Library seminars to give writers practical tips
Writers! Do you ache to see your book on bookstore shelves? Do you fantasize about answering the question "What's your occupation?" with the word "author?" And I'm talking "published" author.
Get the inside scoop on how to get your work from your computer screen to a publisher's hands by attending the "Inside Writing and Publishing" workshops coming up at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Meet with published authors, sharpen your writing skills and find out the secrets of keeping your manuscript out of the slush pile.
The series of workshops begins with "The Secret to a Good Query Letter" from 7 to 9 p.m. March 13. How important is a good query letter? Every bit as important as a good manuscript. Maybe even more so, considering it's the first thing an editor sees.
Author Stacey Klemstein will provide tips and tricks for creating a stand-out query letter for your novel. Your query letter summarizes your novel, describes the target audience, includes some biographical information and, most importantly, grabs the editor's attention.
Without a top notch query letter, chances are your manuscript will never even get read. Attendees will leave with a sample query letter, resources for further information and a rough draft of their own query letter.
The next session, "Creating an Effective Writing Group," takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. March 27. Lisa Rosenthal, editor of "The Writing Group Book," will present a workshop on the nuts and bolts issues of sustaining an effective writing group.
What do you get from a writing group? In the best case scenario, you receive thoughtful critiques of your work, helpful suggestions, and the camaraderie that comes from talking to people who share your passion for writing. Learn how to create that "best case scenario" from someone who's been-there-done-that and has some expertise to share.
Part three is titled "20-20-20 -- Dialogue, Plot, Research" and takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. April 8 in the Adult Classroom. Participants will learn basic guidelines for writing dialog, developing plot and doing research from Libby Fisher Hellmann, author of "A Shot to Die For" and "Chicago Blues." Although many of her examples are geared to crime fiction, there will be useful tips for every writer.
"Inside Writing and Publishing" is a multi-library cooperative program designed to provide opportunities for writers to sharpen writing skills and meet with authors.
Brochures with full details will be available in February from the library's Reader Services Desk in the New Books and Fiction department. These will include information on writing and publishing seminars that other libraries are offering as well.
To register for these free seminars, call (847) 923-3347.