2016 Pennwriters Conference program booklet

friday evening Keynote

Jonathan Maberry Jonathan Maberry is a NY Times bestselling author, five-time Bram Stoker Award winner, and comic book writer. Two of his books are in development for TV, and another is in development as a series of feature films.

His most recent novel is KILL SWITCH, Book 8 of the Joe Ledger series.

Saturday Afternoon Keynote

Kathryn Craft Kathryn Craft is the author of THE ART OF FALLING and THE FAR END OF HAPPY, a freelance developmental editor, a frequent workshop leader, and a member of a marketing cooperative of women’s fiction writers.

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Friday, May 20 8:00 aM 8:30-9:30 aM 9:45-10:45 aM 11:00 aM-Noon Noon-1:30 PM 1:45-2:45 PM 3:00-4:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM

registration Opens Workshops Workshops Workshops Published Penns Luncheon Or Networking Lunch Workshops Workshops Pennwriters area Meetings pre-dinner cocktails Keynote dinner and book signing with Jonathan Maberry read & Critique Sessions Fictional Characters anonymous hosted by Hana Haatainen Caye

Saturday, May 21 7:30 aM 8:30 aM 8:30-9:30 aM 9:45-10:45 aM 11:00 aM-Noon Noon-1:30 PM 1:45-2:45 PM 3:00-4:00 PM 4:00-5:00 PM 8:00 PM-Midnight

Pennwriters Breakfast and General Meeting registration Opens Workshops Workshops Workshops Keynote Lunch with Kathryn Craft Workshops Workshops authors Booksigning after hours entertainment at the Bees Knees Speakeasy

SuNday, May 22 8:30-9:30 aM 9:45-10:45 aM 11:00 aM-Noon Noon

Workshops Workshops Workshops Closing Ceremonies and Basket drawings (Schedule is subject to change)

Welcome to the 29th Annual Pennwriters Conference. You may be wondering about the colorful designs that are part of this year's conference logo. Hex signs are a common sight on the barns throughout Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The Pennsylvania Dutch used them to bring good fortune to their farms and families. Nowadays you’ll see them all over as decorative elements, or “Chust for nice,” as my grandmother would say.

I chose the hex signs to bring some of our regional color to the conference and to wish us all good fortune in our writing careers—whatever they may look like.

We all write for different reasons and with different goals, and Pennwriters, as a multigenre organization, strives to support writers in those myriad endeavors.

This year we've put the focus on structure, because like the barns that dot our countryside, our stories need a solid structure too. With that in mind, our workshop presenters have designed presentations that will help you to • build the strong foundations you need for novel and nonfiction writing, • gather information to help you navigate traditional and self-publishing, and • find ways to promote your work.

Our workshops are open door. Simply choose the workshops you want to attend based on your personal needs to meet your writing goals.

I hope you have a great conference! If you have any questions, please stop any one of our board members, visit the hospitality suite, or drop me a text.

Ayleen Gontz 2016 Conference Coordinator 717-350-4669

Hospitality Suite Whether you seek answers, friendly conversation, or a chance to recharge, the Hospitality Suite is the place to find it. Refresh, regroup, get freebies, shop for books and merchandise, bid on baskets and more.

• Learn about last-minute workshop changes, read and critique assignments, pitch session schedules and volunteer opportunities.

• Peruse Chinese Auction Baskets full of writer goodies and more.

• Get your favorite titles autographed during the Authors’ Book Signing.

• Enter the In Other Words Contest, read submissions, and cast your vote.

• Network and relax over coffee with new and longtime friends.

• Shop at the 2016 Conference Bookstore by Doylestown Book Shop. www.doylestownbookshop.com 2016 Pennwriters Conference

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friday evening Keynote

JONATHAN MABERRY Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times best-selling and multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning horror and thriller author, editor, comic book writer, magazine feature writer, playwright, content creator and writing teacher/ lecturer. He was named one of the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than two-dozen countries. He writes in several genres.

His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; now in development for film; named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; nominee for several state Teen Book Awards; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013).

His thrillers include The Joe Ledger Thrillers from St. Martin’s Griffin PATIENT ZERO (2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel); THE DRAGON FACTORY (2010); THE KING OF PLAGUES (2011); ASSASSIN’S CODE (2011); EXTINCTION MACHINE (2013); CODE ZER0 (2014); PREDATOR ONE (2015); and KILL SWITCH (2016).

His mystery novels include the Dylan Quinn mystery-thriller series for teens: WATCH OVER ME and COLD, COLD HEART; and the NIGHTSIDERS series of middle-grade horror/sci-fi adventures, which debuted in 2015.

His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books: GHOST ROAD BLUES (2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium); DEAD MAN’S SONG (2007); and BAD MOON RISING (2008), as well as DEAD OF NIGHT (2011, named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium) and its sequel, FALL OF NIGHT (2014).

