-- About Confluence
-- Hotel and Directions
-- Guests
-- Writing Contest
-- Alpha: Teen Writing Workshop
-- Art Show
-- Video Room
-- Dealers
-- Workshops and Programming
-- Membership Info
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Programming
Details Pending.
Direct questions concerning programming to
Filk
Details Pending
Workshop
Details Pending
, by Thursday, JUNE 30, 2011. No late entries will be accepted. Submit your story as an RTF or DOC attachment (no Open Office or plain text, please). This writing example should be in proper manuscript format and not exceed 5,000 words. Genre doesn't matter--whether you write horror, science-fiction, fantasy, parlor mysteries, etc. Any and all genres are welcome.For an example of proper manuscript format, please look over William Shunn's lovely example at: http://www.shunn.net/format/story.html
In past years, the word count has been met with some resistance--many participants want to write that great million-dollar novel and feel hobbled at sending a 5,000-word piece. Congratulations--so does every other writer. But word management is one of the biggest problems of new and semi-pro writers and transcends both the short story markets and novel outlets (along with a host of other problems we'll discuss).
Bottom line: you gotta crawl (write a short story and sell it) before you can walk (write a novel and sell it). The 5,000 word limit is firm. If you philosophically disagree with that (i.e. "Hundreds of writers start with novels and do splendidly!"), then this workshop isn't for you. However, if you can understand that writing skills are writing skills regardless of the length--then we can do business.
After you submit your story, you will get an acknowledgment of receipt. Mr. Anderson will read and professionally critique your work and, after the workshop, give it back. Further, the sample you submit will display what skills and faults you have and these things will determine what is discussed and worked on at the workshop. This workshop is not a one-size-fits-all; it is tailor-made for you. Therefore, send your best work.
To prepare for the workshop, please bring BLACK and RED pens and a notebook or legal pad for exercises. To get a little ahead of the game, please review STRUNK & WHITES "THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE" plus STEPHEN KING'S user-friendly writing memoir "ON WRITING". These two texts are essential reading in order to be a serious writer.
For a talking based example of what you may be in for, Mr. Anderson encourages you to attend, along with Confluence, the 2011 Pittsburgh ComiCon, where he'll be talking about publishing in the 21st century.
Finally, if you should have any questions, please e-mail Mr. Anderson at . -->
