April 11 The Writers Cafe - an informal discussion, read and critique session or just sit and listen. A good place to try out your Page Cuts offering. All Write Stuff attendees are invited. >>Live Only - Not Recorded<< |
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration closes Mar 31, 2024.
After Mar 31
Contact: glvwg.vebmeister@gmail.com
to register on space available basis.
Friday, April 12
Two Half-Day Seminars
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Morning - 8:30-11:30 The Novel: From Idea to Finished Manuscript. A three-hour crash course on creating a saleable novel. So, you want to write a novel. You have a good idea, the storytelling urge, and lots of enthusiasm. So…then what? This 3-hour program is a crash course in the art and science of creating a saleable novel. Together we’ll explore how to develop an IDEA into a PLOT; How to Write a Flexible and Workable Outline; Understanding the Three-Act Storytelling Structure; Setting useful and stress-free Work Habits; Research to give your novel a strong backbone; Setting expectations for a First Draft; The Revision Process (and how to make that faster and fun); coping with Imposter Syndrome; Structuring the Novel; and so much more! |
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11:30 - 1:00 Lunch Included |
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Afternoon - 1:00-4:00 The People in Your Head Creating compelling characters in fiction - , Good stories are about characters. They drive the narrative, they engage the reader. Great fiction is all about the people. The characters. Every good story isn’t about the big events, the threats, the monsters or bad guys or crisis. Good stories are about the characters. They drive the narrative, they engage the reader, and they are why we read! NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry –author of 40-plus novels, two dozen graphic novels, and over 130 short stories will share tips, insights, craft elements, and trade secrets about how to create and craft realistic ‘people’ for your writing. This lively discussion unlocks the process of taking a necessary group of characters and transforming them into individuals who drive the narrative, deepen the emotional impact, and make each story truly memorable. |
>Limited time access to recorded sessions for the days you register<
|
Friday Evening, April 12 6:30-8:00 Page Cuts Critique LIMITED SEATING: Additional $10 Rare opportunity for An assigned reader will read your anonymous opening page to a panel of industry experts, agents, editors and seasoned writers. Each will give their considered opinion based on the never-before-heard selection. Invaluable feedback without the pressure of performing. Take notes in private. Panel members will be available for questions at the end of the readings. >>Live Only - Not Recorded<< |
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Evening- 7:00-8:00
Mastering the Submission Process Submitting a Query...? Navigate the World of Publishing with Confidence. Learn the ins and outs of submitting your work to literary agents and publishers, from crafting compelling query letters to understanding submission guidelines. Gain the skills to present your manuscript effectively and maximize your chances of getting published. |
8:00-10:00 Friday Night Reception
Reception with Passed Hors d’Oeuvres and Cash Bar
Schmooze with our Presenters, Meet Some GLVWG Members
Mark Twain has indicated he may make an appearance.
COSTUMES ARE ENCOURAGED
A Roving Paparazzo Will be Snapping Groupies!
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration closes Mar 31, 2024.
After Mar 31
copy and paste this email into your mail app:
glvwg.vebmeister@gmail.com
to register on space available basis.
Agent/Editor Pitching is Back!
Three Professional Agents/Editors will be Available to Hear Your Pitches
Pick your Agent or Editor. Sign up during registration.
You will be assigned a ten minute slot and will be notified by email.
NO CHARGE FOR A PITCH
Mark Gottlieb is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other individual categories. He is seeking submissions in all categories and genre, and looks forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.He is actively building his client list of authors using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. Mark Gottlieb continues to represent numerous New York Times bestselling and prominent award-winning authors through his work at Trident Media Group. He has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies.
Marie Lamba is author of the young adult novels What I Meant… (Random House), Over My Head and Drawn, and of the picture books Green Green: A Community Gardening Story (Farrar Straus Giroux), and A Day So Gray (Clarion). Her articles appear in more than 100 publications, and she's a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest. Marie has worked as an editor, an award-winning public relations writer, a book publicist, and has taught classes on novel writing and on author promotion. As literary agent at Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency, she represents middle grade, YA and adult novels and memoir, as well as non-fiction for all ages. She is looking for character-driven sci-fi and fantasy, psychological horror (not gory), and graphic novels
She is not particularly interested in Christian fiction, horsey books, thrillers, erotica, or romance. Learn more about Marie at jdlit.com/marie-lamba
Donna Talarico is an editor, independent writer and content strategist, and she is also the founder of Hippocampus Magazine and its books division, Books by Hippocampus, and creative nonfiction writing conference, HippoCamp.
Donna has more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, writing, and media, and about half of that time has been in higher education.
She speaks at higher education and publishing conferences, writes an adult learner recruiting column for Wiley, and has contributed to CASE Currents (a higher education trade publication), Guardian Higher Education Network, The Writer, Mental Floss, Games World of Puzzles, UX Booth, Campus Sonar blog, various alumni magazines, and others.
