New AWW Website... with LOTS of announcements!

We've re-vamped our AWW website with a new look and organization for easier navigation. Of course, it still needs a little "editing" (you all can related to that, right?)--we'll be adding photos and additional information soon--but please take a look. Our new website is packed with information on:

• Full Week workshop
• NEW A La Carte options
• Faculty--including visiting agents April Eberhardt and Janet Reid

Writer's Digest included Antioch Writers' Workshop in its "2010 events not to be missed" article in its January issue. A quick review of our new website--and what AWW has in store for 2010--will show why!

Announcing--Open to Public Events!

YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio— Antioch Writers' Workshop is pleased to announce the following programs open to the public at no cost:

Saturday, July 11, 7:00 p.m.—Keynote address by Zakes Mda, a South African novelist, playwright and painter, now based atOhio University where he teaches creative writing. He is the author of seven novels and more than 20 stage plays, which have been translated into 19 languages. His novel The Heart of Redness (2000) won the Commonwealth Writers Prize: Africa and the Sunday Times Fiction Award.

Readings by 2009 AWW Faculty Members:
Sunday, July 12, 7:00 p.m.—Carrie Bebris, Joyce Dyer, Rebecca McClanahan.
Monday, July 13, 7:00 p.m.—Nahid Rachlin, Ed Davis, Mary Grimm
Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 p.m.—Ralph Keyes, John Drury, Zakes Mda
Thursday, July 16, 7:00 p.m.—Nancy Pinard, Randy McNutt, Crystal Wilkinson
Friday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.—Readings by selected AWW participants

All events are held at Antioch University McGregor in the National City Auditorium.

Announcing--Open to Public Events!

Antioch Writers' Workshop is pleased to announce the following programs open to the public at no cost:

Saturday, July 11, 7:00 p.m.—Keynote address by Zakes Mda, a South African novelist, playwright and painter, now based atOhio University where he teaches creative writing. He is the author of seven novels and more than 20 stage plays, which have been translated into 19 languages. His novel The Heart of Redness (2000) won the Commonwealth Writers Prize: Africa and the Sunday Times Fiction Award.

Readings by 2009 AWW Faculty Members:
Sunday, July 12, 7:00 p.m.—Carrie Bebris, Joyce Dyer, Rebecca McClanahan.
Monday, July 13, 7:00 p.m.—Nahid Rachlin, Ed Davis, Mary Grimm
Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 p.m.—Ralph Keyes, John Drury, Zakes Mda
Thursday, July 16, 7:00 p.m.—Nancy Pinard, Randy McNutt, Crystal Wilkinson
Friday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.—Readings by selected AWW participants

All events are held at Antioch University McGregor in the National City Auditorium.

Tick, tick, tick.... AWW Registration deadline nears...

Just 13 days remain to register for the 2009 Antioch Writers' Workshop--registration deadline is June 11! Sure, you can register after that, but a $50.00 late fee kicks in... and wouldn't you rather register now, and save the $50?

Speaking of saving... yes, it's a tough economy. And we recognize that attending AWW is a huge commitment of resources, both financial and time-wise. But... it's also a huge commitment to you... and your writing career!

If you are still thinking about attending AWW this year, but haven't quite made up your mind, here are a few things to consider:

• AWW's fantastic faculty (see our website for detailed bios/classes).
• AWW's visiting editor and agent (see previous post).
  
• AWW represents a good financial value: we have not raised our tuition or fees this year; we have negotiated savings at area lodgings (another article below provides details); our banquet is now a reception that is free to all paid participants.
• AWW has developed its partnership with Antioch University McGregor to provide opportunities to leverage the workshop experience into college credit (details will be provided during the Sunday of the workshop).
• And while it may be intangible, isn't it during the most challenging times--whether personal or on a larger scale--that we most need to share... and hear... the voices and vision of writers and artists of all types?

So, if you're thinking of attending, but still have questions, please contact sharon@antiochwritersworkshop.com.

We Are Pleased to Welcome our 2009 AWW Visiting Editor and Agent!

AWW's 2009 Visiting Editor: Kate Gale, Managing Editor of Red Hen Press. Author of several poetry books, a novel and librettos, Kate Gale has her PhD in literature from Claremont Graduate University and speaks widely on publishing, editing and writing. Her opera Rio de Sangre with composer Don Davis is being released as a world premiere at the Florentine Opera in Milwaukee in 2010. During "The Writing Life" morning session, Kate will speak on the topic, "Being a Literary Citizen, How it helps you to Get Published," specifically addressing:

• How to move from page to print in 18 months.
• How to become a literary player/citizen in the community so your inquiries in the literary community are peer to peer.
  
• How to move a book out into the world using publicity, radio, new media and guerilla marketing.

AWW's 2009 Visiting Agent: April Eberhardt, Literary Agent, Reece Halsey North. April joined Reece Halsey North in 2008 after five years of editorial work with Zoetrope: All-Story, a literary magazine, and another agency. Her specialty is adult literary fiction, particularly ironic family dramas and realistic midlife tales, often with a twist, preferably involving strong female characters. She is attracted to collections of interlinked stories with a common character or theme. An original voice and smart, speedy delivery are critical, as is a subtle sense of the absurd. She enjoys working with new authors to edit and streamline their manuscripts before submitting them to publishers. April does consider selected non-fiction works. She does not represent mysteries or murders, thrillers, historical fiction or fantasy, nor does she represent children's titles.

April earned an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Boston University, a BA in Anthropology and French from Hamilton College, and a CPLF degree from the University of Paris. Her prior careers in banking and management consulting honed her strategic, marketing and presentation skills and serve her well in her literary endeavors.

Find out more about attending the Antioch Writers' Workshop by emailing sharon@antiochwritersworkshop.com

Great lodging options at AWW!

Wondering where to stay if you come to AWW? We have lots of wonderful options--some with discounts for AWW Participants!

The Springs Motel
3601 U.S. 68, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
(937) 767-8700
www.thespringsmotel.com
From the owner, Eric Clark: “Situated on the edge of Yellow Springs. We offer clean & cozy rooms in a charming roadside motel. Free continental breakfast, WiFi DSL and amenities galore! Make our home your home. Visit our website for complete details.”

Arthur Morgan House Bed and Breakfast
120 W. Limestone St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387
(937) 767-1761
www.arthurmorganhouse.com
“You’ll sleep soundly in one of six comfortable rooms, each with a private bath. In the morning you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast, prepared to order with pure organically grown ingredients including locally roasted coffee, freshly made scones, free-range eggs, and more.”

More B&Bs and Guest Suites in and around Yellow Springs

The Guest Suite at Greenleaf Gardens

A private suite located about a half mile north of Yellow Springs on Rte. 68 at the Greenleaf Gardens Garden Center. Phone Nancy at (937) 767-1997 for availability and reservations.

Grinnell Mill B&B

http://www.grinnellmill.com/

Donna McGovern, proprieter. Contact her at Donna@GrinnellMill.com or (937) 767-9108.
10% discount for stay over 5 days; please mention you are attending the Antioch Writers’ Workshop

Elizabeth's Overnight

211 West Davis St., Yellow Springs, OH

http://eonight.com/
“Beautiful suite near downtown with bedroom, bath, living room (including pull-out) and kitchen for rental by the night.” Phone (937) 901-1201 or e-mail mizprice@hotmail.com

Yellow Springs Chalet

"A fine home away from home." Emily Fine, proprietor, phone (937) 767-9856 or e-mail efine@siscom.net.
$65/night, 10% discount for stay over 7 days; please mention you are attending the Antioch Writers’ Workshop

Yellow Springs Country Bed & Breakfast

http://www.yscountrybedandbreakfast.com/

A lovely country B&B located less than 5 minutes from Yellow Springs. Phone the manager, Margaret Silliman, at (937) 405-8174.
Extended stay rate 10% discount 4 or more nights; please mention you are attending the Antioch Writers’ Workshop

Creative Explorations

253 Xenia Avenue, upper

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

www.creativeexplorations.net

Creative Explorations is a beautiful, private women's retreat apartment located in the heart of Yellow Springs. After your immersion in stimulating workshop sessions, return to a uniquely restorative sanctuary to assimilate your experiences. For an invitation, contact Jennifer Horner at (937) 750-4117.