He also wrote the movie novelization, THE WOLFMAN (2010, winner of the Scribe Award for Best Adaptation); and is scheduled to write DEADLANDS: GHOSTWALKERS, an original novel inspired by the million-copy-selling roleplaying game. He is editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW, its forthcoming sequel, V-WARS: BLOOD AND FIRE; and he’ll be writing V-WARS, an ongoing comic book. He is the co-editor for the REDNECK ZOMBIES FROM OUTER SPACE (2013), editor of the dark fantasy anthology, OUT OF TUNE (JournalStone, 2014), and Bitey Things (2015, with Ty Drago).

Read more about Jonathan and his TV, nonfiction, comics, short story, and transmedia credits online at www.jonathanmaberry.com.

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“Book clubs, take note: it’s not every day you find a story as moving, thoughtful, and discussionprovoking as Kathryn Craft’s The Art of Falling.”

—Shelf Awareness

2015 INDIEFAB Award finalist 2016 IPPY Bronze Medalist “Craft’s ability to tell a tale as beautiful as it is haunting left me in awe.”

—Mary Kubica, The Good Girl

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Saturday Afternoon Keynote

Kathryn Craft Kathryn Craft writes stories that seek beauty and meaning at the edge of darkness. Rich with material for further thought or discussion, her novels make a great choice for book clubs. Long a leader in the southeastern Pennsylvania writing scene, Kathryn served for more than a decade in a variety of positions on the boards of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group and the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference, and volunteers as time allows with the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

Kathryn also hosts writing retreats for women and speaks often about writing.

She writes a monthly series, “Turning Whine into Gold,” at the Writers in the Storm blog, and freelances as a developmental editor at Writing-Partner.com.

She is a proud member of the Tall Poppies Writers, a marketing cooperative of women’s fiction writers. Writers’ Conferences are great for learning and networking. www.kathryncraft.com

Join us Saturday at 4 p.m. for the Author Book Signing 4 - 5 p.m

Author Book Signing (Presidential Suite)

Come and support our authors and our bookseller, the Doylestown Book Shop.

Join us Saturday evening at the Bees Knees Speakeasy 8:00 p.m. Midnight

After hours entertainment at The Bees Knees Speakeasy (Crystal Ballroom) 8 - 9 p.m. open bar (house drinks only) 9 - midnight cash bar (premium drinks available)

If you haven’t already purchased tickets, see Jackie at the registration table to add-on this event.

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Pre-release copies on sale now in the bookstore See it live, Friday at 8:30am 2016 Pennwriters Conference

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Special Presenter Bios Published Penns Luncheon Guest Speaker CINDY CALLAGHAN is the author of SyDney MaCkenzIe knoCkS ’eM DeaD (2017) and six more books published

by Simon & Schuster. Her 2010 release, JuSt aDD MagIC, is now a live-action series on amazon. www.cindycallaghan.com Presentation: When Your Writing Life Gives You Lemons JUST ADD MAGIC looked like it was at a dead end.

Cindy will share how she got it on the road to TV.

Networking Lunch Guest Speaker STUART HORWITZ is the founder and principal of Book architecture and has spent the past 15 years helping writers to become authors, sign with top literary agents, seal deals with publishing houses, and navigate a successful path through indie publishing. www.bookarchitecture.com Presentation: You Don’t Know If You Don’t Go The easiest way to thwart your writing career is to quit.

Find inspiration and practical advice to keep yourself going.

JAMIE SALOFF assists authors in a book’s delivery from manuscript to final form, including interior layout and cover design, file prep, copyright filings, ebook creation, market messaging, and much more. She’s the author of 7 eaSy StePS to ProfeSSIonally Self-PuBlISH your Book. www.saloff.com Workshop: Self-Publish Your Print Book in 7 Easy Steps Looking to self-publish? This extended, three-session workshop will show you how to avoid poor quality books and disappointing sales.

SUSAN MEIER is the author of 60+ books for Harlequin, entangled, and guideposts’ grace Chapel Inn and has won numerous publishing awards. She loves to teach as much as she loves to write and is a popular speaker at rWa chapter conferences. www.susanmeier.com Workshop: Writing the Modern-Day Romance Romance novels hit the bestseller lists every day—and you want to be part of that! Join Susan as she addresses writing to your audience, increasing conflict, and plotting.

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Agent Bios MARK GOTTLIEB is an agent with trident Media.

His focus on publishing began at emerson College and continued as vice president of Berkley Books. at trident Media, he worked with foreign rights and audio rights before building his own client list. lookIng for: fiction, nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, children’s books, graphic novels. not lookIng for: Poetry, textbooks, novellas, short stories, personal memoir, romance, erotica.

PItCHIng tIP: I prefer to hear the 1-2 sentence hook.

Website: www.tridentmediagroup.com twitter: @trident_Media ERIC MYERS has a strong affinity for young adult and middle grade fiction. He joined Dystel and goderich literary Management in 2015 after 13 years at the Spieler agency. a graduate of uCla and the Sorbonne, eric entered publishing as a journalist and author. lookIng for: Middle grade, young adult, adult thriller, adult nonfiction. not lookIng for: Picture books, literary fiction, mysteries, memoir without a strong social media platform.