For Hippocampus Magazine, Donna is looking for previously unpublished works in the categories of personal essays, memoir excerpts and flash creative non-fiction. For Books by Hippocampus, she is interested in memoir, essay collections, craft books, and anthologies. She is not particularly interested in fiction, poetry, academic works, editorials, social/political commentary, satire, or criticism. More is said at: hippocampusmagazine.com/submissions
All Times East Coast USA
Saturday, April 13
Fifteen Fifty-Minute Sessions
Plus: Pitch Sessions, Author Publicity Photos,
Banquet and Keynote Speaker, Jonathan Maberry
>Limited time access to recorded sessions for the days you register<
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration closes Mar 31, 2024.
After Mar 31send request to this email:
glvwg.vebmeister@gmail.com
to register on space available basis.
Go to the Registration Page and choose Member, Non-Member or Student registration.
Then choose Full Conference Registration or which day(s) you would like to register.
To submit an entry to our Flash Lit contest here: Flash Lit Contest
Read the Registration Policies page for refund information.
Problem? Question?
to contact copy and paste this email into your mail app:
glvwgvebmeister@aol.com
http://glvwgwritestuffblog.wordpress.com/
Expanded Saturday Course Descriptions:
Keynote Title: WHAT A LONG, STRANGE TRIP IT’S BEEN:
A Writer’s Journey
THE ART OF THE BOOK PITCH:
Pitching a novel doesn’t have to be scary. It can a heck of a lot of fun. (Yes, fun…that’s not a typo!) This workshop explores resources and strategies for preparing a pitch to an agent, editor, or publisher. And even some games and exercises to make pitching enjoyable and stress-free. We’ll cover the query letter; face-to-face pitches; the elevator pitch; identifying your market; reader demographics; and genre; building submission materials; formatting the manuscript; searching for markets; follow-ups; and other resources.
RESEARCH FOR WRITERS:Whether you’re writing a nail-biting thriller or an article on raising goldfish, you need to have the right technical information. Building a strong nonfiction foundation for any kind of writing elevates your story to a higher level, makes it more interesting and fun for readers, and gets your work noticed. NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry –an avowed ‘knowledge junkie’ shares his tips and insider knowledge on how to do Deep Research, Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction; Making your Work ‘Predictive’; How Not to Get Lost down a Research Rabbit-hole; Finding and Working with Experts; Asking the Right Questions; Using Research as Story-Generators; Picking the Right Amount of Research to Include in your Story; and more.
WRITING FOR ANTHOLOGIES
How do you find markets for your short stories? Consider anthologies. Stories that squarely hit an anthology's target will likely go to the top of the editor's pile of submissions. In this workshop, presented by an editor and publisher of popular anthologies, you'll learn how to prepare your short fiction for the best chance of acceptance.
ORGANIZE YOUR TIME AND WRITE 1000 WORDS PER HOUR - GUARANTEED
Without a system, the odds for starting and finishing your manuscript drastically fall. This lecture covers a game plan you can use to efficiently plan and write your project, whether short story/article or long novel/book. You'll learn how to create a flexible weekly schedule, quickly plan the structure of your project, and smash writer's block so you can put down -- really -- 1000 words per hour or more. You'll be writing "THE END" before you know it!
ROCKET YOUR WRITING PAST THE MIDDLE LEVEL
Middle-level writers write well, and usually think they are ready to be published. However their works are characterized by habits that diminish reader involvement. This lecture covers intense ways to spark tension: great story beginnings, deep POV, clear story arrows to eliminate reader confusion, and the five-minute trick guaranteed to keep your reader turning pages. This lecture also covers some mechanical issues to watch out for such as Noah's Ark, MRU's, and the dreaded one thing after another syndrome. You'll be amazed at the word makeovers.
SUBPLOT SANITY
If subplots leave you confused, bring back some sanity. The narrative strands in a story can be categorized into five distinct types: main story, protagonist's hidden need, antagonist's story, gift at climax subplot, and protagonist's mirror subplot. Learn how to build a resonant story by developing each of these strands into narratives that weave and tangle delightfully.
CREATING LAUGHTER AND LOVE;
WRITING ROMANTIC COMEDYEver wondered what sets romantic comedy novels apart from traditional romance? Join romance author, Melissa Koberlein as she delves into the nuances that distinguish these genres. Writing romantic comedy requires a delicate balance between love and humor. Learn how to create quirky characters, craft witty banter, and weave scenarios that elicit both laughter and heartfelt emotions. Whether you're an experienced writer looking to diversify your skill set or a budding author seeking to understand the intricacies of romantic comedy, this presentation will provide valuable insights on this charming genre.
BEYOND THE PAGE: BALANCING WORK AND LIFE
AS A WRITERFinding the right balance between your writing, work commitments, and life in general can be a challenging juggling act. Join Melissa Koberlein for practical insights and strategies on achieving a work-life balance. Learn about time management, increasing productivity, and methods for setting boundaries that protect your creative time without compromising your career. Whether you're an aspiring author trying to manage a full-time job or an established writer seeking to refine your work-life balance, this presentation will help you maintain your passion for writing while sustaining your career and personal responsibilities.
