In this workshop, Diane C Pomerantz, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist published in numerous literary magazines, will explore how sharing our stories gives sense and meaning to our lives. Whether we are seeking meaning after the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, or following physical illness or abuse, writing can help in processing these experiences. By embracing our stories and sharing them with others, we gain a deeper understanding of our experiences and ourselves, which allows us to reframe our life narratives and opens the door to writing new chapters in our lives.

Nonfiction authors seeking to get a book contract need to distinguish themselves from among a crowd of writers. Dr. Sherri M. Williams, a journalism and media studies professor who teaches at American University, will help you focus your pitch on what makes your book distinct. Sharpen your book proposal from a synopsis of the book down to the chapter descriptions. Dr. Williams will also share tips that she used to obtain two book contracts. Leave with a plan to start and finish a polished book proposal.

In this workshop, Melissa Scholes Young – literature professor at American University and the author of the award-winning novels, “Flood” and “The Hive” – will show you how to consider craft approaches to structure in stories and the role of revision. From beat sheets to heroine journey models to world building, you will learn how to create your own maps for the stories you want to tell.

With so many people calling themselves editors, how do you know when you have found the right one for you and your project? In this presentation, editor and author Katherine Pickett walks you through the five steps you need to take to make sure you are working with someone you can trust. The workshop will delve into sample edits and examine real editors’ websites to understand what to look for and what to avoid. Leave feeling confident you can find a high-quality editor who will make your work shine.

Learn seven proven approaches for writing a dynamic play script – whether you want to write plays that are realistic, non-realistic, comedic, fantastical, based on a true story or whatever – from Robert St. John, author of “Pulling a Playwright Out of a Hat.” And if you’re a writing teacher, the workshop will also cover surefire methods for teaching your students how to write plays that win awards and attract scholarship offers.

Great memoirs center not just on what happened, but how the events being shared changed the narrator’s point of view in essential ways. You don’t have to start at the beginning to do that. In fact, sometimes it’s helpful not to. In this generative workshop, author Seema Reza will guide you through several writing prompts that help mine your current experiences – often the freshest – to discover connections to past stories you’re trying to tell. Whether you’re writing a memoir, considering it or new to the genre, this workshop is for you.

Explore different publishing paths available today: traditional, hybrid and self-publishing. Emily Barrosse, founder and CEO of Bold Story Press, will share the key differences between these options and how to choose the one that is best for you as an author. If your manuscript is nearing completion, this session will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your publishing plan.