Do you have an idea for a novel or memoir but don't know how to begin?
Have you made a start but now you're stuck?
Do you wonder if your first page will hook a reader or publisher?
WE CAN HELP!
Visit the Village Writing School tent at Books in Bloom on May 18, where Marilyn Collins (memoir) and Alison Taylor-Brown (fiction) will give you a free personal consultation on your idea or manuscript. Come by early and schedule a time or just drop in.
The Books in Bloom Literary Festival is a free event that begins at 12 noon. You can hear the wonderful roster of writers speak in the gracious setting of The 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.
AND go away with fresh inspiration for YOUR story.
Two New Workshops on May 31
Writing a Self-Help, How-To Book
Have you overcome obstacles or succeeded at a difficult task? Do you have hard-won wisdom that can illuminate another's person's pathway?
But what makes your experience meaningful to others? Why should they trust you? What makes your story stand out from the multitude of stories coming at us every day?
Kelly Madigan, author of the how-to book Getting Sober: A Practical Guide to Making it Through the First 30 Days, published by McGraw-Hill, will show you how to turn your personal experience and insights into marketable essays and how-to books.
Kelly will share insights about the array of nonfiction forms available to share your idea and how to improve the chances that it will connect with readers, agents and editors.
May 31, 10 a.m. - noon at the Village Writing School Cost: $20
It’s Not Who You Know:
Tips for Publishing & Winning Prizes
As an unknown writer with no academic affiliation, many miles from New York City or L.A., Kelly Madigan struggled to get her work out into the world. Eventually, through trial and plenty of error, she discovered multiple tools that helped her acquire an agent, sift through book deal offers from major publishing houses, win prizes from literary magazines, receive a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and get invited to amazing locations to settle in and write for up to a month at a time – while they paid her to be there.
Kelly will share her knowledge of contests, agents, fellowships, publishing, platforms, and the amazing world of writing residencies.
May 31, 2-4 p.m. at the Village Writing School Cost: $20
Back Home and Ready to Work
Writers' Night Out returns to our building this Thursday. We will be critiquing stories after supper, so come join us for a fun and useful evening. Send your stories to Alison by noon on Thursday so she can get them onto the screen.
COMING
SOON
It's not too early to register for this writing adventure.
14 Lucky Writers Hear Pat Carr
Pat Carr led 14 Village Writers through the steps of writing a short story last Saturday, sending us home with several lists to guide us through the steps in the future. The writers produced a wide variety of amazing stories that are ready to be polished and shared. Thank you, Pat. And, please come back.
The mission of the Village Writing School is to foster a vibrant literary community in Northwest Arkansas and to provide resources for ALL writers who seek to improve their craft.
As an unknown writer with no academic affiliation, many miles from New York City or L.A., Kelly Madigan struggled to get her work out into the world. Eventually, through trial and plenty of error, she discovered multiple tools that helped her acquire an agent, sift through book deal offers from major publishing houses, win prizes from literary magazines, receive a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and get invited to amazing locations to settle in and write for up to a month at a time – while they paid her to be there. 
