Writers’ retreat in Yellow Springs among upcoming literary events
The second annual “Retreat to the Springs” writers’ retreat will be held in Yellow Springs, Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 4, with registration limited to 25 participants and closing July 25. There is a registration fee for the three-day event, covering instruction. Additionally, participants may opt for one-on-one manuscript critiques.
The retreat, to be held at the John Bryant Community Center, runs Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning. It is again organized by Cincinnati author Wendy Hart Beckham, and is focused on fiction, geared toward writers of all levels.
Instructors are:
■ Tim Waggoner, author of nearly 40 published novels and three collections of short stories. He writes original dark fantasy and horror, as well as media tie-ins, and his articles on writing have appeared in numerous publications. In 2017 he received the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Long Fiction. He’s been a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and the Scribe Award. His fiction has also received numerous honorable mentions in volumes of Best Horror of the Year. He’s also a full-time tenured professor who teaches creative writing and composition at Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio. Learn more at timwaggoner.com.
■ Maddie James, author of contemporary romances and romantic suspense. James has been listed as a Top 100 Romance Author on Amazon and as an iBooks Rising Star in Western Romance, and is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and its Published Author Network (PAN), and Novelists, Inc (NINC). Learn more about Maddie at www.maddiejames.net.
■ Jeffrey Marks, author of biographies of mystery writers, such as Craig Rice in “Who Was That Lady,” as well as a series of Civil-War era mystery novels, and a contemporary mystery novel which won the Malice Domestic Grant. His other works include “Atomic Renaissance: Women Mystery Writers of the 1940s/1950s,” and a biography of mystery author and critic Anthony Boucher entitled “Anthony Boucher,” which was nominated for an Agatha award and won an Anthony award. Learn more about Marks at jeffreymarks.com.
For more information, go to WendyonWriting. com.
Other upcoming literary events
■ Monday, July 22, 6-7:45 p.m., Dayton Metro Library (215 E. Third St., Dayton) — Artists United Writers Forum, organized by local writer Curtis Bowman as part of Artists United, brings together featured local writers Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, C.L.Pauwels, Joyce Barnes, Fred Marion, M. Ruth Myers, Janet E. Irvin, Trudy Krisher, Meredith Doench, Albino Carrillo and Tim Waggoner, and via videoconference from Tobago, Adele James. The writers will discuss aspects of the writing life from craft to publishing and promotion in an audience participatory discussion moderated by poet Furaha Henry-Jones. Writers of all skill levels and genres are invited to attend. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Thursday, July 25, 7-8:30 p.m., Washington-Centerville Library (Woodbourne, Community Room, 6060 Far Hills Ave.) — “Setting the Scene” Writers’ Workshop, focusing on elements that make a strong scene, led by Meredith Doench, Lecturer of Composition, Literature and Creative Writing at University of Dayton and author of the Luce Hansen thrillers. Call Debe Docks at 937-610-4429 for more details.
■ Tuesday, July 30, noon-2 p.m., Word’s Worth Writing Center (Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave.) — “Best Writing Practices for Teens” will be led by published writer and instructor Christina Consolino, open to writers ages 12-18. Visit www.wordsworthdayton.com for more information or to register.
■ Tuesday, July 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Word’s Worth Writing Center (Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave.) — “Craft A La Carte: Description” (for ages 18 and up) will focus on how to bring descriptive passage to life effectively and creatively, be led by author and instructor Katrina Kittle. Visit www.wordsworthdayton. com for more information or to register.
Sharon Short writes historical mysteries under the pen name Jess Montgomery (www. jessmontgomeryauthor. com). Send her column ideas, book club news, or literary events at sharonshort1983@ gmail.com.