Learn how to ‘set your stories ablaze’ and other writing tips
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
JOHNSON CITY — Do you have a book idea stirring down in your soul? Or have you started your novel only to see your energy sputter out? Or maybe you have written a novel, play, poem or other work and wonder what next?
Well, on Feb. 25, you can get some answers during the seventh annual Johnson City Library’s Writers Conference. “Aspects of Good Writing” features three authors: Diane Bertrand, Owen Egerton and Stephen Harrigan.
“We’re very excited about having these three authors,” said Maggie Goodman, the Johnson City Library librarian. “I had (Diane Bertrand) lined up, but when Becka Oliver of the Writers’ League of Texas heard what I was doing, she said she could get the other two.
“This is going to be a great program,” she said.
The conference is 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the LBJ National Historical Park’s Johnson Settlement in Johnson City. Registration is $40. People can register online at www.jclibrarysite.org, by calling (830) 868-4469 or by emailing Goodman at johnsoncitylibrary@verizon.net.
The day starts with a panel discussion featuring the three authors and mediated by Oliver.
“During lunch, there will be other members of the Writers’ League with Oliver who will hang around and speak with people so they can network,” Goodman said
Following lunch, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., attendees will break out into author-led workshops.
Bertrand, who is Writer-in-Residence at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, will lead “Give Your Writing STAR Power.” During the program, she’ll help writers examine the power of each word and sentence. They’ll also enjoy writing exercises to generate new ideas, develop current works and take another look at any rejected manuscripts.
In Egerton’s session, attendees will study fire.
Well, more like how to set your writing on fire in a figurative manner. Owen’s topic, “Burning Words,” will focus on how risk plays a role in writing and “how to set your stories ablaze.”
Harrigan, who is the author of nine books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestseller “The Gates of the Alamo,” will talk about “Crisis Management for Writers.” He will tackle ways writers stumble when it comes to fiction and nonfiction works.
Goodman said this looks to be an interesting and exciting conference.
“The conference has grown from being a few people to now it’s well-attended,” she said. “I think people are amazed at the quality of authors we get to sit on the panel discussion and lead the workshops.”
Registration is $40 and covers lunch as well. The park is located on Avenue F and Ladybird Lane in Johnson City at the LBJ Boyhood Home and Settlement.
daniel@thepicayune.com