8:00am-9:00am: Continental Breakfast, Registration, & Welcome from MTSU Write Director Mary Leoson
Session 1 Options: 9:00am-10:30am
Darnell Arnoult – “Creating Remix Poetry” – this workshop will explore existing text (books, newspapers, magazines, etc.) as a garden from which to pluck a wholly new creation of your making using the elements of speech, syntax, line, and stanza.
Nick Bush – Using Audience Expectations to Create Contrasts in Storytelling” – We will examine examples of writers using opposites (such as light and shadow) to create tension in dialogue and character description. We will use these examples as guidelines for creating our own use of strategic opposites. Then we will either break off into groups or share as one group the ideas, images, etc. we came up with (not required to share). Time permitting, we’ll discuss a list of works/authors who use this technique in case writers want to explore further.
Aime Card – “Capturing History in a Moment of Change” – Whether through personal essay or deeply researched historical narratives, the moment is now to gather and document the stories of our lives or those that came before us. This workshop seeks to help participants answer the following questions: what do you want to say and how do you want to share it? Through brainstorming sessions and Q&A, sharpen your focus on how you want to capture history.
Session 2: 10:45am-12:15pm
Bryanna Licciardi – “The Funeral Parlor’s Layaway Plan & Other Macabre Jokes: Balancing Humor and Darkness in your Poetry” – It’s easier for us to absorb truths when we’re laughing but it can be hard to find humor in pain, ugly memories, and uncomfortable characters. That is why, as a writer, is becomes an important act to find the light moments in darkness, to write in some room to breathe so that your readers don’t suffocate in suffering. In this workshop, we’ll examine works that successfully incorporate dark humor without detracting from or desensitizing the pain, and then spend some time working on your own poetic story with skills we’ve explored.
Mytecia R. Myles – “Writing Light When the Narrative Appears Dark” – Playing with images, visions, characters, ancient ruins, and places to illuminate light into dark spaces, timelines, and experiences. In this session, participants will explore how writing light can help to create a positive escape for the writer and reader. Participate will improve their understanding of how to showcase light in the darkest of narratives.
LD Valencia – “Mixing the Light and Dark” – In this session, we will explore blending genres, themes, and other story elements. This will be a creative exercise in story ideation. As we explore these combination, we will discuss how to help generate new stories and ideas.
12:15-2:30pm: Lunch & Keynote Address from Darnell Arnoult
We will have lunch in ACB 106, followed by readings from MTSU Write mentees who have earned their certificates and a keynote address from Darnell Arnoult. There will be time to buy books (and get them signed) after the keynote!
Session 3: 2:30pm-4:00pm
Andrew Najberg – “Horror for the Ages: Adjusting Content Based on Audience” – This generative session will explore the contrasting expectations and limits between writing horror/horrific content for MG, YA, and adult audiences.
Kathleen O’Connell – “Sew a Hand-Bound Journal” – Participants will make a hand-sewn book with blank pages—suitable for a journal or sketchbook. The workshop fee covers basic materials. Required tools will be available for use during the workshop only. The finished book will have soft covers and an exposed spine that shows off the decorative sewing pattern. $20 per person, for supplies (paid that day in cash).
Roundtable Discussion & Networking: Option to network with other attendees in a more formal setting.
Registration:
Access Conference Registration here.
Registration is FREE for MTSU Write mentees and mentors. Limited free registration will be offered to MTSU students through 9/11/24.