PItCHIng tIP: try to keep your pitch to one page if possible.

Website: www.dystel.com twitter: @ericmyersagent NOAH BALLARD is an agent at Curtis Brown, ltd.

He received his Ba in english from the university of nebraska-lincoln and began his career in publishing at emma Sweeney agency. lookIng for: upmarket and literary fiction, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction; narrative nonfiction, including history, humor and memoir. not lookIng for: Children’s picture books, middle grade, most ya, romance, dystopian.

PItCHIng tIP: let’s just sit down and have a conversation.

Please don’t monologue at me.

Website: www.curtisbrown.com twitter: @NoahBallard Pitch sessions are available Friday and Saturday on a first-registered, first-assigned basis.

Pitch windows are five minutes. Writers must have a finished manuscript ready to send but are asked not to bring it to the pitch sessions. Each agent will also be presenting a workshop, taking part in a panel, and participating in the read & critique sessions Friday night.

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The Dos & Don’ts of Pitching Leslie Tobin Smeltz, who oversees the pitch appointments, has assembled the following Dos and Don’ts of Pitching—a collection of tips from agents and editors who have attended Pennwriters conferences.

DON’T pitch an unfinished manuscript. not every agent asks for a partial.

What will you do if they ask for a full?

DO know your material inside and out. you should feel comfortable talking about it and have comparisons (to other published and successful books) ready.

DON’T read directly from your notes. It’s okay to have notes with you, but you’re there to interact with the agent, not your note cards.

DO relax. agents are people too! they won’t bite! (especially if you buy him or her a drink or bring them pie.)

DO be kind and courteous. If an agent isn’t interested in your manuscript, thank him or her for their time, and then move on.

DO bring business cards. give one to the agent who asks for your work.

Make sure to put your elevator pitch on the back.

BUT… DON’T stalk the agents. this should go without saying. unfortunately, you’d be surprised by the number of people who think it’s okay to follow an agent to dinner, back to their hotel rooms, or into the bathroom. this won’t help your writing career—it will likely do the opposite. agents talk to each other. you don’t want your name getting out in a negative way.

DON’T pitch to an agent in the bathroom. not even as a joke. this one comes directly from a literary agent who was quite adamant about it. Bathroom time is private time.

DO read the agent’s biography before your meeting. know who you’re pitching to and what type of work he or she is looking for.

Pitching Workshops: Friday and Saturday, from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Get Your Pitch On, First and Second Editions with Jon Sprunk Work out the kinks in your agent/editor pitch—and calm your nerves— in this “as interactive as you make it” workshop. Jon provides an opportunity for you to practice your pitch on him and offers helpful critiques.

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Friday, May 20 Welcome to the 29th Annual Pennwriters Conference!

8 - 11 a.m. registration open in lobby 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hospitality Suite open (Presidential Ballroom)

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Friday 8:30 9:30 a.m.

Get Your Pitch On, First Edition with Jon Sprunk Work out the kinks in your agent/editor pitch—and calm your nerves—in this “as interactive as you make it” workshop. Jon provides an opportunity for you to practice your pitch on him and offers helpful critiques.

9:45 10:45 a.m.

Self Publish Your Print Book in 7 Easy Steps A Three-Part Presentation with Jamie Saloff Many self-starting authors who want to publish a print book are told, “Simply upload your manuscript to an online publisher and voila! you will be published!” unfortunately, many authors who take this path unaware are often left with poor quality books and disappointing sales. But it doesn’t have to be like that. you can do-it-yourself by first gathering a little knowledge and a learning a few trade secrets even if you are a non-techie or a golden ager.

In addition, you will glean: • How to choose a printer/publisher and what to avoid • Why should you choose print books over ebooks (or do both) • When you can do-it-yourself and when to hire help • Where to get free, secret pro-guides • Cost evaluation sheets for publishing, promoting, and money management • Must dos and don’ts that create profitable, well-selling books • Pro-design tips for both inside the book and on the cover • navigating the barrage of technical jargon so you sound like a pro • How to ensure your book is available world-wide • What you absolutely must know about copyright Note: The first 20 people who registered for the conference and attend all three sessions will receive Jamie’s book free.

PART I: Before You Begin Self-Publishing: key knowledge you need to know as you’re writing the book. also, choosing the right printer for your project and key information about including artwork, photos, and other inserts.

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Publishing 101 with Jack Hillman you’re here to find out how to write better. odds are you want to have your writing published after you do that. learn how to research your markets and find out where to send your manuscript once it’s finished.

Finish Your Book in Three Drafts with Stuart Horwitz How many drafts does it take? only three. really. Join Stuart to set the best outlook and direction for each of the three drafts so that you can increase your efficiency, satisfaction, and engagement with both your writing process and your final product.

The Villain's Journey: Writing Compelling and Believable Villains with Don Helin Villains have to be strong and unique, not just your run-of-themill bad guys. and they have to be motivated to do what they do. learn how to make your villain catch (and keep) your reader's imagination.

