2014 Lakeside Writers Weekend
“Write Where You Are”
Workshops for Emerging and Experienced Writers
Two Presenters, Two Choices…
1) Short Story Manuscript Session – limited capacity
2) Poetry, fiction, non-fiction & blogging
Friday 9/19 – (6-8 pm): Public Reading at Ortonville Public Library
412 NW 2nd Street, Ortonville, MN
Saturday 9/20 (9-4): Workshops at Lakewood Supper Club
Sunday 9/21 (9-1): 1073 Lakeshore Drive, Ortonville, MN
The two workshop presenters are Judy Wilson and 
Marianne Zarzana, creative writing professors at
Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, Minnesota. Wilson, returning by popular demand after leading the September 2013 workshop, will present an advanced workshop for writers of fiction and creative non-fiction. Wilson has published a book of short stories titled Trespass. In addition, she has been published in Renovated Lighthouse Literary Magazine, Product, Southern Literary Festival Anthology, Skylark Literary Annual, Mississippi Review, and The Atlantic Monthly’s Atlantic
Unbound.
Zarzana’s workshop is open to writers at all levels of writing experience and
covers all genres—poetry, non-fiction and fiction—as well as blogging. On Sunday during t
he workshop, both authors will present information on promoting and publishing literary work. Zarzana has recently published essays in Notre Dame Magazine, and her
poetry has appeared in Savoring (a collaborative art and
poetry exhibit), Dust & Fire, Farming Words, Blue Earth
Review, Minnesota River Review, Umbrella Journal, and Kitchen Scraps among other
publications. She writes a blog, “Fly-over Country,” on her website: www.mariannezarzana.com.
Advanced Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Workshop
For those ready to dive into the deep end of the literary pool, award-winning fiction writer and editor, Judy Wilson, offers a day-long, intensive workshop designed for participants with a prior awareness of the qualities of good literature, prior practice in the craft of writing stories, and an ability to offer an aesthetic response to the writings of their peers in the workshop arena. Participating writers benefit from the feedback of a ready audience of their fellow writers who will give serious attention to their work in a casual and friendly atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to find out what’s working and what’s not in your stories. Because of the serious scrutiny given to each writer’s work, this workshop is limited to 10 participants and registration deadline for this session is August 25. You will be notified when successfully registered.
Each writer will submit a short story (typically 8 to 18 pages), double-spaced, preferably in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Short stories are either fiction or creative non-fiction. Submit stories as Word or PDF file attachments tojudy.wilson@smsu.edu. In the subject line, type Lakeside Participant and your last name. (For example, Lakeside Participant Capulet) The deadline for story submissions is August 31st. The collected stories will be distributed to the group by email on September 1st so that each participant can print, read, mark up, and develop a response for each story prior to the weekend workshop. Guidelines regarding providing feedback to workshop stories will accompany the distribution of stories.
All Levels and All Genres Workshop
Author Marianne Zarzana will present to participants a wide range of writing experiences including poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and blogging. She will share habits and strategies such as images, energy, tension, pattern, insight, and revision. These strategies help produce good writing in any genre. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be exposed to examples of strong writing and will generate their own writing. Zarzana guides participants to the good stuff—the powerful, lasting images we want to create and the stories we want to tell. Creative writing is fun, and this is an opportunity to play and explore, to leave your inner critic at home and freely express yourself in a supportive atmosphere. Deadline for registration for this session is September 15 and the group is limited to 30.
For the half-day Sunday session, fiction writer Wilson and poem Zarzana come together to divulge a wealth of information on taking care of the business side of writing. Topics covered will include promotional strategies such as creating blogs, networking, attending conferences or writing events, scoping out literary agents, submitting work for publication, entering writing contests, participating in or organizing a writers’ group, and sustaining the writer in you.
Registration for Senior (65+) and Traditional (up to age 22) students is $65. All other students are $75. Registration includes a light breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and a light breakfast and lunch on Sunday. A reduced fee is available for students and senior citizens. The workshop will go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, followed by dinner, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Register online: writers weekend registration and pay here.
Questions? call Maureen Stores at 320.265.6121or email maureenstores@centurytel.net
Printable PDF Flyer: 2014WritersWeekendFlyerwithpics
Hosted by Big Stone Arts
For lodging information contact: Econo Lodge-320.839.2414 or Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: 320.839.3284
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the SW MN Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Big Stone Arts 