Kevin Duffus, author of the recently released book, “War Zone — WWII off of North Carolina’s Outer Banks,” will be at the Literary Bookpost for a Q&A and book signing on Tuesday, June 11, from 2:30-5 p.m. The bookstore is at 110 S. Main St. in downtown Salisbury.
These Writers’ Workshop classes, for any level writer, meet at Providence Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Registration is in advance only, by mail or online at www.twwoa.org. Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. For more information, contact writersw@gmail.com or call (828) 254-8111. All classes are on Saturdays, 12-5 p.m.; cost is $75 for nonmembers, $70 for members of the workshop.
June 22: Creative Non-Fiction with Melissa Delbridge — Participants will learn techniques to elevate a factual story to the realm of fine literature. The genre encompasses many types of writing, including the personal essay, literary journalism, biography, memoir and the lyric essay. The class will include prompts and exercises, and students may bring five pages (double-spaced) of writing for in-class critique. Delbridge is the award-winning author of the nonfiction book, “Family Bible,” and has been published in numerous journals such as Antioch Review, Southern Humanities Review and Oxford American.
July 13: Writing and Producing the Screenplay with Nathan Ross Freeman — The class will receive an overview of writing for the screen, and how to produce, direct and distribute a film of your script. Various formats, structures and techniques will be discussed, as well as tips on creating interesting characters and realistic dialogue. Students may bring a screenplay idea or synopsis to the class for review. Freeman has written and produced the independent feature films “Mr. Bones” and “Authoring Action.” He won the N.C. Arts Council Fellowship for “Hannah Elias,” and the Great Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Contest for “Geist.”
July 27: How to Revise Your Work for Publication with Karen Ackerson — Writers of fiction or nonfiction will learn how to edit and revise their works before submitting to an agent or publisher. Techniques will be taught on how to grab the reader’s interest by eliminating unnecessary details, building tension and fine-tuning dialogue and descriptions. Participants may bring 10 pages (double-spaced) to the class for discussion. Ackerson is senior editor at the Renbourne Editorial Agency, and has edited more than 220 stories, books and essays.
Aug. 10: Novel Writing with Brenda McClain — This class, for beginning and experienced writers, will focus on techniques of crafting the novel — characterization, dialogue, plot and sense of place. Publication information will also be given, and students may bring up to five pages for in-class review. Participants will discuss award-winning novels and engage in writing exercises.
McClain’s fiction has received several honors, including the S.C. Art Commission’s Fiction Fellowship. Her work was short-listed for the Pirate’s Alley William Faulkner prize.
Aug. 24: How To Self-Publish, Market and Promote Your Book with Peggy DeKay — Whether you are a published author or writing your first book, this class will give you a comprehensive guide to making money by self-publishing. The class will cover everything from creating a manuscript on your PC to selling your book on Amazon and in bookstores — the smart and profitable way.
Tips will be given on how to use print-on-demand technology and CreateSpace to publish and sell your book. DeKay is the author of “Self-Publishing for Virgins,” and teaches seminars throughout the Southeast.