Agent/Author Panel our keynote speakers, Jonathan Maberry and kathryn Craft, join agents Mark gottlieb and noah Ballard to answer your questions about the agent/author relationship. find out what works and what doesn't from the people who live it.

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editing & Ghostwriting Services Hana Haatainen Caye, Editor Specializing in short stories, inspirational stories, non-fiction, and children’s books.

412.364.0877 wordsinyourmouth@comcast.net www.wordsinyourmouth.com *mention ad & receive a 10% discount on your first project

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Friday 11 a.m. noon

CryStAl 1 Self Publish Your Print Book in 7 Easy Steps A Three-Part Presentation with Jamie Saloff PART II: The Details of Self-Publishing on Your Own: everything from preparing your files, managing the budget, knowing when, where and of whom to ask for help, and taking care of the paperwork.

COUrtyArD noon 1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch with Stuart Horwitz You Don’t Know If You Don’t Go— the easiest way to thwart your writing career is to quit. find inspiration and practical advice to keep yourself going.

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Self Publish Your Print Book in 7 Easy Steps A Three-Part Presentation with Jamie Saloff PART III: The Final Mile of Self-Publishing: Managing all the last-minute details and knowing what to watch out for, especially if you’re a noobie or technically challenged. also Q&a.

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CryStAl 1 Fantastic Fight Scenes with Maria V. Snyder action scenes are a difficult balance among the four essential elements: description, dialogue, inner dialogue, and character emotions. Discover how to tap into the special effects of your reader’s mind and write thrilling, realistic fight scenes.

3:00 4:00 p.m.

From Oyster to Pearl with Vickie Fisher the writing life is full of obstacles, and often the biggest one is the writer himself. learn five easy steps for self-sabotaging writers that will turn the irritation of self-doubt into the confidence to move from writer to author.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

8 p.m.

8:30 - 11 p.m.

8:30 - 11 p.m.

Pre-dinner Cocktails (Crystal Ballroom) Keynote Dinner with Jonathan Maberry* (Crystal Ballroom) Jonathan Maberry Book Signing (Crystal Ballroom) Read & Critique Sessions* Fictional Characters Anonymous hosted by Hana Haatainen Caye*

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Pitch and Query with Mark Gottlieb, agent Join Mark, a literary agent from trident Media, as he shares his best, frontline tips and techniques for writing a query letter that puts your best words forward.

Building Your Brand with Jonathan Maberry

StAtE rOOM Published Penns Luncheon with Cindy Callaghan When Your Writing Life Gives You Lemons— JuSt aDD MagIC looked like it was at a dead end.

Cindy will share how she got it on the road to tV.

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The Voice: Query Edition (Agent panel) Modeled after the Voice, this workshop focuses on queries instead of songs. Bring your one-page, double-spaced query letter (name blacked out!) for a moderator to read aloud, and we’ll see which agents like which works, and when.

A Novel Idea (Panel: Don Helin, Lori M. Myers, Laurie J. Edwards, Cathy Jordan, Maria V. Snyder) five authors who run a year’s worth of monthly workshops sponsored by the Perry County Council for the arts share their publishing experiences and answer questions about everything that goes into drafting a novel.

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From Blog to Book with Hana Haatainen Caye gathering a faithful following of readers in your blog community is the perfect scenario for book sales. this workshop will focus on how to best use your blog to prep your readership, as well as how to transform blog posts into a book.

Avoiding Emotional Clichés with Annette Dashofy How can we show our characters’ emotions without resorting to the same tired clichés? Study examples of how the best in our field tackle this problem to find new and creative ways to show emotion in your own work.

See message board in the Hospitality Suite for read & Critique room assignments. fictional Characters anonymous will be held in the Presidential Ballroom. * Preregistration required 2016 Pennwriters Conference

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Saturday, May 21 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet & business meeting open to all attendees (Courtyard) 8 - 10 a.m. registration open in lobby 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hospitality Suite open (Presidential Ballroom)

Saturday 8:30 9:30 a.m.

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What Universe Are You In? World Building for All Genres with Jack Hillman every story—Sf, mystery, or romance—is set in a world. the big question is do you have to make everything up or are you working in the “everyday.”

Build your world first and bring your writing to a whole new level.

Get Your Pitch On, Second Edition with Jon Sprunk Work out the kinks in your agent/editor pitch—and calm your nerves—in this “as interactive as you make it” workshop. Jon provides an opportunity for you to practice your pitch on him and offers helpful critiques.

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Writing the Modern-Day Romance: A Three-Part Presentation with Susan Meier romance novels hit the bestseller lists every day, including The New York Times, and you want to be part of that! But it’s hard to break into traditional publishing, and even if you’re self-publishing, your stories are filled with red-line comments from the content editor you hire. How do you know the sweet spot of what works and what doesn’t? Is there a difference between the conflicts of a single title romance and a category romance? are there story types that readers come back to time and time again? Is there a basic format that works best for romance novels? What should you know about structure? Multi-published category romance author Susan Meier will answers these questions and more.

