Community

The cost can’t be measured in sweat or tears or hours in front of a keyboard, and the payback doesn’t depend on the dollar amount for any story or article sold.  I am so willing to make my way along this thrilling route, no matter the weather, terrain, or odds.  I am thankful for the privilege that comes from being chosen.  If you’re a writer, you know what I mean.

Yet, being chosen can make for a lonely life, especially when it seems as though you’re surrounded by non-writers.  Only other writers can understand the driving force that constantly compels us to create with words. 

A need for connection with other writers led to the formation of the new non-profit group, Hampton Roads Writers.  

I wish an organization like HRW had existed when I began writing.  Back then, I blundered along, making every writing mistake known to man, blissfully ignorant of everything and absolutely convinced that the novel I was writing would be an INSTANT best seller.  A pile of rejection letters later, I was convinced that I was a terrible writer and felt totally alone in my torment. 

If any of this sounds familiar, HRW could be for you.

Hampton Roads Writers will hold a one-day writers’ conference in Virginia Beach.  On September 19, 2009, from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, New York Times best-selling author, Sharyn McCrumb, will deliver a keynote address and conduct a workshop entitled, ‘A Dark and Stormy Opening.’  Later in the day, she and her writing partner, NASCAR’s Adam Edwards, will discuss the collaborative process on Faster Pastor, their latest novel, set for release this year.

Tim Farrington, a New York Times Notable author, will conduct a workshop, as will children’s writer, Sue Corbett, romance writer, Judi McCoy, poet, Pete Freas, and memoirist, Lisa Roney.  In total, nine workshops will be offered, from which conference attendees may choose three. 

Would your first pages hook an editor or agent and entice them to read on?  You’ll never know until you hear what our experts have to say about your work.  This conference also will feature a plenary first pages critique session, during which a panel of published authors will listen to actors read anonymous first pages of conference attendees’ novels and short stories and then offer critical feedback.   

Has writing chosen you?  Do you want to take it to the next level?  Would you like to connect with aspiring and published writers?  If so, become an active member of HRW and plan now to attend the September 19th writing conference. 

9 workshops to choose from

• A Dark and Stormy Opening - Sharyn McCrumb
• So You Want To Write for Children - Sue Corbett
• From Life to Art: Steps to Writing Your Memoir - Lisa Roney
• Surviving a Novel - Tom Farrington
• My Poem Hates Me (interactive workshop) - Pete Freas/Anne Meek
• The Collaborative Process, Problems and Pleasures - Sharon McCrumb/ Adam Edwards
• Creating Memorable Characters - (interactive workshop) - Judi McCoy
• The Satisfying Quickie: A complete FLASH of Genius ( interactive workshop) - Lauran Strait
• Creative Nonfiction: Telling and Selling Royalty - Valerie Wilkinson/ Lisa Roney/ Anne Meek

Upcoming Events

Writers’ Conference with First Pages Critique
Saturday, September 19, 2009; 8:30 AM to 4 PM; Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, Virginia Beach.  Fee.

Traveling Pen Workshops
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009; 9:30AM – 11:30AM; Chapbooks – The Gateway to the Rest of Your Poetry presented by Pete Freas; Virgil I. Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Dr., Newport News, VA.  Fee.
Saturday, Sept 5, 2009; 10:30AM – 12:30PM; Memoirs - For Publication or Posterity presented by Anne Meek; Portsmouth Main Library, 604 Court St., Portsmouth, VA.  Fee.
Thursday October 29, 2009; 6:00 to 8:0 PM.; So You’d Like to Write a Children’s Book presented by Kim Norman; Newport News, Location TBA.  Fee.

Open Mic Events
At the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, Virginia Beach BLVD, VB:
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.   Free.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.  Free.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.  Free.
Lauran Strait teaches writing classes and facilitates long-standing writers’ workshops at the AdultLearning Center in Virginia Beach.  She edits for print and electronic magazines and is a freelance writer.  Most importantly to her, she is the founder and president of the Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Writers.