Write Michigan Days of Learning

We will be kicking off our Write Michigan Short Story Contest on September 1. We hope you'll consider submitting a story. We also hope you'll make plans to attend one of our Write Michigan Days of Learning. Attend any of these programs for writing tips and tricks and to get your creative juices flowing.

Saturday, Sept. 9 – Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)

The Art and Science of a Fiction Proposal
11:00 AM – Noon
A proposal is key to winning a publisher, but how does an author capitalize on the opportunity? In this workshop, you’ll learn the secrets to developing a fiction proposal from Janyre Tromp, who has intimate knowledge of three of the four sides of the publishing world — author, marketing manager and editorial representative. For adults.

Creating Compelling Characters
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Characters can either make or break a piece of writing, whether it be fiction or nonfiction. Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner breaks down what makes a good character, how writers can write characters that ring true and how to craft characters so that readers will love (or love to hate) them. For adults.

Freelance Writing 101: How to Start and Grow a Freelance Writing Business
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
In an increasingly digital world, the demand for well-written content has never been higher. If you would like to be paid to write or want to find a way to work from home, freelance writing could be a great career for you. Professional freelance writer Jessie Steffes will discuss what freelance writing is and how to choose a “niche,” create a portfolio, find clients, set rates and more. For adults.

Saturday, Oct. 7 – Grandville Branch

Self-Editing: Becoming Your Own Most Helpful Critic
11:00 AM – Noon
“Always get a second pair of eyes on your writing” is an excellent rule of thumb, but how do you edit your own work before sharing it with others? In this session, author and editor Janyre Tromp will teach you how to see your writing with fresh eyes, evaluate your structure and approach with your readers’ needs in mind, and “kill your darlings” when your pet anecdotes, talking points or weasel words are getting in the way of clear, concise writing. For adults.

It's the Little Things: Creating a Big Story from Small Moments
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Learn to create fresh, relatable, riveting tales by infusing your plots with small moments full of tension, suspense, humor and emotion without resorting to high octane plot twists. Bestselling author Tracy Brogan will show how writing about ordinary people living ordinary lives can lead to dynamic, engaging, EXTRA-ordinary stories that keep readers coming back for more. For adults.

Developing Your Nonfiction Book Concept
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Why do some nonfiction books get recommended and discussed while others go unread? How can you give your book the best shot at commercial success? Join this hands-on workshop led by author and editor Andy Rogers to learn what publishers are looking for in nonfiction book concepts. We’ll discuss different ways to take the topic you are passionate about and present it to the world. Attendees are encouraged to bring something to write on or type with. For adults.