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Workshops and Retreats
Writers & Books in Rochester
by, Ava Russell
June 20, 2014

In a three-story former police precinct on University Avenue in the heart of Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts, you’ll find a bustling center of activity: a group of older folks heading upstairs for their workshop on memoir writing, a bunch of eight-year-olds, notebooks and pencils in hand, stepping out to find magical creatures in the Eastman Gardens, and laughter bursting from an improv comedy class… [Read More]

Filed Under: Gell Center, Naples, Online Courses, Rochester, Writers & Books
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Spring Writes in Ithaca
by, Jill Swenson
May 2, 2014

In its fifth year the Ithaca Literary Festival, Spring Writes, presents a weekend full of workshops, readings, and performances. Check the calendar for the full schedule of activities. Here’s a few highlights to entice to you to one of the dozen venues downtown to participate in the festivities. There are more than 30 events to inspire you. Sponsored by the Community Arts Partnership in Tompkins… [Read More]

Filed Under: Anne Mazer, Buffalo Street Books, Casey Martinson, Community Arts Partnership, Ithaca, Jeanne Mackin, Katie Klein, Rob Costello, Shawn Goodman, Spring Writes, The Beautiful American, Tish Pearlman
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Start the New Year with a Writing Group
by, Jill Swenson
December 20, 2013

In January, Jill Swenson starts intensive writing workshops in the Ithaca area intended for those who seek to improve their writing craft and/or have a work-in-progress. At each session, every writer will present new work.  Participants are expected to attend every session and bring two double-spaced pages of text with photocopies for the group. Each writer will read their selection out loud and the group… [Read More]

Filed Under: constructive criticism, Winter Writing Workshops, Work-in-Progress, writing craft
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Military Writers Society of America: 2013 Conference September 26-29 in Dayton
by, Jill Swenson
August 6, 2013

Saving history one story at a time, Military Writers Society of America is a national organization dedicated to helping veterans, their families, and historians inscribe the complexities of military life and encourage writing to heal. Membership is open to anyone interested in books about military issues and the experiences of men and women in uniform. Membership benefits include monthly dispatches, listings and reviews of your… [Read More]

Filed Under: Carol Tyler, Cathryn Prince, Death in the Baltic, Dwight Zimmerman, Jack Woodville London, Leila Levinson, Military Writers Society of America, Roxana Robinson
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Ithaca: A Book Lover’s Paradise
by, Ava Russell
July 9, 2013

Ithaca, New York is more than just “Gorges.” Luminosity recently released a study deeming Ithaca the smartest city in America based on cognitive training exercises. A thriving, progressive college town, Ithaca is certainly a center for learning and growth. But what else makes it such a hotspot for brain power? Ithaca boasts a community of writers, readers, and researchers; one that makes our small city… [Read More]

Filed Under: For the Love of Books, Ithaca, Local authors, local bookstores, Readers, used books
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Three Writing Workshops in February at Cayuga Nature Center
by, Jill Swenson
January 19, 2013

Cayuga Nature Center sits on 100 acres overlooking the  largest of the Finger Lakes with a lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s as a “preventorium,” a temporary home for families members of tuberculosis patients at the nearby “sanatorium” (near the present Cayuga Medical Center). The lodge, recently renovated, is quiet and comfortable in the winter months. Writing workshops are being offered for… [Read More]

Filed Under: Bill Chaisson, Cayuga Nature Center, Finger Lakes, Jay Leeming, memoir, Nature Writing, poetry
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2012 Military Writers Society of America Conference September 27-29 in Ohio
by, Jill Swenson
September 25, 2012

Military Writers Society of America convenes in Ohio September 27-29 for the annual conference and awards Banquet. An association of more than a thousand authors, poets, and artists come together by the common bond of love for the men and women who defend our nation, and a deep and personal understanding for their sacrifice and dedication. Their stories weave the fabric of our nation’s history…. [Read More]

Filed Under: Cathryn Prince, Dayton, Death in the Baltic, Getting Your Book Published, Leila Levinson, Military Writers Society of America, Ohio
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Historical Non-Fiction Narrative: Two Day Writing Workshop Sept 8-9
by, Jill Swenson
August 11, 2012

Discover your voice. Let loose your inner sleuth. Learn new skills and polish your work-in-progress. This two-day non-fiction writing workshop will help you identify a story, learn new research methods, write fresh history, edit for publication, and prepare your pitch. Five 90-minute sessions will focus on 1) story 2) facts 3) genre 4) style and 5) publishing. WHERE: Retreat in scenic rural Brooktondale at the… [Read More]

Filed Under: Boiceville community, Cathryn Prince, Death in the Baltic, Historical, Jill Swenson, Meeting House, Narrative, Non-Fiction
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