NAVIGATING THE QUERY TRENCHES: TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR WRITERS
Are you ready to start querying literary agents for your manuscript? Join romance author and publishing expert, Melissa Koberlein as she discusses tips and tricks on surviving the query trenches. Learn the ins and outs of crafting an enticing query letter, finding the right agent, and navigating the submission process. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned writer, this session will provide insight to help you secure the representation you deserve. Don't miss this opportunity to demystify the querying process and bring your publishing dreams one step closer to reality.
My Journey to Publication-
and What Happened AfterSometimes, the path to publication is a rocky one. Everybody knows that. What few understand is how rocky the path AFTER publication can be. Strap in for a bumpy ride — the tale of how Jordan Sonnenblick got published, got unpublished, and got republished, all in one summer!
WRITING THE YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
Of Jordan Sonnenblick’s 14 books, four are traditional young adult novels, with characters who are in high school. Several more are right on the borderline of middle-grade and YA, and feature 8th graders as main characters. Learn how a writer who’s had some success aims his novels at the teen audience.
WRITING MEMOIR: HOW AND WHY?
Jordan’s two most recent books are middle-grade memoirs. After writing a whole bunch of novels, Jordan was surprised at how easy and natural writing memoir felt in comparison — once he got over the initial hurdles. Learn the tips and tricks that he used to break the “memoir barrier."
NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH:
ARE YOU CRAZY ENOUGH TO JOIN US?National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short, starts every year on November 1, and encourages participants to write 50,000 words in 30 days (1667 each day). It might sound crazy, but as an avid “NaNo” writer since 2017, I can assure you that NaNoWriMo is SO much more than numbers on a graph. This session will answer all of your questions about how to prepare, what to do during the month of November, what a Nano “rebel” is, and all the opportunities for writing and editing that continue long after November 30.
Problem? Question?
Presenter Bios:
Weldon Burge
A native of Delaware, Weldon is a writer, publisher, and full-time editor. His short fiction has appeared in many publications, including various magazines and anthologies (such as Crimeucopia, The Best of the Horror Society 2013, Pellucid Lunacy: An Anthology of Psychological Horror, Ghosts and Demons, Beach Pulp, and Scary Stuff, just to name a few).
In 2012, Weldon and his wife, Cindy, founded Smart Rhino Publications, an indie publishing company focusing primarily on horror and suspense/thriller books, many of them anthologies. To date, the company has published 17 books, including the most recent anthology, Asinine Assassins.
Amy Deardon
Amy had a literary agent for her first novel. When everything went south, she discovered self-publishing and has not looked back. She created her own company, Apothem Publishing, and later founded another company, EBook Listing Services, that helps authors to self-publish. Since then, she has published more than fifty books for clients and a few of her own as well. She speaks regularly on story structure, writing habits, and ways to publish.
Amy says she is married to an amazing man, and they have two children. She is a writer, editor, and publisher who loves to help writers create and publish awesome stories and nonfiction works.
Melissa Koberlein
Melissa is a bestselling romance author and professor of communication and publishing. She lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. She loves animals, especially her dog, Zoe, and her cats, Molly & Loki. She also says she is a HUGE Philadelphia Eagles fan. Phillies too.
Fireflies, a young adult trilogy, melding romance and light science fiction, is a fun and quirky allegory for the future of nanotechnology. Melissa has also written about virtual reality (Deadlock), space (Raven’s Sphere), and androids (her newest series, Ashwater). But don’t let the sci-fi elements deter you, there’s lots of humor and heart. All of her books are available online and in bookstores.
Jordan Sonnenblick
At Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, Jordan met a creative writing teacher who completely changed his life. That teacher’s name was Frank McCourt. (Soon to write his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Angela’s Ashes.)
Jordan says, “He taught me a ton, mostly through one Yoda-like saying that he repeated to me all year. I would write the funniest piece I could, and the class would be cracking up as I read my work aloud. Then, as soon as the noise subsided, Mr. McCourt would say, "Jordan . . . Jordan. Someday you’ll head for the deep water." Head for the deep water – great advice if you want to be a writer. Or a salmon.”
Laurel Wenson
Laurel’s love of small-town life serves as inspiration for her stories about love and friendship that span generations. The Harbor Cove Brunch Club is the first novel of her new series set in the fishing town of Gloucester, MA. Join six middle-aged women as they rely on each other throughout life’s challenges.
She has also written the Caldwell series for young adults, as well as a non-fiction guidebook for children’s theater, Sets on a Shoestring.
Laurel lives in Bethlehem, PA, with her husband, two daughters, and a frisky feline. She is a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group and an avid participant in National Novel Writing Month.
>Limited time access to recorded sessions for the days you register<
April 11, 12, 13 - 2024
Register for The Write Stuff Here
Registration closes Mar 31, 2024
After Mar 31
contact glvwg.vebmeister@gmail.com
to register on space available basis.