Writing, Creativity, and Soul

 Be among the unique gathering of writers who will engage in intimate conversations with authors Mary Alice Monroe, Josephine Humphreys, Debra Moffitt, Stephanie Hunt, and Susan Finch Stevens about writing and the creative life. This retreat will explore the creative well of soul and spirit from which some of our deepest and most profound work is drawn. Discussing their personal creative processes, artistic craft, and writing experiences, the authors will open milieu for writers to delve into their own creative matrix and take their writing to new depths.

FRIDAY NIGHT, 6:30-8:30:  THE WRITER'S LIFE: CREATIVITY, SOUL, AND SURVIVAL
Mary Alice Monroe, Debra Moffitt, Josephine Humphreys.  Carolyn Rivers to moderate
Bestselling authors discuss their personal stories in an open, free fashion.  Topics will include: keys for motivation, sources of inspiration, maintaining a healthy mind and body, overcoming rejection, the muse vs writer's block.
Questions welcome from the audience for a very special, intimate discussion.

Optional: Friday, 2:00-4:00: Debra Moffitt. Master Class. Preparing book proposals and developing platforms $40.

Saturday Schedule:

Morning session - 9:30-11:00 Mary Alice Monroe  STRUCTURE AND SOUL OF THE NOVEL
Mary Alice will sharpen the tools of your writing arsenal with this fundamental review of a novel's structure.  Grasp the concepts of scene and sequel, building scenes to climax, and delivering a solid resolution.  A favorite session at writer's conferences.
  
Morning session - 11:30-1:00 Josephine Humphreys  

"How Writing Transforms the Novelist" -- Generally we think of the writer as the agent of transformation, changing blank paper into novels, notions into words and scenes and characters.  But there's a simultaneous reverse transformation possible, when the process of writing actually transforms its author in unexpected ways.  When you're steadily writing fiction, what changes might you expect to occur in your ways of thinking and your attitude toward life?  We'll explore how this odd pastime of spinning stories enriches the heart and spirit (or on occasion has the opposite effect).

Lunch session 1-2:30. Catered lunch.
Working session  Nina Bruhns, Entangled Publishing;  Representative, CreateSpace
The publishing industry is evolving.  Learn from experienced professionals how to complete your book, prepare it, publish it yourself online, and then promote it.  

Afternoon session – 2:30-4:00  FOCUS ON GENRE
This is the time to join a pull-out group designed to meet your individual writing needs.

• Debra Moffitt:  Non Fiction, Memoir.
• Stephanie Hunt Getting Personal--Soul stirring with Creative Nonfiction: Blogs and Essays.
• Susan Finch Stevens and Susan Meyers: Poetry: The Torque of Language
• Mary Alice Monroe, Nina Bruhns  Elements of a Good Critique. Fiction chapter to be read aloud and critiqued.  All welcome to observe and learn. **see below.  4 first chapters selected on first come basis.

Break

**Critique Instructions
1. First chapter only, or twenty pages maximum.   Must be double spaced. Single spaced will not be considered.
2. Only four (4) ms will be selected on a first come basis.
3. Manuscripts will be read aloud to small group.  MAM will critique using POSTIVE method designed to encourage and inspire.  
4. If interested in submitting you ms for critique, email Mary Alice at her event site on Facebook or sign up on her Guestbook at maryalice@maryalicemonroe.com   
Join us to learn how critiquing can be positive, educational and fun.  Great for Critique Groups.

Big Conversation 4:20-5:00 – DIALOGUE
The authors will take final questions from the audience and share reflections.