Ladies, Sharpen Your Pencils: A Full-day Conference for Women Writers Returns

Saturday, October 7th

The Niagara Creative Writing Conference is once again cruising into town with a cargo hold of writerly treasure. Organized by the International Women's Writer Guild, specifically by local guild member and Erie County Poet Laureate Marisa Moks-Unger, the conference offers a full day of workshops, writing opportunities and fellowship to women of all skill levels.

"Every woman — whether she has extensive publication credits or simply keeps a journal for herself — has a tremendous amount of power behind her voice. Putting her voice out in the public sphere is empowering and helps our world to heal after so much natural and man-made crisis," says Moks-Unger.

This year's workshops offer instruction in the narrative arc in fiction, and memoir and op-ed writing. Moks-Unger will present a keynote address, books from guild members will be available for purchase, and participants will have the opportunity to read their writing at an open-mic session in the afternoon.

Mary Beth Coudal, an award-winning journalist, blogger, and copywriter, will teach memoir writing with prompts, drama games and writing exercises; the narrative arc workshop will be led by Cathleen O'Connor, Ph.D., author and speaker; and Marsha McGregor will explore the tools used to build a solid framework for articulating a strong position in opinion writing.

Also included are a morning coffee and tea bar, lunch, and wine and cheese reception. The non-guild member price is $95, but the organization is offering registration for the conference and a one-year guild membership to first-time members for $115. In addition, a special student price of $45 is being offered. "I especially encourage teachers and professors to bring their students to the conference," adds Moks-Unger.

From past experience, this conference is a great way for beginners and pros alike to sharpen skills, meet fellow writers, and explore new ideas. Most importantly, it gives participants a whole day to actually write, something often lost in our busy lives.

Moks-Unger also remarked "this is the only regional conference slated for the fall from the IWWG, which is a real honor to Erie," This event is sure to put some wind in your writing sails. — Mary Birdsong

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. // 310 E. 10th St. // iwwg.org/events