Links & Resources

UK Conferences, Workshops, and Events

August 31-September 2 – The National Association of Writers Groups Annual Festival of Writing, St. A

21 workshops with seven top tutors: Steve Bowkett, Marvin Close, Doris Corti, James Nash, Iain Pattison, Jean Saunders and Simon Whaley. Friday evening: Meet the Board of Directors and Tutors, then hear a talk by Michael Cady of David and Charles Publishers, followed by the launch of Alison Chisholm's Handy Little Book of Tips for Poets. Saturday evening: Gala Dinner with Awards Ceremony.

June 29-July 1 – Winchester Writers’ Conference, Winchester, England

This conference, managed by the University of Winchester, offers you the opportunity to harness your creative ideas and to develop your technical and marketing skills under the guidance and instruction of 64 professional writers during mini courses, workshops, seminars, lectures and one-to-one appointments. Children's Laureate, Jacqueline Wilson will lead a star-studded line-up of internationally renowned authors, novelists, playwrights, poets, producers, literary agents, commissioning editors and industry specialists in the delivery of an exciting programme of creative workshops and seminars.

May 5 – Be Distinct or be Extinct: Branding Workshop for Writers – Regent’s College, Central London

Jurgen Wolff’s practical and concise half-day workshop shows writers and other creative people how to establish themselves as a brand in a way that will help them to stand out from the competition. The session runs from 1.30pm to 5pm and includes all materials. Learn how to stand out in today’s competitive marketplace with creative and inexpensive techniques.

May 5 – Time Management for Writers – Regent’s College, Central London

Jurgen Wolff’s intensive half-day workshop reveals right-brain time management techniques that work best for creative people. The session runs from 9.30am to 12.30 and includes all materials including a copy of Jurgen’s newest book. The techniques are practical and can be applied immediately to give you more time to write.

April 28 – Powerful Pitching, Leeds

Jurgen Wolff leads a one-day workshop in how to powerfully pitch your writing projects (verbally or in query letters). “A good idea, badly presented, sounds like a bad idea”—this is where to learn how to make them sound as good as they are! Numbers are limited so that participants can get maximum personal experience and attention.

April 22 – Right-Brain Scriptwriting – Ealing Film Studios, London

An afternoon workshop in using right-brain techniques to generate stories, create exciting characters, and write lively dialogue for television and film (the techniques can also be applied to writing novels). This experiential workshop is interactive and enjoyable and includes Jurgen’s latest book

United States Conferences, Workshops, Events

June 15-17 – Writers League of Texas Agents and Editors Conference

Registration includes one face-to-face meeting with an agent or editor of your choice, first-come, first-served basis. Keynote speaker: Lee Gutkind.

May 31-June 1 – Backspace Writers Conference, New York City

The 2007 Backspace Writers Conference brings together best-selling authors, top literary agents, and editors for a two-day, two-track event featuring panel discussions, workshops, and socializing in the heart of the publishing world. Serious writers in all genres are invited to come meet the people who can make a difference in their writing career.

April 27-29 – Memphis Black Writers Conference and Southern Film Festival, Memphis, Tennessee

There’s a huge line-up of events at this conference and film festivals, including distinguished speakers, workshops, film screenings and presentations, and exciting entertainment. Included among this year’s authors and special guests: Eric Monte (Cooley High & Good Times); Lynn Norment (Ebony Magazine); Rochelle Stevens (Silver & Gold Medalist); and Rose Walker (Writing4Success); Christian/ Inspirational Authors: *Dr. Oneal Sandidge" " ( Publishers) ; Valerie Stewart (former pro basketball player); Kevin Wayne Johnson, Sister Betty (Christian Comic); and Dr. Debbie Lassiter. Publishing & Marketing: Levi Frazier, Jr., a native Memphian, is co-founder and artistic director of Blues City Cultural Center in Memphis.

April 20-22 – Retreat from Harsh Reality – Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America (open to non-memb

In addition to the guest author's workshops, the Retreat from Harsh Reality includes many enjoyable activities such as the book sale and author signings, and author critiques (as well as the ever popular Lazarus Connection to entertain us on Saturday night).

April 19-22nd - Las Vegas Writers Conference

Workshops, seminars and expert panels will take you through writing in many genres including fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, poetry, journalism and business and technical writing. There will be many Q&A panels for you to ask the experts all your questions. The panels include: authors, agents, publishing, self-publishing, crime, mystery and medical.

Publications

Writers' News

Writers’ News and its sister publication, Writing Magazine, are the U.K.’s foremost writing magazines. They feature how-to articles, interviews with writers, market information and they also sponsor a number of writing contests.

Editorial Services

Michael Hauge

As well as teaching, Michael Hauge offers one-on-one script consulting. He’s been around a long time and knows what he’s talking about. He also genuinely cares about his clients. See the site for details and rates. www.writing2sell.com - Michael Garrett was Stephen King’s first editor. He’s a book doctor and also a novelist himself. He offers script doctoring services and writing workshops (online and offline). They include "The Truth About Self-Publication," "Screenwriting for the Movies," and "How to Write Your Novel."

Useful Websites

Crewgle

Crewgle.com is a U.K. based website geared to the film-making community. It lists festivals, screenings, crew profiles and feedback, a noticeboard, jobs, blogs, videos, artwork and more, and membership is free.