The write stuff
Workshop looks at how to get your work published
Writing is one thing but getting your work published is a whole other skill set and one that will be explored in an upcoming Writers Federation of Nova Scotia workshop being held here in May.
ABJ (John) Johnston and Norma Jean MacPhee will be leading the workshop, “So You Want To Be Published - A Professional Development Session,” that will be held Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the New Dawn Centre, 27 Nepean St., Sydney. The workshop is for people who enjoy writing but who aren’t sure what they have to do to get it published once they’ve completed their work. Johnston and MacPhee will cover such topics as:
• writing an eye-catching query letter.
• finding the right market for your work.
• working effectively with editors.
• building your brand as a writter and
• meeting tough deadlines.
As a participants, you’re encouraged to submit any questions you have in advance, so Johnston and MacPhee can answer as many specific questions as they can and tailor the presentation to the interests of the various regions. The first 45 minutes will feature presentations by Johnston and MacPhee about the writing and publishing process; the rest of the session will be questions and answers.
Johnson has enjoyed a long career as a historian with Parks Canada and now works independently. He is the author or co-author of 14 books of history and three novels — with more to come. For his body of work on the French Colonial era in Atlantic Canada, France made him a chevalier of its Ordre des Palmes Académiques. In 2016, he was a mentor in the WFNS Alistair MacLeod Mentorship Program.
MacPhee is a journalist with more than a decade of experience in print, radio, TV and website writing, along with a considerable array of community volunteer and international experience. Her widespread research and interview expertise is backed by an open mind, strong communication and a genuine interest in people, their stories and the health of communities. Also a fiction writer, her short story, “Silence the Soundtrack” was published in the anthology Thirteen Ways from Sunday.
The workshop will cost $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers.