Readers need writers. Writers need readers. And, the Southwest Festival of the Written Word in historic downtown Silver City NM–dedicated to encouraging writers to write and readers to read–brings a “cloud nine” weekend for both types of word aficionados, October 2-October 4, 2015.
For those who “put pen to paper” and those who “lift the page to the light”, the Festival invites you to consider attending one or more of the following six sessions out of the fifty that will be offered over the weekend.
Join these fine presenters who are experts in the publishing industry, the techniques of writing, the editing process, and the illustration and book cover side of the intriguing world of book-making. Learn about the trials, the efforts, and the wonders of bringing the written word to fruition.
Peter Riva
The Publishing Industry
Friday Oct. 2, 2pm, Old Elks Lodge
With almost four decades of experience in dealing with
authors, publishers, television productions and other media,
Peter Riva is ideally placed to describe the contemporary literary scene. He will outline a number of recent trends and show how these are affecting–and will continue to affect– writers and readers. Following the presentation, Riva will answer questions from the audience.
Mary Sojourner
Scalpel and Thread: the art of fine-tuning your writing
Saturday Oct. 3, 10am, Church of Harmony
Mary Sojourner, with thirty years of national writing, editing and mentoring experience, will take participants through exercises designed to help them know when to cut, know when to embroider and know when to walk away. This is not a lecture session. Bring writing materials and come prepared to write.
Stella Pope Duarte
How to be a GPS Storyteller
Saturday Oct. 3, 11:30am, Church of Harmony
This exciting workshop is for anyone who has memories
to record, or create. Locate a place in your mind. Why do
you still remember it? Breathe. What do you see, hear or
feel? Who is there? Tell a story. Go back to your “GPS.”
Join Stella in this highly imaginative way to tell unforgettable stories. All writing levels welcome. Bring writing materials and come prepared to write.
Richard Mahler
Self-publishing: How to Take Your Book from Dream to Reality
Saturday Oct. 3, 3pm, Church of Harmony
Silver City author and publisher Richard Mahler describes a quick, inexpensive, and simple five-step process for getting your book edited, designed, created, published, and promoted.
His emphasis is on state-of-the-art digital technologies, templates, and software now available to anyone with a computer and access to the Internet. Topics will include on-demand printing, e-books, cover design, distribution, production costs, royalties, publicity, and the big gorilla: Amazon.
Lisa Lenard-Cook
A Quick Tour of Writing & Publishing in 2015
Sunday Oct. 4, 10am, Old Elks Lodge
The Big Five. Small publishers. University publishers.
Independent publishing. Self publishing. Revision. Rewriting. Editing. Ghosts. Marketing. Platforms. No wonder we’re calling it a quick tour! We’ll define terms, explain the differences among these options, and then move to a favorite topic—why writing a first draft is only the beginning. This one’s for both the old hands and the newbies— and everyone in between.
Paul Hotvedt & Ann Lowe
The Art of Book Design: Illustrations, Photographs,
and Options
Sunday Oct. 4, 10am
Church of Harmony
Two professional book designers and artists discuss the art of making the final product look as good as possible.This presentation will discuss the creative possibilities for both independent authors and publishing houses. If you’re looking for some insight into the options available between print and electronic media, this is a not-to-miss presentation.