Young Writer’s Conference & Writing Contest
More info:
A Program of the Virginia Festival of the Book
Presented by the Young Virginia Writers Club, teen division of the Virginia Writers Club, Inc.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Charlottesville High School
1400 Melbourne Road
Charlottesville, Virginia
About the Conference
The Young Writer’s Conference is a 1-day event presented by the Young Virginia Writers Club (YVWC) specifically for middle and high school students. After being surveyed early in the planning process, a committee of students across various regions of the Commonwealth helped to develop six seminar titles to offer at this year’s conference. Thanks to a partnership with the Virginia Festival of the Book (www.vabook.org) held March 16-20 in Charlottesville, published authors have been provided as presenters for these seminars. Additionally, there is a Conference Writing Contest open to students who register to attend the conference. Thanks again to our Festival partnership, a very special author will address students and present awards during the afternoon program of the conference.
Cost & Registration
Conference Fee: $50 ($45 for students who attended the 2004 Conference)
Conference fee includes choice of TWO seminars, handouts, refreshments, lunch, and a conference keepsake.
Registration Deadlines:
FEBRUARY 15, 2005 - for those entering the writing contest
MARCH 1, 2005 - late registration for conference only
Registration confirmation (including directions, a facility map, speaker bios and a lunch selection form) will be emailed or mailed upon receipt of registration form and fee.
Seminars
Seminars will be presented in a classroom setting and are limited to (25) participants each. Students may choose TWO seminars. Early registration is encouraged. A third choice should be indicated on the registration form in the event that a seminar is full. Some seminars may be conducted twice to accommodate overwhelming requests.
- POETRY - Creating Imagery
Presenter: George Garrett - NONFICTION (JOURNALISM) - Writing for Newspapers & Interview Techniques
Presenter: Gary Kessler - FICTION - Dialogue Dynamics
Presenter: Quinn Dalton - FICTION (MYSTERY) - Writing a Thriller
Presenters: Cordelia Biddle & Steve Zettler - a.k.a. Nero Blanc - FICTION (FANTASY) - How to Create Distinguishing, New, Innovative Characters
Presenter: Sarah Micklem - FICTION (HORROR) - Writing Supernatural Fiction
Presenter: Elizabeth Massie
Conference Schedule
8:30 - 9:30
Registration & Breakfast Snacks (Cafetorium)
(A parent or guardian must accompany student to registration desk and then return by 1:30 for the Afternoon Program or by 3:00 for close of conference.)
9:45 - 10:15
OPENING SESSION (Media Center)
Welcome & Announcements
Group Photos
Escort to Restrooms & Seminars
10:30 - 11:15
SEMINAR ONE (45 minutes) (Classrooms)
11:15 - 11:22
Switch rooms, water bottles available in hallway
11:25 - 12:10
SEMINAR TWO (45 minutes) (Classrooms)
12:10 - 12:20
Restroom break
12:20 - 1:30
LUNCH (Cafetorium)
“"Cervantes Café"” Open Mic Readings & Door Prize Drawings
Students who would like to read one selection from their writings during lunch should sign up in the morning at the registration desk. Depending on the number of readers, there will be a limit of 2-4 minutes per reader. (Readers must use the microphone.)
1:30
Parents arrive for afternoon session (Media Center)
Note: Seating may be limited.
1:30 - 1:40
Restroom break
1:45 - 3:00
AFTERNOON PROGRAM & AWARDS CEREMONY
Guest Speaker & Presenter of Awards: Andy Straka, author of Cold Quarry, A Killing Sky, and A Witness Above. Cold Quarry received the 2004 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original P. I. Novel of the Year by The Private Eye Writers of America
About the Young Writers Club
Young Virginia Writers Club
A Teen Division of the Virginia Writers Club, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Web site: www.virginiawritersclub.org
email: YVWC@aol.com
The Young Virginia Writers Club (YVWC), established in 2002, is a teen division of the Virginia Writers Club, Inc. (VWC) founded in 1918. The mission of the YVWC is to encourage and assist middle school and high school level students in the development of their writing talents. Activities include an annual conference and writing contest, networking with volunteer mentors from the Virginia Writers Club, and local club meetings in areas where five or more YVWC members gather regularly under the supervision and guidance of an adult advisor.
If a student desires to be published and/or explore how their writing talent may be utilized in a career environment, membership in the YVWC provides a rewarding opportunity to learn from published authors, professionals in the publishing industry and business leaders. Local meetings provide the added benefits of: fellowshipping with peers, participation in programs introducing the craft and business of most writing genres, career coaching, and involvement in the community.
Membership is FREE and open to all middle school and high school level students regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability.
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