Seventh Annual Rochester Writers’ Conference October 4, 2014
“The Writer in You” is the theme for the seventh annual Rochester Writers’ Conference held at Oakland University. The one-day event brings together authors from several genres. New, working and published writers attend sessions designed for different skill levels, styles and topics. “The workshops and discussions at the conference build on the skills each attendee has,” said Michael Dwyer, organizer and founder of the event, “and offers tips, tricks and tools to move the writer in each of us forward.” All the presenters, authors and speakers at the event are based in Michigan.
Lev Raphael, from Okemos, MI, will be the keynote speaker addressing the conference after lunch. Raphael has published 24 books and he currently teaches creative writing at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. Signed copies of his new book, Assault with a Deadly Lie, will be available at the event.
Morning and afternoon breakout sessions allow attendees to tailor-fit their interests in fiction, non-fiction and business elements designed to benefit writers at all levels. A dozen different presentations will be offered throughout the day with opportunities to meet the speakers and to network with other writers.
Journalists and Non-fiction Writers
Rochester resident Erin Rawlings will moderate the Topics on Women’s Writing panel. Along with three other Metro Detroit women – Satori Shakoor, Jessica Watson and Lynn Cobb – Erin will lead the discussion. Rawlings will also present a separate workshop on Social Media Branding.
Debbie Leveski, from Lake Orion, MI, will tell attendees how to Write out of the Box with their freelance writing. Beyond regular news outlets, non-fiction writers will explore opportunities to increase income with additional writing jobs.
A panel of magazine and newspaper editors will discuss freelancing, meeting deadlines and the submission process. Local editors form the panel, including R.J. King from DBusiness Magazine, Becky Repp from American Road Magazine and Valerie Vande Panne from the Metro Times.
Fiction Authors
For fiction writers, speakers will incorporate theme, experience, inspiration and imagination in a variety of workshops from poetry to novel writing. Kelly Fordon from Grosse Pointe, MI will be presenting a fiction workshop; Karrie Waarala from Ypsilanti, MI will be offering a poetry session; and Steven Harper Piziks from Walled Lake, MI will examine the use of theme throughout the story.
The conference also offers a presentation in self-publishing with Shannon Janeczek from Ypsilanti. “Self-publishing is something everyone wants to know more about,” said Michael Dwyer, “this presentation will offer a good overview of many options available today.” Lisa Howard from Berkley, MI, presents a session for beginning writers looking to get started.
Register Now to Attend
The Rochester Writers’ Conference offers 12 presentations within four sessions. With three choices per session time, attendees may select the ones that best suits their needs. Fiction, non-fiction and general writing topics are presented in panel discussion, lecture or workshop style. All sessions, keynote speaker, lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee.
The early bird rate is $99, same as it has been since 2008. Purchase online or by mail. A full list of the speakers and the presentations is posted at www.RochesterWriters.com. Secure payment options are available at the site. Contact Michael Dwyer at 248-651-6869 for more information.