Put the Pen to the Paper and Write
Dogwood Writing Conference to be held in Greenup County April 27
By Pamela Hall
The Ashland Beacon
Are you an avid reader who wants to begin writing your own books? Have you often read something and thought that you could write something similar or possibly even better? Do you have ideas for a story but aren’t sure how to get started? If so, the Dogwood Writing Conference is the place for you!
The Dogwood Writing Conference, presented by the KYOWA Writers Group, will be held this year Saturday, April 27 at the Greenup County Public Library in downtown Greenup. The conference begins at 9 a.m. and goes until about 4 p.m. Preregistration is $50, or registration at the door begins at 8:30 and is $55. The cost also includes lunch. A registration form can be found on the Dogwood Writing Conference Facebook page.
The Dogwood Writing Conference began in 1999 when the KYOWA Writers Group saw the need for a local conference with a lineup of top-quality professional writers that was affordable for those interested without having the expense of traveling. That is still the mission of the Dogwood Writing Conference.
The annual event has gained popularity among local writers, offering knowledgeable speakers covering various topics aimed at assisting writers in techniques, getting published and more. This year’s speakers are an outstanding group that you won’t want to miss.
J.M. Madden is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes compelling romances, with a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure, between “combat-modified” military men and the women who love them. Madden worked as a deputy sheriff in Ohio for nine years before moving to Kentucky with her husband and family for his job. She continually works at perfecting her craft and overcoming her addiction to office supplies.
Stephen M. Vest is the editor and publisher of Kentucky Monthly magazine. The magazine won the Governor’s Award in the Arts (Media) in 2005. Vest is also the author of several books including Unexpected Inheritance, a memoir about being raised by older parents and a hard-to-please grandmother.
“We're really excited about being able to offer such a great program here in our own area,” said Cathie Shaffer, President of the KYOWA Writers Group. “These featured speakers bring incredible experience and talent, and we're thrilled to have them with us.”
There will also be a critique panel for those wishing to get feedback on something they have written. Those wanting to participate should bring two or three pages of their writing, which will be read to the panel for their thoughts and input, as well as give pointers on how to improve. No author names are given for this session.
Whether you are interested in writing romance, suspense, historical fiction or something in the non-fiction genre, such as magazine and newspaper articles or memoirs, there is something for everyone at this year’s Dogwood Writing Conference. The conference is also a chance to network with other local writers. It helps to rejuvenate and fan the spark of creativity as well. The day will benefit both beginner and established writers.
“One becomes a writer by putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard,” Shaffer stated. “This event is an opportunity to hone the craft and to talk with other writers in a comfortable, easy atmosphere. Over our 20-year history, the Dogwood Writing Conference has helped a number of authors find their way to publication.”
Don’t miss the Dogwood Writing Conference, Saturday, April 27 at 9 a.m. at the Greenup County Public Library in downtown Greenup. You may be the next local writer to become a published author!