Free workshop.
Location: WI State Capitol-Senate Room 425 SW
2 E. Main Street, Madison, WI

See event info

Womens' Writing Retreat
The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI
Sun-Sat. September 9-15, 2012

Writers intermediate and above cherish this week full of hours they can call their own. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, long pieces or short, for yourself or for publication, you will enjoy the morning warm ups, quiet afternoons to write, and evenings to read, write or hang out by the fire. Add a conference with a caring mentor and the company of others who share your love of writing, and you are practically in heaven.

The Womens' Writing Retreat is designed for writers who want a solid chunk of time in which to focus on their work. In the mornings, we gather for warm-up and optional feedback sessions. Afternoons are designated quiet writing time, giving you the luxury of writing in silence, with no interruptions, for as long as you please. Private conferences take place throughout the week and are optional.

Whether you want to work on your book, finish a short story, craft a nonfiction article or complete your memoirs, you are bound to make progress during this wonderful week.

Class is appropriate for experienced writers. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please plan to use FF products during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)

Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225

Three, Free Writers' Workshops
Friday, October 12, 9 am - 4:00 pm at the Waupaca Book Festival

The Waupaca Book Festival will be kicking off the weekend with three writers' workshops. They will be held in the meeting rooms at the Waupaca Public Library on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. The workshops are free and open to all. Writers and aspiring writers are invited to attend any or all of the workshops.

Reservations Requested. Call the Waupaca Public Library at 715-258-4414 to reserve a spot, or register online: http://www.waupacalibrary.org/bookfestival/2012/free-writers-workshop-friday-october-12-9-am-400-pm if we have room, we will also take walk-ins.

9:00 am - 11:00 am: Judy Bridges
For all who have dreams of writing, who wonder if they can do it or if it's worthwhile. Tips to help you decide what to write, in what form, how to get organized, and where to begin. Bring your notebook or laptop to take notes, and who knows, maybe get that first page written.

12:30pm - 2:30 pm: Darien Gee
Author Darien Gee will discuss the art of writing memoirs. She'll share techniques on how to craft and organize your work, and include guided writing exercises. No laptops, please; just bring a notebook and pencil. Gee is the author of the national best-seller "Friendship Bread" as well as three additional novels under the name of Mia King.
Darien Gee's optional writing assignment [pdf]

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Lowell Peterson
Author Lowell Peterson, editor Nancy Root Miller, and book designer Camin Potts will guide you through what happens after your manuscript is written. They'll talk about working with editors and designers, self-publishing to finding a publisher, the costs of doing it yourself, and what to expect once you have printed books in your hands.

If you ever wished for the perfect opportunity to explore your love for writing, this is it. Whether you want to write family stories, personal essays, short stories, nonfiction, plays or novels, you will appreciate having the support of an experienced coach and a group of like-minded friends. Designed for beginning to intermediate writers, Writers' Wellspring is the perfect blend of time, space, and inspiration.

Time.... A full week for you to dress casually, sleep 'til the bell rings, and show up just in time for meals. Learn more about writing in the morning, write in the afternoon, and read, write or hang out by the fire in the evening.

Space.... Log cabins. Wooded trails. A shimmering lake. More stars than some people see in a lifetime - every one of them twinkling, "Do you want to write? Do it! Do it! Do it!"

Inspiration.... Breathe in the good energy of every writer, every artist, every interesting person who has ever visited The Clearing. Read the books in the lodge. Sit in the Cliff House and listen to the words in the waves.

Craft coaching includes character development, scene visualization, point-of-view, lively writing, and a primer on various methods of publication. Judy is committed to helping you make progress on the path you choose.

Class is appropriate for all levels. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please bring FF products to use during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)