Part I: Writing to Your Audience • Different types of romance novels • Hooks • younger readers vs. tried and true readers and what this means to you as a writer • to have sex or not to have sex... that is the question! (and what’s the difference to your story?)

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Building Your Nonfiction Platform and Proposal with Noah Ballard, agent When it comes to an agent’s desk, nonfiction and fiction are two very different animals with very different requirements.

Join agent noah Ballard as he explains the inner workings of the nonfiction proposal and how that should be a natural extension of your platform.

Raiders of the Lost Arcs with Kathryn Craft While writing a book-length project, accumulating detail can obscure clear character development. this look at macroediting will build character arcs that offer the reader a rewarding experience.

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That’s How We Roll: Setting Up an Author Tour Both Online and Offline with Stuart Horwitz Where does your audience congregate? How can you reach them in a unique way? take a look at what a book tour should be, who we naturally are in front of an audience, and whether we enjoy physical travel or social media... or both.

Demystifying Self-Publishing: An Author’s Perspective with Connie Scharon If you think you are ready to take the plunge into self-publishing, first get some tips from Connie to help you avoid the perils and pitfalls of wearing many, many hats—writer, editor, publisher, cover designer, and marketing coordinator—for your book.

Saturday 11 a.m. noon

StAtE rOOM Welcome to the Historical Petting Zoo with Michelle Markey Butler and K.B. Inglee enhance fiction set in the past (historical romance, mystery) or fiction influenced by history (alternative history, historical fantasy) by touching, wearing, using—and yes, tasting—the everyday items of the past.

CryStAl 1 Writing the Modern-Day Romance: A Three-Part Presentation with Susan Meier Part II: Conflict • Incorrect core belief • your characters’ pasts • growth

noon 1:30 p.m.

Keynote Lunch with Kathryn Craft - open to all attendees (Courtyard)

1:45 2:45 p.m.

It’s There, It’s Free, Use It with Jean Jenkins take a digital tour through the best of the best websites for writers. no hand-holding, ego-fluffing, time-wasting Internet way stations make this list—just websites you can consult quickly to get what you need to write productively and proficiently.

3:00 4:00 p.m.

Writing the Modern-Day Romance: A Three-Part Presentation with Susan Meier Part III: The W Plot • one-line/one-paragraph story summary • underpinnings scenes...

What do readers eXPeCt to find in your story?

• Pacing • turn it into a storyboard

EMBASSy / StAtE

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Manuscript M.D. Check your MS’s pulse. no appointment necessary. our on-call pros welcome walk-ins.

“Attending” in the Embassy Room—agent noah Ballard, agent Mark gottlieb, agent eric Myers, and author Stuart Horwitz “Attending” in the State Room— author Jonathan Maberry, author kathryn Craft and author Jamie Saloff

Reaching Your Writing Dreams with Laurie J. Edwards Innovative techniques based on cutting-edge brain research will help you discover your hidden potential, come up with creative ideas, overcome writer’s block and procrastination, and blast through other roadblocks holding you back from reaching your dreams. you’ll also find out why willpower isn’t enough, why you struggle to meet goals, and how to keep yourself motivated.

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CryStAl 2 Getting Your Manuscript Past the Gatekeeper with Donna Galanti a past intern for the Jennifer De Chiara literary agency, Donna shares what can get your manuscript past the gatekeeper and into the hands of an agent.

Identify and overcome the 13 most common mistakes that stop a manuscript dead in its tracks.

Writing Memoir: Your Life on Paper with Lori M. Myers your life story could be the best story of your life. Why not write it? In this workshop, lori will share tips and techniques for turning your personal experiences into powerfully crafted memoirs and essays and discuss markets for your finished work.

Fantasy—Beyond the Horses and Castles with Jon Sprunk the fantasy genres are filled with familiar tropes and archetypes, but its boundaries are as limitless as your imagination. We'll discuss the less-followed paths of fantasy and how to bring your off-beat story to new life.

The Opening Promise with Ramona DeFelice Long the first chapter of a story creates a promise between the writer and reader. this workshop will examine how to write a story opening that hooks the reader but also reveals what kind of story is ahead and what kind of writer is creating it. Includes a checklist.

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What Can (and Should) We Learn from Tolkien as a Writer with Michelle Markey Butler Since its publication in 1954, lotr has never been out of print. It is brilliant, beloved—and casts a big shadow. this session discusses tolkien’s approaches to reading and writing, what we can gain from adopting them—and a couple we should avoid.

Premise, Don’t Write Without It with Cathy Jordan Do you have a story in mind but don’t know where to begin?

Is your WIP falling flat? a story begins with a premise, the fundamental concept that drives your story. this class will help you build a solid premise through structure and steer your plot forward.

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Saturday 4 - 5 p.m

Author Book Signing (Presidential Suite) Dinner on your own

8:00 p.m. Midnight

After hours entertainment at The Bees Knees Speakeasy* (Crystal Ballroom) 8 - 9 p.m. open bar (house drinks only) 9 - midnight cash bar (premium drinks available)

Sunday, May 22 7 - 8:30 a.m.

