Carmela's E-Newsletter, #4
January 1, 1970
Welcome to the latest edition of my e-mail newsletter! In this issue: • Last call for this Saturday’s adult writing class • New after-school class for students in Grades 3-5 • Another book giveaway at www.TeachingAuthors.com • Calling all writers to Prairie Writer’s Day (where I will be on the faculty) • Please help “spread the word” Last call for this Saturday’s class If you are interested in this Saturday’s class, please register by Thursday, Aug. 27, or the class may be cancelled due to low enrollment. See details below. The following classes for adults will be held at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook: From Goodnight Moon to Harry Potter Saturday, August 29, 2009 9 a.m.—3 p.m An introduction to the children’s/young adult writing market for those new to the field. Learn about the genres of children's literature, the current marketplace and how to submit a manuscript. Please bring a sack lunch. Cost for the day is $60, which includes coffee/tea/water service. There are still a few openings for the critique workshop, but I recommend you register as soon as possible: Children's Writing Critique Workshop Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sept. 15-Oct. 17, 2009 (no class on Sept. 29) In this workshop, children’s and young adult writers receive a critique of their own work while learning how to critically study the work of other writers in a friendly, supportive environment. You must bring copies of your manuscript—a picture book, short story, or novel excerpt—to the first class. Also, before enrolling you must email Carmela at carmela@carmelamartino.com for word count limits and manuscript guidelines. Attending the Goodnight Moon to Harry Potter workshop on August 29 is strongly recommended. Note: class is limited to 10 students, so register early. Cost: $110 for the 6 weeks. For more information, see http://www.carmelamartino.com/events.htm . New after-school class for students in grades 3-5 We had lots of fun this summer in the girls writing camps I taught at the Hinsdale Center for the Arts. As a follow-up, we will offer a new after-school class for boys and girls: Transforming Life into Fiction Thursdays 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. September 10 - October 8 (5 weeks) Learn the secrets of how writing wizards turn people, places and events into fascinating fiction. Then use your own magic wand (or trusty pencil) to transform true-life experiences into spell binding stories. You will choose your own genre: realistic fiction, adventure, mystery or fantasy. Then with guidance from your instructor, you will complete one story based on an event that happened to you or someone you know! If time permits, you may also create illustrations to go with your story. Please bring a pencil and paper or notebook to class. $100 HCA members/$125 non-members For details, see http://www.hinsdalearts.org/HCA%20Catalog%20Autumn%202009.pdf Another book giveaway at www.TeachingAuthors.com Next week we will celebrate the release of one of my co-bloggers books: NEW YEAR AT THE PIER: A ROSH HASHANAH STORY, by April Halprin Wayland. See her post this Friday, August 28, at www.TeachingAuthors.com to find out how to enter for a chance to win a free autographed copy! Calling all writers to Prairie Writer’s Day (where I will be on the faculty) Prairie Writer’s Day is an annual one-day conference organized by the Illinois chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). I will be one of the presenters at this year’s conference, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14. Attendees have the option of requesting a manuscript critique by one of the faculty. This is a great opportunity for aspiring writers to get professional feedback But the critique spots usually fill quickly. If you’re interested, send your manuscript on Sept. 1, when registration opens (but not before). For details, see http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/Programming.html Please help “spread the word” I hope you will forward this email to anyone you know who may be interested. Also, please encourage them to subscribe at http://www.carmelamartino.com/newsletter.htm . I promise not to clutter your inbox—I don’t foresee sending this out more than once or twice a month. Of course, if you don’t find this newsletter helpful, or are feeling overwhelmed with email, you can always unsubscribe on the same webpage. If you have any questions, for the quickest response, don’t reply to this email. Instead, email me directly. Hope you’re enjoying the last days of summer. And happy reading!