Keynote Address: Meredith Hall
We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Meredith Hall as our keynote speaker. Hall’s acclaimed first book Without A Map: A Memoir was called “an unusually elegant memoir that feels as though it’s been carved straight out of Meredith Hall’s capacious heart. The story is riveting, the words perfect.”

At the age of forty-four, Meredith Hall graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine. She wrote her first essay, “Killing Chickens,”� in 2002. Two years later, she won the $50,000 Gift of Freedom Award from A Room of Her Own Foundation, which gave her the financial freedom to devote time to Without a Map. Since then, she has garnered numerous honors, including a Pushcart Prize and notable essay recognition in Best American Essays. Hall was also a finalist for the Rona Jaffe Award. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Creative Nonfiction, The Southern Review, Five Points, Prairie Schooner, and several anthologies. She is the permanent writer-in-residence at the University of New Hampshire.

During her keynote address, Hall will share her remarkable, intimate, and poignant journey with us.Come learn more about Hall’s extraordinary “writer’s gift.” Be inspired to reflect on the stories of your own writing life, to infuse your writing with bravery, and to pursue your own writing dreams!

To read about all Writers' Day 2009 presenters, click here.

Choose one class or panel discussion in each session, plus a backup, then complete and submit the registration form below. Complete the form and pay online, or call us at (603) 314-7980 today!

Session #1 Classes, 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.

A. Meet the Keynote - Meredith Hall
Beginning with a short reading, Meredith Hall will field questions about her memoir, her award-winning essays, and her keynote address. In her discussion, she will touch on her own writing process and discuss issues of craft.

B. Breaking Up: Techniques to Edit Your Manuscript - Robert Begiebing
The days of in-house heavy editing are over, with rare exceptions. Writers now have to develop their own editing skills and techniques for dialogue, scene construction, POV, exposition vs. narration, and voice, among other editing skills. One self-editing technique is sometimes overlooked: increasing narrative tension and momentum, controlling pacing, and engaging the reader by breaking up wholes (paragraphs, scenes, chapters) into more efficient, more compressed parts. Participants are expected to bring to the workshop one clear copy of the first seven pages (double-spaced, 12-point font) of a story or chapter from a work in progress. Please be prepared for “break up” exercises that will ask you to share your work with others by random selection.

C. How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier: The Workshop - Joni Cole SOLD OUT!
(Also offered in Session #2)
This fun, interactive session uses the tried-and-true method of writing prompts (don’t be intimidated!) to help you jump start or leap forward in your writing. Through flash feedback (with a focus on appreciation) and mini-lessons on technique, you’ll gain insights into how to create powerful prose, and stay inspired throughout the creative process. All writers welcome—from beginner, to blocked, to best-selling. (Bring a notebook or laptop.) SOLD OUT!

D. From Solitary to Community: Networking with Other Writers - Karen Desrosiers
Writing is often a solitary activity, hours spent alone at the keyboard, with only the characters of your imagination to keep you company. Do you long to connect with a community of other writers? To find kindred spirits who understand what the writer's life is like? To connect with writers who can support each other, provide feedback, celebrate and commiserate? This workshop will explore a number of ways writers can network, connect, and join the greater community of writers. Come, meet other writers, and develop tools for seeking out the writers in your area.

E. When Things Go Wrong: Write! - Tom Eslick SOLD OUT!
(Also offered in Session #2)
"Only trouble is interesting."; The question is how do you implement this idea when planning your story? In this workshop we will explore how to use trouble as a tool for plotting, how to raise the stakes, how to define characters through difficult decisions made under pressure, how to create a positive/negative rhythm in the structure. Through general discussion and hands-on exercises, we will explore the importance of thinking big, writing an effective premise, making things worse before they get better, creating tension by withholding information, and imagining the story as a series of decisions made by characters spurred into action when bad things happen in their lives. All levels. SOLD OUT!

F. 21st Century PR: Promoting Your Career on the Net - James Patrick Kelly
You've heard this writer or that talking about blogging, podcasting, and the like, and you've been wondering what all the fuss is about. Isn't it enough just getting the your daily quota of writing done and finding someone to publish it? Well, maybe, but many of your colleagues are exploring ways to grow their readership digitally. This workshop will look at what works and what doesn't. How will you budget your time to strike a balance between promoting the work and creating it? We'll start with the basics of good Web site design and then move on to deciding what content you might want to post on your site. We'll explore the ins and outs of copyright, Creative Commons and public domain. We'll talk about creating blogs and podcasts that will draw people to your work. We'll learn how some writers have been able to convert their digital PR into new revenue streams. And, most important of all, we'll try to figure out which of the shiny new internet toys are the most effective for writers who have busy lives. Attendees should bring along a short five minutes piece to record at the workshop for future podcasting. For writers in all genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

