Off Topic Writers' Conference 2024
Schedule
Sat Aug 03 2024 at 09:30 am to 05:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
500 University Avenue,Orillia,L3V 0B9,CA | Orillia, ON
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Learn and get inspired by award-winning writers and booksellers!*The Power of Perspective: Mastering Point of View* – Finnian Burnett
Discover the artistry behind storytelling as we delve deep into the nuances of point of view. At the core of every story lies the author's intentional choice in point of view, a choice that shapes the reader's entire experience. Throughout our immersive workshop, we'll discuss each point of view option, exploring their unique advantages and potential pitfalls. From the intimate connections of first-person narratives to the epic landscapes of third-person omniscient, we'll learn about the variety of choices available to authors. But this workshop goes beyond theory – be prepared to engage in hands-on generative writing exercises. In this workshop, we'll practice various elements of point of view with generative writing prompts that can be applied to any kind of writing.
*Self-Navigating the Path of Humour* - Drew Hayden Taylor
There is Humour everywhere. Some expected. Some not. But it's universal and Drew will talk about some of the secrets and surprises he has come across as a purveyor of humour. Join Drew as he shares how he went from a small boy on a First Nations community to a respected author travelling the world spreading the gospel of Native literature thanks to the power of humour. Always remember, nobody can make you funny, but you can learn to be funnier.
*Creating Time and Space for Your Writing Practice* – Lindsey Harrington
Writing can be all-encompassing, so how can we fit it in amidst all the other things in our life: family, friends, day-jobs, hobbies, and physical and mental health? This workshop will provide practical tips on how to create time and space for your writing practice, whether it be through obtaining grants, attending retreats, building rituals, and/or setting deadlines, priorities, goals, and regular meetings for yourself. It will discuss the balance between accountability and compassion.
*Ruminations From 20 Years of Bookselling* - Kevin Marusic
In this talk, I would like to speak about how the book industry has grown and changed over the past two decades. I will touch on reading trends, cover design, and things that drive a bookseller to madness. In particular I would also like to share my experience dealing with self-published books. Local and first-time authors are often convinced that once their work is published, that the hard part is over. To the contrary, getting traction as a self-published author in the sea of established books with large publishing companies behind them is much harder than writing and publishing. I have seen authors who have come in for book signings and sold 0 books and authors who have sold more than 100 in a similar time frame. The success of an individual author most of the time has nothing to do with the book itself and everything to do with how the author interacts with the people at the bookstore, both staff and customers. I hope that by sharing my experience I can give you some insight into what may work for book signings and success in your local community.
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Where is it happening?
500 University Avenue,Orillia,L3V 0B9,CA, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