8 - 1:30 p.m.

Breakfast on your own Hospitality Suite open (Presidential Ballroom)

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Sunday 8:30 9:30 a.m.

Writing Your Setting as a Character with Annette Dashofy Do you enjoy reading novels that take you to another place and leave you feeling as though you've been there? this workshop will help you add depth to your writing and dimension to your setting.

9:45 10:45 a.m.

How Far Is Too Far in Middle Grade and YA? with Eric Myers, agent Children and teens are no longer as sheltered as they once were. they now confront adult realities—good, evil, and everything in between—at an earlier age. How far should your Mg or ya manuscript go in reflecting this? Bring a brief synopsis of your manuscript to discuss.

11 a.m. noon

Writing Comics and Graphic Novels with Jonathan Maberry

noon

Closing Ceremony and Basket Auction (Presidential Ballroom)

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Cyber Pitching with Tamara Girardi everyone could use a little, if not a lot, of pitching practice. Join tamara as she explains the new online pitch trend. get a detailed list of the top online pitch contests, the dos and don’ts (etiquette is important here!), and general tips for success.

Talk is Cheap; Good Dialogue? Priceless with Kathryn Craft from a quick overview of mechanics we’ll move into the fun stuff: analyzing masterful dialogue with an eye toward the ways in which it contributes to character development, pacing, setting, atmosphere, and more.

True to Character with Ramona DeFelice Long Why do fictional people act as they do?

What is your protagonist’s arc? How— and why—do characters act out of character? What does your character want? these and other questions about creating a unique fictional human being will be addressed here.

The Cold, Hard Slog: aka The Middle with Maria V. Snyder eighty percent of your novel is considered “the middle,” and for most writers, it’s a cold hard slog until you reach the thrilling climax at the end. get through the middle by developing characters, advancing the plot, and weaving in sub-plots to reach your goal—finishing!

The Business of Writing with Hana Haatainen Caye running a freelance writing business can be more profitable than you may think. In this workshop we’ll cover the various types of business and creative writing opportunities that exist for writers who see beyond their fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

5 Things to Start Doing Right Now Before You Get a Book Deal with Donna Galanti even if you don’t have a literary agent, a book deal, or a polished draft, you can do 5 things right now to successfully pave the way to an author career.

Start building your author platform as you continue to seek publication.

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SPEAKER BiOS Noah Ballard is an agent at Curtis Brown, ltd. He received his Ba in english from the university of nebraska-lincoln, and began his career in publishing at emma Sweeney agency. noah has appeared across the country at graduate programs and writing conferences. www.curtisbrown.com

Laurie J. Edwards, a former senior editor for ya and publisher of leap Books, now focuses on her own writing, freelancing, and illustration career. She has more than 2,200 articles and 20 books in print. She also writes as erin Johnson and rachel J. good. www.lauriejedwards.com

Cindy Callaghan is the author of SyDney MaCkenzIe knoCkS ’eM DeaD (2017) and six more books published by Simon & Schuster. Her 2010 release, JuSt aDD MagIC, is now a live-action series on amazon. www.cindycallaghan.com

Vickie Fisher is an inspirational author and photographer who lives on 19 acres in Westminster, Maryland. She works for amtrak as a chief entitlement clerk. www.vickiefisher.com

Kathryn Craft is the author of tHe art of fallIng and tHe far enD of HaPPy, a freelance developmental editor, a frequent workshop leader, and a member of a marketing cooperative of women’s fiction writers. www.kathryncraft.com Annette Dashofy is the best-selling author of the zoe Chambers mystery series. Her first novel CIrCle of InfluenCe, was a finalist for both the agatha award and the David award. annette is vice president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime and Pennwriters. www.annettedashofy.com Ramona DeFelice Long is an author, editor, and writing instructor. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and memoir have appeared in regional and literary publications. She has received multiple fellowships in fiction and creative nonfiction. www.ramonadef.com

2016 Pennwriters Conference

Donna Galanti authored the paranormal thrillers in tHe eleMent trIlogy and the middle grade series, JoSHua anD tHe lIgHtnIng roaD. She is a contributing editor for International thriller Writers’ the Big thrill magazine and blogs with other middle grade authors at Project Middle grade Mayhem. www.donnagalanti.com Tamara Girardi is an assistant professor of english at HaCC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. She studied fiction at the university of St. andrews in Scotland and writes young adult fantasy and contemporary works.

Mark Gottlieb is an agent with trident Media. His focus on publishing began at emerson College and continued as vice president of Berkley Books. at trident Media, he worked with foreign rights and audio rights before building his own client list. www.tridentmediagroup.com

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SPEAKER BiOS Hana Haatainen Caye runs SPeeCHleSS, a business focused on writing, editing, and voice-overs, and is the author of green granDMa’S VInegar frIDayS and 90+ children’s books for iStorybooks.

