It's that time again--time to think about preparing for Glen Eyrie, the writers' workshop unlike any other!
For the past several years, my writing friends Nancy Rue and Kathy Mackel have joined with me in leading a workshop--not a conference--at beautiful Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs. This year's conference will be held June 10-13, so it's time to think about transportation to the mountains!
What makes this conference different? First, it's small--we usually average about 50 attendees. Second, you spend most of your time with one specific teacher--and it's your choice. Most conferences feature a wide variety of teachers, so you hear writer A say she does it this way, then you hear writer B say he does it that way, and you can end up confused. We try to keep that to a minimum because our teachers will give you the whole picture, not just a few bits and pieces. How's that for consistency?
Third, the writers' workshop at Glen Eyrie is FUN. We really encourage bonding among the conferees, and we hope you'll strike up friendships that will continue throughout the year. We also have fun nights where we all come together to spark our creativity and let off a little nervous energy. And who could forget movie night in our pajamas?
Fourth, Kathy Mackel, screenwriter and novelist extraordinaire, will give individual consultations to the first 40 or so attendees who sign up for one. So be sure to register early!
Kathy is also offering an early-bird "Ask Me Anything" session on Saturday night, and a moderated writer's group after mid-afternoon on Sunday.
Fifth, the writers' workshop does NOT only feature female teachers. :-) In the past we've had
James Scott Bell, Alton Gansky, and Bill Myers. This year we've invited cop novelist
Mark Mynheir to join us, so he'll be especially talking about writing from a REAL law enforcement officer's point of view. Mark is wonderful and knowledgeable, and even if you don't take his class you'll enjoy meeting him.
How it works: On Sunday evening after our dinner together, the official beginning of the workshop, each of the three teachers will present their method and explain what they want to do in their classes. Then YOU decide which teacher you want to be with for the rest of the sessions. You will then spend in-depth, intensive time in extra-small groups with a teacher to pick their brains and soak up as much as you can. In the afternoons we all come together for panel discussions and other fun activities.
And this year, our theme is "Growing, Reaching, Bending" and here's a picture to shed further light on the theme:
If you've been to Glen Eyrie in the past, why not leave a comment to encourage some others to come? When you're ready to sign up, here's the official link to Glen Eyrie's registration information:
http://www.gleneyrie.org/writers We already have several people signed up, and we'd love to meet you there!
OPTIONAL sessions with Kathy Mackel:
Saturday Night Early Bird Workshop 6 PM - 8 PM
Let’s talk about your ideas, your worries, your frustrations, your dreams. Let's kick-start the conference!
Sunday Afternoon Writer’s Group 3 PM – 5 PM
Bring a writing sample and read for the group. We’ll gently critique, heartily encourage. If you have nothing to read, come anyway. Critique is an essential part of the craft, a shared experience that builds us all up when done with grace and wisdom.
And now, a big thank you to Jennifer Hardt for sending in these photos of last year's workshop. Thanks, Jennifer!
~~Angie
~~Angie
So here they are--I have my favorites, and you probably will, too. Here's hoping they get adopted quickly!
