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June 29-30
Let's Write Weekend
Something for Everyone: Every Level, Every Genre
Jodi Thomas and John Erickson
Jodi Thomas will keynote our Friday evening dinner. This New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist has 35 books and is also a 5 time RITA award winner, the coveted recognition from the Romance Writer's of America which earned her a place in their Hall of Fame. With a degree in Family Studies, Thomas is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Thomas enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A & M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer-In-Residence. Jodi inspires and encourages writers to have courage and "put feet to your dreams". She'll be signing books on Thursday evening, June 28 at Barnes and Noble from 7:30 to 9:00 PM to kick off our Weekend of Writing!
John Erickson will keynote our Saturday afternoon closing session. Best known as the author of Hank the Cowdog series of books, audio-books, and stage plays, his stories have won multiple awards. While working as a ranch cowboy in Oklahoma and Texas, he wrote novels, short stories, articles, plays, essays, and book reviews. In 1982 he and his wife, Kris, started their own publishing company in their garage in Perryton and the first Hank book came out in 1983. Today, almost 30 years after its modest beginnings, Maverick Books is once again Hank's official publisher, and is still located in Erickson's hometown of Perryton. Also the author of WRITING CRAFT, Mr. Erickson will speak to FiW attendees about his writing process. Guest tickets are available and a book signing will follow sponsored by Barnes and Noble. Hilary Sares will be our opening session keynote Friday morning. Formerly an acquiring editor at a New York publishing house for thirteen lucky years, she is now a ghostwriter, with a unique publishing perspective from both sides of the desk. Ask her anything.
Harvey Stanbrough, Arizona author, poet, and writing instructor will be our Friday lunch Keynote in addition to conducting workshops on both days covering dialogue, flash fiction, and poetry. BONUS: Harvey will be conducting a bonus session on Sunday, Essentials of Digital Publishing, 9:30 AM, Ambassador Hotel Classroom Complex.
Candace Havens This bestselling author of six novels with Berkley and leading entertainment journalist, will be our Saturday lunch Keynote. Ms. Havens is currently writing for the Blaze line of Harlequin, and also runs online writing workshops and teaches a comprehensive writing class. She'll be conducting workshops on both days.
Two-day conference plus three meals included, only $135 if registered before June 1, 2012
Or choose 1-day conference only. Registration Form
 Ambassador Hotel Amarillo 806.358.6161 Call directly for reservations.
For a complete schedule of session topics, click here.
Other Speakers include:
 Jeff C. Campbell, former criminal invesitgator now author, recent publication are two booklets as background information to the Sand Creek Massacre studies. For mystery and true crime authors, he'll talk on The Perfect Crime Revisited and Real Police Procedure for Writers. Jeff says, "If you think CSI has it right, you're wrong." This past year, he received a tremendous honor with an invitation to speak to Tribal leaders where he presented details of his research on the Sand Creek incident. He'll share his investigative process, whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, to help you develop primary sources for your research to ensure accuracy and establish credibility in your story. Think you know how the perfect crinimal thinks? You might be surprised.
 Mary Lou Cheatham is a former nurse and teacher who writes devotionals, Southern cookbooks, and inspirational historical romance. The Covington Chronicles is a series about a Mississippi town in the early 1900's. She divides her time between north Louisiana and the Texas Panhandle.
Jim Gleason, Community Relations Manager at Barnes and Noble will introduce PubIt! and answer all of your questions about the book bizz.
  Craig and Nancy Keel - From Pen to Win!
Just for Newbies! A special orientation session for 1st-time FiW attendees will be held Thursday evening at Barnes and Noble to explain what to expect and answer all of your concerns. You'll walk into the meeting on Friday feeling confident and prepared to begin your writing journey.
 Phyliss Miranda is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of six anthologies who still believes in the code of the west. She blogs at www.petticoatsandpistols.com and will speak on characterization.
 Chris Stewart, Attorney, proclaims himself to be a 'copyright geek' who really enjoys working with creative and talented authors. He'll be doing two sessions on Friday covering copyright law and publishing law.
 Joe Douglas Trent, song writer and award-winning author saw his debut novel published in 2011. He lives, works and writes from Lubbock, Texas. The title of his session will be Using Person, Tense and Depth to Frame Stories.
A Whole Weekend of Events and Opportunities for YOU!
For additional conference information, click here.
Hat's Off to our Sponsors:
Panhandle Professional Writers, Amarillo College, Barnes and Noble
Special Thanks to our FiW 2012 Conference Committee!
Dr. Mike Bellah, Jim Gleason, Rory C. Keel, Phyliss Miranda, Barbara Propst, and Natalie Bright-Chair. Kenja Purkey, PPW President.
For questions, email natalie@nataliebright.com.
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FiW Conference |