G. Writing in Open Form: Poetry Workshop - Jeff Friedman SOLD OUT!
In his essay "Reflections on Vers Libre,"T.S. Eliot stated that "the most interesting verse which has yet been written in our language has been done either by taking a very simple form, like the iambic pentameter, and constantly withdrawing from it or taking no form at all and constantly approximating to a very simple one. Poets who write in free verse or open form attempt to discover the shape of their poem in the course of writing, but frequently rely on structures that have been common to the best poetry for hundreds of years. In this workshop for beginning and advanced writers, we will examine a few of these structures in poems from the past and present and then write our own poems. There will be two or three fun in-class writing exercises. The goal of the class will be to get a good start on at least two new poems. SOLD OUT!

H. No Good at Dialogue, You Say? - Terry Farish
Learn how to write sharp dialogue for children books. We will explore ways to listen to speech and recreate it with the rhythm and pace of dialogue. What should be told in dialogue? How do you reveal characters? How do you build a scene? With dialogue, of course. Explore speech as a way to bring characters into vivid life. We will look at examples of dialogue in great children’s literature. You are also invited to bring a scene-in-progress that you would like to develop.

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Session #2 Classes, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m

I. Author How Art Thou?: The Art of the Author Interview - Sarah Anne Johnson
This workshop offers resources and tools to successfully initiate, research, conduct, and publish an interview. We will cover the nuts and bolts of conducting interviews, and learn how the process can feed and enhance your own writing and help you build your literary career. Through workshop exercises and discussion, participants will learn the art and craft of the interview and leave ready to conduct and publish author interviews. Benefits of an author interview include: Talk with a favorite author; publish the interview ; build connections in the literary community; and, potentially get paid for the interview.

J. Mining Memory: Capturing Your Universe on Paper - Joseph Hurka
(Also offered in Session #3)
Leo Tolstoy once said that a writer needs "a clear, definite, and fresh view of the universe" to create art; a good part of what gives us this view is our history. In this session we'll work on how to connect the memory of the writer with the pen. We'll use exercises and prompts designed to gain a specific grasp on our experiences, and we'll explore the overall role of memory in literature. Our goal will be, both for the experienced and the beginner, to start the writer on the road to creating fresh and moving prose. Please bring a pen or pencil and a notebook: all are welcome.

K. How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier: The Workshop - Joni Cole SOLD OUT!
(Also offered in Session #1)
This fun, interactive session uses the tried-and-true method of writing prompts (don’t be intimidated!) to help you jump start or leap forward in your writing. Through flash feedback (with a focus on appreciation) and mini-lessons on technique, you’ll gain insights into how to create powerful prose, and stay inspired throughout the creative process. All writers welcome—from beginner, to blocked, to best-selling. (Bring a notebook or laptop.) SOLD OUT!

L. The Path to Publishing a Children's Book - Maryann Cocca-Leffler SOLD OUT!
How does an idea turn into a children’s book? Learn how this author/illustrator creates and sells her own projects to publishers without an agent. In this session you will hear and see the process a book takes to be published through ideas, written drafts, dummies, rejections, revisions, more rejections, more revisions, storyboards, sketches, and final art. You’ll also find out what you should submit if you have a great idea, but you are not an artist. You’ll hear about the business side of the children’s book industry including, finding the right publisher, contacting editors, queries, submitting a manuscript, contracts, royalties and sub rights. You will get some tips on marketing and industry resources that will help you navigate the competitive world of children’s book publishing. Questions welcomed. SOLD OUT!

M. When Things Go Wrong: Write! - Tom Eslick SOLD OUT!
(Also offered in Session #1)
"Only trouble is interesting." The question is how do you implement this idea when planning your story? In this workshop we will explore how to use trouble as a tool for plotting, how to raise the stakes, how to define characters through difficult decisions made under pressure, how to create a positive/negative rhythm in the structure. Through general discussion and hands-on exercises, we will explore the importance of thinking big, writing an effective premise, making things worse before they get better, creating tension by withholding information, and imagining the story as a series of decisions made by characters spurred into action when bad things happen in their lives. All levels. SOLD OUT!

N. Dangerous Journey: How to Tell the Truth About Real People in Narrative Nonfiction—And Survive! - Richard Adams Carey
Most narrative nonfiction projects, whether in books or magazines, involve real-life, walking, talking people, at least as sources, very often as characters. Welcome to the horns of a dilemma. You have to tell the truth in a coherent story in which everything adds up and makes sense. They have a right to privacy and the protection of libel laws. In any event, you don’t want them to hate you afterwards. But sometimes things don't go as you planned. You can't avoid that dilemma, but a careful writer can avoid getting gored by it. Learn how to locate and enlist the best people for your project, and then how to set up working relationships in your research that protect the interests of both you and those people. Finally, learn how to write and publish stories that are as frank—and truthful—as they need to be but that don't leave your subjects feeling violated. It's not always easy, but it can (usually) be done.

