Lake Chapala Writers Conference

By Herbert Piekow

writers conference

 

Lake Chapala Writers Conference

I am excited about the 2018 Writers Conference because we have several excellent presenters who will share their personal stories about writing and publication.  Every one of us has a story to tell, if not a book of memoirs. No matter if you grew up an only child or one of seven you have a unique perspective of the same family events and the 2018 Lake Chapala Writers Conference will help you find that “voice” to tell your personal story.

It would be unwise and unfair of me to say we have a keynote speaker as each of the presenters will share their unique story about writing and publication. Jennifer Wilson has been writing for more than 20 years for magazines like Esquire, National Geographic Traveler, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents as well as for newspapers and two published books. Her memoir, Running Away to Home, a memoir about returning with her young family to live in the Croatian mountain village of her ancestors, won the 2012 Best Nonfiction Award from the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Jennifer is also a writing instructor so come prepared to learn and be inspired. Jennifer will talk about Writing True Stories, true things and dramatizing the past. She will also cover the pitfalls of genealogy.  She promises to talk about things that bring memories, your childhood home, your college dorm, the backseat of someone´s car, the good and the bad. She will share her knowledge about the importance of building characters in both fiction and nonfiction works.

Roberta Rich is a multinational bestselling author whose three historical novels are set in exotic Venice and Constantinople. Roberta will share her knowledge about writing for setting, dialogue, character and voice. Even a memoir and an article must include these elements otherwise the writing is flat and uninteresting.  From Roberta we will learn how to create dialogue, all stories move through dialogue no matter what type of story or memoir, people speak. Roberta says, “Narrative drive is the X ingredient all editors are looking for.” Besides sharing her own writing expertise Roberta offers to critique a portion of attendees’ manuscript.

Samantha Waltz sold her first story when she was eleven and she has been writing ever since.  She was an editor for Madamoiselle, and has over sixty stories in different anthologies.Samantha has won too many awards to list here. She will share what she has learned about what stories get a publisher´s attention, and how to make your essay or story come alive and be published.

Literary agent Beverly Slopen will talk about what an agent can do for you and your book. On the Internet you might want to look up Beverly Slopen and discover which authors her Canadian agency represents. She will be actively seeking new clients at the Lake Chapala Writers Conference. The conference offers attendees an opportunity to pitch your book to Beverly Slopen.

Once your book is published you will want to sell it to more than family and friends and Pat Chase will talk about Marketing Memories. Pat had her introduction to computers in a Toronto law firm and has continued her exploration since then. She has taught computer classes with the Vancouver School Board and today she designs websites and social media for her online business.

The dates for the 2018 Lake Chapala Writers Conference are, March 7th, 8th and 9th. The location will be the Hotel Danza del Sol, Ajijic

The cost is $2,000 pesos for registration before March, 2018 – registration includes lunch both full days and the opportunity to meet privately with Beverly Slopen. There is an additional fee for those who wish to have Roberta Rich critique a portion of your manuscript.

 

Registration forms are available at Diane Pearls.

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