Literary learning, venues and conferences for ’18
My final 2017 column highlighted the achievements of writers and other literary luminaries in our area in 2017. This week, I’m excited to focus on our area’s book-oriented conferences and venues and some of what they have to offer writers in 2018.
WRITING EDUCATION
In addition to the creative-writing programs and classes offered at our area universities and colleges, our area has several renowned writing conferences.
Antioch Writers’ Workshop at University of Dayton (www. antiochwritersworkshop. com) will hold numerous events throughout the year, including a one-day seminar, “Dive Into Your Story,” on March 24 (register at www.tinyurl.com/ awwspring2018); its signature event, a weeklong summer program, July 14-20, featuring keynoter and instructor Connie Schultz and many other published writers, with options for attending one day, mornings only, or the full week program. In addition, the organization has other mini writers’ workshops, a fall retreat, and LitSalon fundraising events that feature regional writers. Check the workshop’s website for details or email info@ antiochwritersworkshop. com.
Word’s Worth Writing Center (www.wordsworthdayton.com) offers year-round short courses, tutoring and consulting in creative writing. The center kicks off 2018 with the continuation of “The Writer’s 12-Step Program: Write Your Novel in a Year,” as well as classes on revision, plot, description, writing a memoir, and the ins and outs of traditional publishing. Classes are led by creative writing teacher and author Katrina Kittle (www.katrinakittle.com).
Sinclair Community College (www.sinclair. edu) will offer a writing workshop specifically for young writers, the “Jack Bennett Young Writers’ Festival,” named in honor of the college’s prior English Department Chair. This sixth annual event will be on Saturday, March 3. Learn more at https:// www.sinclair.edu/academics/divisions/lcs/eng/ jack-bennett-young-writers-workshop or email the current chair at lisa. mahle-grisez@sinclair. edu.
University of Dayton will hold its annual LitFest, March 9-10, at University of Dayton, on the main campus in the Humanities Building, with readings on Friday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m., and creative writing workshops on Saturday, March 10, 1-4 p.m., followed by open mic readings and a poetry slam. Learn more at facebook.com/LitfestUniversityofDayton
BOOK STORES AND LIBRARIES
Check out area bookstores and libraries for readings and events as well as writers groups and book clubs. Libraries: Dayton Metro Library (daytonmetrolibrary.org), Washington Centerville Public Library (wclibrary.info), Wright Memorial Public Library (wrightlibrary.org) and Greene County Public Library (greenelibrary. info).
For example, the Centerville location of the Washington-Centerville Library holds a “Second Monday Author” series, the second Monday of each month from 1-3 p.m., featuring regional authors. Visit the library’s website, then click on Programs in the upper right of the home page, and then “2nd Monday Authors” to find details and dates.
On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2-4 p.m., Jane Ann McLachlan will present a session on “The Next Step: Publishing and Promoting Yourself and Your Book,” at the Main branch of the Dayton Metro Library, in Community Room 2B.
UPCOMING LITERARY EVENTS
■ Sunday, Jan. 21, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood — Writers’ Café, a casual hang out for writers ages 18 and up and of all experience levels, meets the first Friday (7 p.m.) and third Sunday (at 2:30) of each month.
■ Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave. — Word’s Worth Writing Center (www.wordsworthdayton.com) offers “Craft a la Carte: Plot” with author and creative writing instructor Katrina Kittle. This three week course will guide writers through the process of understanding how to receive and incorporate feedback to improve their manuscripts. Writers do not need to have a complete manuscript to attend. See the website to register.
■ Saturday, Jan. 27, 2-4 p.m., Dayton Metro Library, Main (120 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton), Community Room 2B, 2nd Floor — Author Jane Ann McLachlan, who has published with all size traditional presses as well as self-published, will discuss the pros and cons of both paths, all the different publishing models available to authors, and how authors can prepare themselves and their books for success.
Sharon Short (www. sharonshort.com) is a novelist and director of the Antioch Writers' Workshop. Contact Sharon with news about your book club or organization. Email: sharonshort@ sharonshort.com. Twitter: @SharonGShort