O. The Business of Screenwriting 101: Becoming a Savvy Screenwriter - Susan Kouguell SOLD OUT!
How do you know if your screenplay is really ready for submission? Where and how do you submit a script? How do you find an agent? Do you need an entertainment attorney? What's the best way to grab a production company's attention? This workshop will demystify the film industry and reveal what story analysts and movie executives really look for in a winning screenplay. Tools on writing attention-grabbing queries and synopses, as well as preparing for pitch meetings will also be discussed. SOLD OUT!

P. Gee, Biz! Understanding the Business of Writing - Paul Durham, Sonja Hakala, Brian Jud, Jim Schley, Peter Randall, Susan Zizza
Does the business side of writing intimidate you? Heard you need to promote yourself and your work but don't know how? Bring your burning questions about any aspect of the business side of writing--from copyright to contracts to self-publishing and beyond--and let our esteemed panel of publishing professionals answer your questions.

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Session #3 Classes, 2:45 to 4:00 p.m.

Q. Writing about Reading: The Art and Business of Book Reviewing - Rebecca Sinkler
Why do we read book reviews? What makes a good one? A bad one? How do you keep your personal feelings about the author separate from your critical assessment of his or her work? In this class, you will discover the ins and outs of the art and business of book reviewing. You will learn the state of the business these days and why people are willing to (and should) spend hours reading a book, more hours writing about it, and all for a pittance – or even for nothing.

R. Mining Memory: Capturing Your Universe on Paper - Joseph Hurka
(Also offered in Session #2)
Leo Tolstoy once said that a writer needs "a clear, definite, and fresh view of the universe" to create art; a good part of what gives us this view is our history. In this session we'll work on how to connect the memory of the writer with the pen. We'll use exercises and prompts designed to gain a specific grasp on our experiences, and we'll explore the overall role of memory in literature. Our goal will be, both for the experienced and the beginner, to start you on the road to creating fresh and moving prose. Please bring a pen or pencil and a notebook: all are welcome.

S. Getting Abroad: A Workshop in Literary Translation - Jim Kates
Literary translation of prose or poetry is a form of close critical reading. There is no single definitive translation, and that's part of the fun of the game, because no two people will read the same piece in exactly the same way — nor, indeed, is the same translator likely to write the same piece twice the same way, if enough time and experience intervene. For a writer, translations are literary snapshots. This workshop will introduce writers and readers to how the possibilities and limitations of literary translation, the relationship of word-for-word renderings to finished equivalents, the questions translators ask of the literature we work on, and the choices translators make in conveying our versions to readers who can't read the original, help discipline and expand our own writing. All you need to get started is a nodding acquaintance with a second language, and a literary command of English.

T. Be the Butterfly: Transforming Your Life into Fiction- Xujun Eberlein SOLD OUT!
Discover how to transform your real life experiences into fiction. In this workshop you will learn how to make a story read as both true and interesting not only to you, but also to a broader audience. Participants are expected to bring one clear copy of a scene (approx. 500 words, double-spaced, 12-point font) from a work in progress. This scene should be based on an unforgettable memory. Try to make it as interesting as possible. Feel free to make up details that help with this... Up to five participants will be called upon to to read from and share their work with the class, so be prepared. We will explore the differences between the true-life version and the fictionalized, and analyze why changes were made. This workshop is for beginner-intermediate writers. SOLD OUT!

U. Creating Chapbooks in Poetry or Prose: Literary Sonatas - Jim Schley SOLD OUT!
The term chapbook was first used in the 19th century for the pamphlets with stories, polemics, or ballads sold by itinerant peddlers known as “chapmen,” which derives from an Old English word for barter. Today’s literary chapbooks are usually 16 to 32 pages, with hand-sewn or stapled bindings. They can be assembled in a photocopy shop, or commercially produced, or printed in letterpress with hand-set type. Chapbooks can be intimate and concentrated — more like nocturnes or sonatas, compared with the concerto or symphony of a book. Chapbooks have allure for collectors as “limited editions,” and readers love them for the experience of reading a poem sequence or a single essay or story straight through, at one sitting. This workshop will consider a diversity of reasons why both poets and prose writers might consider creating chapbooks in preparation for book publishing, or as a bridge between books, as a means of generating public readings and other kinds of interest, or to experiment with formal aspects in a piece of writing. Writers publish chapbooks not instead of, but in combination with, other forms of publication. SOLD OUT!