Motels and Inns Near Yellow Springs
Hawthorn Suites (7.9 miles from the Antioch Writers' Workshop)
730 E. Xenia Dr.
Fairborn, OH 45324
Hotel Front Desk: 1-937-754-9109
http://www.hawthorn.com
Becoming a Baymont Inn, www.baymontinns.com; $79/night for stay of 5 nights or more; please mention you are attending the Antioch Writers’ Workshop

The Hearthstone Inn
10 S. Main Street, Cedarville, OH
(877) 644-6466
www.hearthstone-inn.com
$89/night for stay of 5 nights or more; please mention you are attending the Antioch Writers’ Workshop

For more information about area lodging and attractions, check the Greene County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Village Host Program
If you are interested in staying in a private home with a Yellow Springs family, e-mail the Director at info@antiochwritersworkshop.com. The cost is $150 for the week; no meals are provided. Apply as early as possible as space is limited and applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camping
John Bryan State Park has a campground approximately four miles from Yellow Springs. For more information or reservations, call (937) 767-1274. You may also visit their website at www.johnbryan.org

"Playing the Field..." In Writing Genres, That Is!

Are you new to writing? Not sure where to focus? Or itching to try a new genre? Then our new afternoon seminar is for you: Playing the Field: A Forum on Form (Instructors: Poetry, Ed Davis; Fiction, Carrie Bebris; Non-Fiction, Ralph Keyes; second half of week mentoring, Nancy Pinard) No manuscripts are required. In the first half of the week, one form will be discussed each day, with exercises given to start participants on a piece of work. In the second half of the week, participants will continue one of the pieces begun earlier in the week under the guidance of published author Nancy Pinard.

Announcing: Our First Book Speaker

Since April is National Poetry Month, it is only fitting that I close the month by announcing our "First Book Talk" Author for our 2009 Antioch Writers' Workshop: Amy Lemmon.

Amy is a writer and professor. Her poetry chapbook, Fine Motor, was published in Spring 2008 from Sow's Ear Review Press. My first full-length poetry collection, Saint Nobody, was published by Red Hen Press February 15, 2009.

Amy blogs at http://saint-nobody.blogspot.com/. She's been guest blogger on the Best American Poetry blog. http://thebestamericanpoetry.typepad.com and is

poetry editor of the literary webzine Ducts: http://ducts.org. She is currently working on a

prose memoir, Little Star, about parenting a child with Down syndrome.

Working on a degree? Get Undergraduate or Graduate Credit through AWW!

Good news for those working on undergraduate or graduate degrees: Antioch Writers’ Workshop participants may earn undergraduate and graduate credit through Antioch University McGregor. Students will be required to participate in all sessions and complete additional writing assignments. Please contact the AWW Director at info@antiochwritersworkshop.com for more information. A representative of Antioch University McGregor will be available during the Sunday morning session to assist you in signing up for this option.

Teachers: Get Credit for Attending AWW!

Did you know that if you are a teacher, you can attend the Antioch Writers’ Workshop participants and earn graduate-level continuing professional development credit? It's true! The continuing professional education credit is available through Antioch University McGregor. Students will be required to participate in all sessions. Please contact the AWW Director at info@antiochwritersworkshop.com for more information. A representative of Antioch University McGregor will be available during the Sunday morning session to assist you in signing up for this option.

Pulitzer Prize Winners Include Past AWW Keynoter!

Elizabeth Strout has won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for Olive Kitteridge (2008), a collection of connected short stories about a woman and her immediate family and friends on the coast of Maine, published by Random House. Strout was keynote speaker at the Antioch Writers' Workshop in 2007. Strout is also the author of New York Times best-selling Amy and Isabelle, which won the L.A. Times Award for First Fiction among other awards. The novel was made into a television movie by Oprah Winfrey's production company. Strout is also the author of the critically acclaimed novel Abide with Me. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

New "Meet AWW" Event Added!

If you couldn't make the previous three "Meet AWW" events... you are in luck! We've added a fourth event, May 2, 2009, 1-2:30, at the Huber Heights branch of the Dayton Metro Library.



