Bay to Ocean Writers Conference
The ninth Bay to Ocean Writers Conference will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2006. The location will be the historic Tidewater Inn at 101 E. Dover Street, in Easton, Maryland.
This conference is designed for beginning and intermediate writers. Whether you are interested in writing your version of the great American novel or seeing your family history in print, this conference is for you.
The Bay To Ocean Writers Conference is dedicated to the life and legacy of Gilbert Byron (1903-1981). A prolific writer of several volumes of poetry, three published novels, many short stories, and countless essays and articles, Byron, truly embodied the spirit and way of life that characterize the Eastern Shore. During his lifetime Byron earned such titles as “Chesapeake Thoreau,” “Voice of the Chesapeake,” and “Poet Laureate of the Eastern Shore.” It has been said that no other author has written, or is likely to write, about the Bay as extensively or over so long a period of time as Byron did. The writers conference in his memory is supported by the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, a volunteer organization established in 1974 to help the library become a community cultural center.
A bibliography of the books of Gilbert Bryon can be found here.
Speakers
An impressive group of local and regional writers and publishers will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience:
Marci Andrews is the Marketing Coordinator for Cornell Maritime Press/Tidewater Publishers and the author of the mystery “Murder in St. Michaels”. Her presentation “How to be a Working Author/Writer”, she will share vital tips sure to get the attention of editors and agents.
Mystery novelist and Department of Defense public affairs specialist Austin Camacho will conduct two workshops, “The Importance of Setting in Your Story” and “Editors' Pet Peeves”.
Dr. Michael Glaser, Maryland's Poet Laureate, will discuss “Your Life as Poem: Writing Our Shaping Moments” using hands-on exercises and focusing on the writer's use of images and details. Dr. Glaser will be participating in a series of Maryland Humanities-sponsored sessions on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25.
Washington, D.C. literary agent and attorney Nina Graybill will speak on “Getting Published Successfully”. She will address markets, proposals, manuscripts, agents, and publishers as she discusses increasing your chances of becoming a published author.
Award-winning poet and novelist Dr. Ann Hennessy's presentation “You've Written It, Now What?” will detail how to get your book into print and how to work with your publisher, as well the best ways to market and promote your book.
Judith Kohl is Professor of English and Humanities, Emerita, from Dutchess Community College, SUNY. Now a resident of Maryland.s Eastern Shore, she will discuss “Writing for the Greater Public: Reference, Essays, Newspaper Columns and Book Reviews”.
Freelance writer Diane Marquette has written more than one hundred and fifty articles for regional publications. She has authored three novels, the first of which will be electronically published in 2006. In her workshop, “What's the Big Idea?” she will cover how to find good ideas and turn them into great stories.
Editorial specialist Linda Mastro writes and edits news releases, feature stories, and community publications for Shore Health Systems. In “Finding Your Niche: Writing for Non-Profit Organizations”, she will explain why this unique writing opportunity builds creative muscle and provides valuable networking.
A former elected official and author of the Barnes and Noble bestseller Dream Season, E Dee Merriken will discuss the experience of getting her book published, as well as share the secrets of her successful marketing plan.
Dan Patrell, co-publisher and editor of the award-winning Maryland Life magazine, will speak about targeting local and regional markets for your work, and share tips for working with and establishing a good relationship with an editor.
In “The Publishing Matrix”, editor and publisher Gregg Wilhelm will describe the options available in today's marketplace and how to determine which choice is right for you.
Registration
The fee for advance registration is $75 ($80 at the door) and $35 for students with current ID. The cost includes the choice of four of the twelve workshops offered, continental breakfast, and networking lunch. The conference begins at 8:30 AM and the final session of the day will end at 4:30 PM.
The deadline for registration is February 17, 2006.
For information concerning registration or to print a registration form, contact Carla Cronin at BTOwritersconference@eastonspromise.com or by phone at (410) 820-9159.
Manuscript Review
Manuscript reviews will be available. The reviewers this year are novelist and Print on Demand expert Austin Camacho, publisher and author Arline Chase, novelist Terry White, and freelance writer and creative writing instructor Judy Reveal. The fee is $40. For manuscript guidelines and submission deadline, contact Judy Reveal at jreveal@verizon.net or by phone at (410) 482-6337.
The Bay to Ocean Writers Conference is dedicated to the life and legacy of Gilbert Byron, a prolific writer from the Eastern Shore. Byron's poetry, novels, essays, and articles captured the way of life that is unique to the region.
This conference in supported by the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library. For general information about the conference, contact Carolyn Jaffe at (410) 820-8822 or clj@goeaston.net.