First Annual Writers’ Day
02.26.2010
LONGMEADOW, Mass.— The editor of Yankee magazine and a perennial name on the New York Times bestseller list will be among the speakers at Bay Path College’s first annual Writers’ Day, beginning at 10 a.m. on April 17 at the Longmeadow Campus, 588 Longmeadow St. in Longmeadow, Mass.
Writers of all skills levels and experience are invited to spend the day soaking up expert advice on writing and publishing during a series of 75-minute intimate and informative talks. The lectures will be held at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and attendees may select up to three of the following:
- The Art of Writing Biographies led by New York Times best-selling author and former Sports Illustrated reporter Leigh Montville
- Freelance Writing by Yankee editor Mel Allen
- Writing for Children presented by children’s book legend Jane Yolen
- Starting a Book by fiction and non-fiction author Roland Merullo
- A Primer in Self-Publishing given by John Sheirer, author of traditionally published and self-published books
- Research a Book Project by A Difficult Boy author M.P. Barker
Suzanne Strempek Shea, Bay Path’s writer-in-residence, calls the day a unique opportunity for a crash course in some of the most popular genres and ways to get one’s work in print. “It’ll be a mini-writers’ conference, something Bay Path College is trying for the first time, and we’re thrilled to have assembled so many great talents,” she said. “Have you always wanted to freelance for a living, or at least part of your living? Mel Allen has 30 years of experience at the legendary Yankee magazine. Are you interested in writing a biography? Leigh Montville’s biographies regularly make the New York Times best-seller list. If writing for children is your dream, who better to listen to than Jane Yolen, author of 300 books for young people? Roland Merullo has a dozen books—both fiction and non-fiction under his belt and he’ll talk about getting a book started. M.P. Barker’s award-winning historical novel ‘A Difficult Boy’ gave her great experience in researching a book, and as both an author and historian, she’ll be able to share so much about collecting the facts you need to tell your story. And as for getting the work out there, so many writers of all levels of ability are interested in self-publishing these days, and we have the regional guru on that, John Sheirer, who’s published both traditionally and on his own.”
A question-and-answer period will conclude each session. Copies of each speaker’s books will be available for sale and signing. To reserve copies in advance, call Bay Path’s Fleming Book and Gift Center at 413.565.1311/1314.
Registration is required for each lecture and prices are $45 for one workshop, $80 for two and $105 for three. For full biographies of each speaker and to register for Writers’ Day, click here