V. Give Your Characters Oomph: A Workshop - Sue Wheeler SOLD OUT!
This workshop will focus on character development in fiction, creative nonfiction, or essays. In addition to your own writing, we will examine published writers' works to illustrate different skills and techniques authors have used to reveal their characters and give them energy and depth. Please bring a writing sample of up to three pages where one or more of your characters are revealed. This can be from several consecutive pages or pages from different parts of a paper, such as a short story, a memoir, an essay, or pages you've just written for our workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to give supportive, constructive, and specific responses to help each writer improve. Bring thirteen copies of your pages. Beginner and intermediate writers welcome. Class limited to 12. SOLD OUT!

W. Agents and Editors Panel - Lisa Adams, Sally Brady, Jonathan Crowe, David Godine, Joni Praded, Lorin Rees, Lissa Warren
What does it take to get a book editor or literary agent's attention? Get the tips you need from the people who know. Bring your questions for these esteemed publishing professionals and learn from their experience. Use this opportunity to gain fresh insight into the ever-changing world of publishing.

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Showcase: NH Literary Idol, 4:15 to 5:00 p.m. PRE-REGISTRATION SOLD OUT!

Join the fun! Sign up for Literary Idol and your chance to win great prizes, including free admission to Writers' Day 2010 and a gift certificate from Gibson's Bookstore. Read your complete 3-minute flash fiction piece in front of the audience and our panel of esteemed judges, Jacquelyn Benson, Hope Jordan, and James Patrick Kelly, and Rebecca Rule as "Ryan Seacrest."

Up to 10 contestants will duke it out to be crowned New Hampshire's next Literary Idol. First come, first served, so sign up today! This event is open to the public, so be sure to invite your family and friends. What a way to end an amazing, inspiring day! PRE-REGISTRATION SOLD OUT! But come take your chances at Literary Idol itself! Due to popular demand, we will select contestants from the audience, time permitting. Stay for the showcase, and throw your own flash-fiction hat in the ring for a chance to win great prizes, and, of course, the bragging rights that come from winning Literary Idol!

Reception with Book Sales and Signing,1:00-2:30 p.m and 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Gibson's Bookstore will be on hand all day selling books. We'll end the day with an informal reception for all Writers' Day participants and a time to have your books signed.

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Pitch Sessions: 1:00-2:00 p.m. SOLD OUT!

Back by Popular Demand : Five Minutes to Pitch your Book to an Editor or Agent!

Think of speed dating. . . with a publishing professional. You’ll have five minutes to talk up your book and hear comments and suggestions from an editor or agent. Will your idea fly? Is your concept marketable? This could be just the tip you need.

UPDATE: Pitch Sessions are sold out! If you requested one, we will let you know in your confirmation letter if you got it. Confirmation letters will be sent out soon. Thanks for your interest!

Important details: This opportunity is for Writers’ Day participants who are working on or have completed a fiction or nonfiction book. Please do not bring your manuscript to Writers’ Day— editors and agents will not be reading or receiving manuscripts. Do prepare a five-minute pitch for your manuscript that will allow time for feedback from the publishing professional.

More important details: Pitch sessions take place during lunch, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Don’t worry: You’ll have plenty of time to pick up your box lunch!) You will be scheduled a pitch session and assigned an editor or agent, based on your genre. To register: Check pitch session and your genre on the registration form.

Directions to The Derryfield School

2108 River Road, Manchester, NH 03106

From I-93: take exit 9N onto Hooksett Road (Route 3 and Route 28) heading north. At the first traffic light, go left onto West Alice Drive, which becomes Donati Drive at the sharp left curve. Follow Donati to the end, then go right onto Bicentennial Drive. Follow Bicentennial to the stop sign. The entrance to The Derryfield is directly across River Road.

From the Seacoast, take 101 West to 93 North and follow the directions above.

From the Monadnock region, here are two options: (1) Take 101 East to 293 South to 93 North and follow the directions above. OR (2) Take 101 East to 293 North to Exit 6. Cross the Amoskeag Bridge, then turn left on Elm Street. Follow Elm Street for 1 mile, then turn left onto Bennington Road. Go 1 block, then turn right onto River Road. The Derryfield School is 1.25 miles down the road on the left.

Look for event parking signs when you arrive.
Registration, keynote address, and NH Literary Idol take place in the Derryfield School Auditorium. Classes, lunch, booksales and networking take place in the middle school building directly across from the Auditorium. The campus is wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please call our office at 603-314-7980 before you register, so that we can discuss your needs.