Mon, Jul 06, 2009

Accent

Pros help writers at upcoming workshop

By Rosalie Robles Crowe
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.21.2008
For those with a story to tell and the desire to tell it, Meg Files has just what's needed: the 20th Pima Writers' Workshop, slated for May 30-June 1.
The workshop, at Pima Community College West Campus Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road, is designed to help those with stories find their voice, says workshop director Files.
"It's a great conference for anybody at any experience level," said Files, who teaches creative writing at PCC West. "It's for those who are just starting out, for those who are published and for everybody in between."
Those attending will be able to talk and consult with professional writers, editors and agents, File said. Better yet, they'll get a chance to write.
The workshop offers information on getting started, getting an agent's attention, selling and writing — in that order — the nonfiction book, finding the right publisher and dealing with rejection.
Other classes focus on writing exercises, including metaphor in poetry, the personal travel narrative, children's writing and the art of revision.
When Files first started the Pima Writers' Workshop 20 years ago, "we started with three authors and 40 participants," she said. "Now we have a dozen authors, agents and editors and (expect) about 300 participants."
This year's speakers include Helene Atwan, director of Boston's Beacon Press; Kenneth Wright, a book editor and publisher with more than 20 years experience and currently a literary agent at Writers House in New York City; Jeff Moores of the New York literary agency Dunow, Carlson & Lerner; and Enid Perll, director of Double Tiger Productions: Authors' Support Services in Sarasota, Fla.
Authors who will speak and lead classes include three Tucsonans: Jennifer Lee Carrell, author of "Interred With Their Bones" and the historical nonfiction book "The Speckled Monster"; Nancy Mairs, poet and essayist and author of the award-winning "In All the Rooms of the Yellow House"; and Jennifer J. Stewart, known for her award-winning children's books, including "If That Breathes Fire, We're Toast."
Peggy Shumaker, now a resident of Alaska, formerly lived in Tucson, and Peter Nichols, who writes fiction and nonfiction, recently moved to Tucson.
Shumaker's newest book is a memoir, "Just Breathe Normally." Nichols' works include "Voyage to the North Star" and "Sea Change: Alone Across the Atlantic in a Wooden Boat."
Other authors who will speak at the workshop are Elisabeth Hyde, author of "Crazy as Chocolate" and "The Abortionist's Daughter"; Stuart Kaminsky, author of 94 published novels, short stories and biographies and the screenwriter for four produced films, including "Once Upon a Time in America"; and Reginald Shepherd, author of "Fata Morgana" and winner of the 2007 Florida Book Awards silver medal.
The cost of the conference is $80. Those wishing to get PCC credit pay $94 (Arizona residents) or $306 (nonresidents) plus a $19 student-services and processing fee.
Those wishing to submit a manuscript for review may do so, Files said. There is no fee for the review or to meet with an author or agent. However, registration for the entire workshop is required. Requests for consultation with a particular author or agent will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.
Manuscripts must be typed, double-spaced and no longer than 20 pages. Poets may submit up to three poems. Book excerpts are accepted with a one-page plot synopsis.
Manuscripts should be received with the workshop registration by May 14. The deadline for everyone else is May 29.
Send registration forms and manuscripts to Pima Community College, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road, Tucson, AZ 85709, Attention: Cashier's Office.
For more information or to obtain a registration form, contact Meg Files at 206-6084 or mfiles@pima.edu.
● Contact reporter Rosalie Crowe at 573-4105 or rcrowe@azstarnet.com.