As at the other events, leaders from AWW will discuss why and how this year’s workshop (July 11-17) is the perfect opportunity to inspire your inner writer, explore ideas, and develop your craft. Details about faculty, program, lodging opportunities, registration and more will be shared; question and answer session to follow. http://www.antiochwritersworkshop.com/


Questions about the events? Leave a comment here or email info@antiochwritersworkshop.com

A Fantastic Half Day (Plus) Workshop!

Not so sure about a full week workshop? Why not find out if a writing workshop is for you with a fantastic half day (plus) workshop at Sinclair Community College?

The workshop will be held Friday, April 24, 2009, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., in the David H Ponitz Sinclair Center, Building 12, at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.

And the cost is a phenomenal bargain... just $25.00 for a full day of instruction and inspiration!

Registration is from 11-noon.

Then, keynoter Jim Daniels, a poet and faculty member of the creative writing program at Carnegie Mellon University, will kick off the program by speaking on "The Artist in Troubled Times" from noon-1:00 p.m.

After that, enjoy two workshop sessions.... choose from "The Poet's Response," "Writing Poetry," "Editing Your Work for Publication" and "Awaking the Writer Within," all led by published, established writers.

And finally, wrap up the afternoon with a reception from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and mingle with workshop presenters and fellow writers.

Click here for more details on faculty and schedule, registration information, and parking information/directions.

Learn More about AWW at "Meet AWW" events!

If you are in the Dayton, Ohio area, then these events are for you! Leaders from AWW will discuss why and how this year’s workshop (July 11-17) is the perfect opportunity to inspire your inner writer, explore ideas, and develop your craft. Details about faculty, program, lodging opportunities, registration and more will be shared; question and answer session to follow. www.antiochwritersworkshop.com

• Tuesday, April 7, 7:00 p.m. at Books & Co. (Town & Country location)
• Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. at Books & Co. (The Greene location)
• Saturday, April 18, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Dayton & Montgomery County Library (Wilmington Stroop branch)

Questions about the events? Leave a comment here or email info@antiochwritersworkshop.com

Antioch Writers' Workshop scholarships

Antioch Writers' Workshop offers three annual scholarships. The deadline for these scholarships, which cover full tuition, is May 1, 2009. The scholarships are:

• Betty Crumrine Scholarship: to a single parent who is committed to writing and who could not otherwise attend the workshop.


• Judson Jerome Poetry Scholarship: to a poet for a week-long conference of intensive study in poetry.


• Bill Baker Scholarship:to a writer who is nominated by someone who can testify to his or her qualifications both as writer and community member.

Be sure to visit our scholarship page for entry and award details!

Dayton Daily News Short Story and Poetry Contest

Do you live in the Dayton Daily News (Ohio) circulation area? If so, you should know that the deadline for this year's 13th annual Dayton Daily News Short Story and Poetry Contest
is March 20. Winning stories and poems will be published in the Dayton Daily News and at DaytonDailyNews.com. And... the “best of show” writer — the entrant whose work is selected by judges as the best of the best — will receive a full scholarship covering tuition to the Antioch Writer’s Workshop!

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the Antioch Writers' Workshop blog.

My name is Sharon Short and I'm the incoming Director of the workshop. I'm looking forward to working with a wonderful board of trustees, assistant director (Holly Hudson) and faculty.

A big thank-you to our retiring director, Laura Carlson, for kindly and thoroughly helping me transition into this new role. Laura was the workshop director from 2003 through 2008. I had the privilege of serving as faculty or speaker during several of those years, which meant I observed Laura in her role as director. Laura was a classy, calm and kind presence every year during the week of the workshop, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes the rest of the year. I know she'll bring great energy and skills to her new endeavors.

Our 24th annual workshop will be held July 11-17, 2009. Learn more about the workshop--faculty, classes, seminars, and other opportunities at our website. Or email me with questions about the workshop at sharon (at) antiochwritersworkshop.com.

Check here weekly for more Antioch Writers' Workshop (AWW) information and inspiration--everything from faculty interviews, news about AWW opportunities, where you can dine and stay in Yellow Springs, Ohio if you attend AWW, and more.