She teaches writing at Carnegie Mellon university’s osher lifelong learning Institute. www.wordsinyourmouth.com Don Helin published his first thriller, tHy kIngDoM CoMe, in 2009.

His most recent novel, SeCret aSSault, won best suspense/thriller at the 2015 Indie Book awards and a gold medal at the Military Writers Society of america Conference. www.donhelin.com Jack Hillman is a journalist, novelist, playwright, and medical underwriter.

In addition to five novels and a novella, his published short fiction has appeared in multiple magazines, both online and print. He is a member of SfWa and HWa. www.jackhillman.com Stuart Horwitz is the founder and principal of Book architecture and has spent the past 15 years helping writers to become authors, sign with top literary agents, seal deals with publishing houses, and navigate a successful path through indie publishing. www.bookarchitecture.com Jean Jenkins, professional librarian, teaches the “secrets” of successful research. She has conducted research across the uS and in europe, including several projects undertaken while on fellowships from the national endowment for the Humanities.

2016 Pennwriters Conference

Cathy Jordan is the author of horror novels SeekIng SaMIel and tHe BookSeller’S SeCret and contributes to magazines, anthologies, and online publications. She judged for the Bram Stoker award and the ItW young adult award. www.catherinejordan.com Michelle Markey Butler teaches at university of Maryland College Park.

She is the author of the fantasy novel HoMegoIng and co-author of tHe laSt aBBot of lInn DuaCHaIll. www.michellemarkeybutler.com Jonathan Maberry is a NY Times bestselling author, five-time Bram Stoker award winner, and comic book writer. two of his books are in development for tV, and another is in development as a series of feature films. www.jonathanmaberry.com Susan Meier is the author of 60+ books for Harlequin, entangled, and guideposts’ grace Chapel Inn and has won numerous publishing awards.

She loves to teach as much as she loves to write and is a popular speaker at rWa chapter conferences. www.susanmeier.com Eric Myers has a strong affinity for young adult and middle grade fiction.

He joined Dystel and goderich literary Management in 2015 after 13 years at the Spieler agency. a graduate of uCla and the Sorbonne, eric entered publishing as a journalist and author. www.dystel.com

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“this is a story of finding your wings... the novel takes us through the highs and lows across different cultures and continents. it is rich in content and the writing is exceptional. an excellent book, providing an authentic look into indian society and culture.”

-Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Available at Amazon, B&N, ibooks and other sites.

Shanti has big dreams. Rather than enter into an arranged marriage, she embarks on a journey into the unknown, leaving her family for an education and to chart her own destiny. She navigates college, a marriage of her own choosing, and motherhood, fighting a constant battle between the pressures of traditional expectations and her own burning desire to be an artist. A move to America presents exciting opportunities, but Shanti is disappointed to find herself still hemmed in by the restrictions of her upbringing. As her children grow and her marriage becomes a shell of what it once was, Shanti must find the courage to step out of her husband’s shadow and into the life she’s always dreamed of.

Awaken your Creative Self !

Maximize your Infinite Potential and Productivity. Learn how to Practice Meditation for Mindful Writing.

A scholar in art and world religion, Madhu Bazaz Wangu’s artistic and academic backgrounds pervade the collection of the unlinked stories, Chance Meetings. Art and religion, and the connections between them, are regular themes throughout.

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Madhu B. Wangu Founder: Mindful Writers Group Twitter: @Madhu_Wangu www.Mindful-Writers.com 26

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SPEAKER BiOS Lori M. Myers writes creative nonfiction, fiction, essays, and plays.

She is an adjunct professor of writing at Dominican College in new york and senior interviews editor for Hippocampus Magazine. www.lorimmyers.com Jamie Saloff assists authors in a book’s delivery from manuscript to final form, including interior layout and cover design, file prep, copyright filings, ebook creation, market messaging, and much more. She’s the author of 7 eaSy StePS to ProfeSSIonally Self-PuBlISH your Book. www.saloff.com Connie Scharon credits a trip to the British Isles with setting her successful self-publishing career in motion. Books in her HIgHlanD legenD series

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made the amazon Scottish Historical romance and Medieval romance Best Seller’s lists.

Maria V. Snyder has written more than a dozen novels and has been on The New York Times bestseller list, has won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her master’s degree in writing from Seton Hill university, where she’s now part of the Mfa faculty. www.MariaVSnyder.com Jon Sprunk is the author of tHe Book of tHe BlaCk eartH epic fantasy series and the SHaDoW Saga trilogy. His first book was a finalist for the Compton Crook award and was nominated for the David gemmell award for Best Debut novel and Best fantasy novel. www.jonsprunk.com

SHARON K. GARNER

Copyediting & Proofreading Traditionally published author Free sample – Reasonable rates PW references – PW charter member All genres except erotica skgarner@penn.com

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Thanks for being a part of the 29th Annual Pennwriters Conference.

Join us next year in Pittsburgh:

May 19-21, 2017 Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

Friday Evening Keynote

Chuck Sambuchino Saturday Luncheon keynote

Annette Dashofy

2017 Pennwriters Conference Coordinators: Heather Desuta and Carol Silvis ConferenceCoordinator@pennwriters.org

The brainchild of Pat Matson and Jamie Saloff, Bookectomy™ was designed to help enterprising women (and some men too) “Write more, Sell more, and Be more.”

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our programs for: • Writing accountability •Self Publishing assistance • Online Visibility and Marketing presence Email: info@saloff.com Phone: 814-732-0171 2016 Pennwriters Conference

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2016 COMMIttEE ChAIrS AnD SPECIAl thAnKS Basket Auction Prudence Ingerman

Pennwriters, a not-for-profit organization of more than 390 members from Pennsylvania and beyond, was established in 1988 as a networking organization for published and aspiring writers of all genres. For more information, visit www.pennwriters.org or contact President Carol Silvis at president@pennwriters.org.

BOArD OF DIrECtOrS President and 2017 Conference Co-Coordinator Carol Silvis Vice President Annette Dashofy

Registration Mark Boerma Programs/Graphic Design Heather Desuta Moderators Hana Caatianen-Caye Read & Critique Sessions Jean Jenkins Saturday After Hours Event Malissa Close Agent Pitch Sessions Leslie Tobin Smith Penn Pals Bobbi Carducci

Secretary Susan Gourley treasurer Jackie Shaffmaster Author Advocate and 2016 Conference Coordinator Ayleen Stellhorn Webmaster Charli Mac

Bookseller Liaison/Freebie Table Lynne Dempsey Photography Annette Dashofy Registrar, Merchandise Table Jackie Shaffmaster

newsletter Editor and 2017 Conference Co-Coordinator Heather Desuta

Thank you to the board of directors; to the committee chairs; to all of those who volunteered as moderators, PennPals, Read & Critique readers; to all of those who donated baskets to the auction; to all of those who submitted short works for the In Other Words Contest; and to those who stepped up in any way at the request of Ayleen and the committee chairs. We are deeply grateful.

Our conference is the best it can be because of you!

Public relations Chair Leslie Tobin Smeltz Bylaws Chair Jean Jenkins Internet Activities Coordinator and Online Courses Coordinator Pauline Drozeski Election Chair Terry Friedman Annual Writing Contest Coordinator Deborah Stevenson

Special thanks to Gina Napoli for help identifying and contacting agents, and to Anthea L. Germano and Danielle Ray for their help on press releases and promotions.

Area representatives Area 1: Todd Main Area 2: Mark Boerma Area 3: Candace Banks Area 4: Hilary Hauck Area 6: Charli Mac Area 7: Bobbi Carducci 2016 Pennwriters Conference

In Other Words Contest Coordinator Sandi Nork

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The latest thriller from Pennwriter Don Helin—

ad reserved: Catherine McLean

CArOl SIlVIS www.carolsilvis.com

Historic Fiction for Middle School Students and Adults

By J. Arthur Moore Journey Into Darkness, a story in four parts, 2nd edition-color Originally published in four separate volumes, J. Arthur Moore’s chronicle of a young Arkansas boy’s experiences on both sides of the Civil War battle lines gains emotional power as a single long tale. “War does thin’s ta ya,” Duane says in a passage characteristic both of Moore’s less-than-subtle use of dialect and the novel’s fundamental power. “It makes ya kill when ya really ain’t wantin’ naturely ta do it. It’s a horror ya cain’t b’lieve really happens.”

Moore’s central point, that war is hell and everyone longs for peace, is underscored in a poignant scene where a Federal band, playing within earshot of the Confederate army encamped across the river, begins with John Brown’s Body but also plays Dixie; as it closes with Home Sweet Home, “tears ran unchecked down the cheeks of a hundred thousand [sic] men and boys.” 518 pages, hardback [$47.99], softback [$33], eBook [$2.99] [2nd editions by LitFire Publishing Summer by Xllibris] Blake’s Story, Revenge and Forgiveness, 2nd edition-color “I found your book very interesting and educational. It was inspiring to see how Blake was bitter toward the enemy for killing his father, but in the end he actually met the man who killed his father and forgave him. It is a story of bitterness and anger, which turns into forgiveness and friendship.”

-Isaac Sassa, age 14 178 pages, hardback [$30], softback [$20], eBook [$2.99] Available through Ingram Distribution, Baker and Taylor w/returnability www.acrossthevalleytodarkness.com www.upfromcorinth.com www.litfirepublishing.com www.xlibris.com www.amazon.com Summer of Two Worlds “Summer of Two Worlds is a humbling story based on historical facts of the Sioux Indian tribe. The story introduces readers to the Sioux, the beginning of the railroad, soldiers, mountain life, cultural differences, and the trading activities of that era. Being of Native American heritage myself, the book in my opinion was moving, educational, and eye opening to the historical occurrences of the Native American tribes, government soldiers, mountain people, and towns’ people's lifestyles, habits, and different cultures of that era.”

-Readers’ Favorite 5-star review, Michelle Robertson, reviewer 223 pages, hardback [$29.99], softback [$19.99], eBook [$3.99]