The Complete Guide to Writer's Groups, Conferences, and Workshops (Wiley Books for Writers) [Paperback]

Eileen Malone (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471142174 | ISBN-13: 978-0471142171 | Publication Date: May 1, 1996 | Edition: 1

"The whole glory of writing lies in the fact that it forces us out of ourselves and into the lives of others." — Sherwood Anderson

Writing is solitary, but thriving and growing as a writer—and getting your work published—requires support and networking. This one-of-a-kind guide shows you how to get yourself plugged into the literary circuit and connected with other writers, no matter what your background, age, writing experience, or genre.

Here's your essential reference to:

• Writers organizations—a directory of 400 conferences, courses, seminars, and workshops
• Writers gatherings—why retreats, centers, foundations, classes, and groups play an important part in a writer's life
• Writers groups—suggestions for joining an established group or forming your own
• Writers conferences—searching, evaluating, or attending the one that is most valuable for your needs
• On-line writers groups—what they are and where to find them

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Though one half of The Complete Guide to Writers Groups, Conferences, and Workshops comprises listings of organizations, resources, and educational programs for writers, it is not your typical guide to writers workshops. Instead, it is a guide to what to expect from being in a writers group. The subject matter may seem obvious to all but the beginner, and the writing a bit workmanlike, but for the novice there are some interesting pointers. Why do writers join writing groups? What is expected of a group member? How do I give (and take) criticism? What do I need to know to set up my own group? Perhaps the best thing about writing groups, says author Eileen Malone, is that "when other writers are expecting to hear at the next meeting what you've written that week, you've got a compelling reason to get down to work." Amen.

Tucked amid talk of facilitators, rewrites, envy, and mentors are some interesting bits of trivia. "The term freelancing," we're told, "dates from the Crusades of the 12th century when warrior knights who lost alliances with landed lords offered themselves as mercenaries--a lance for hire." We learn that Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac, liked to write in the bathtub, while Raymond Carver composed in his car. And, before they became the household names they are today, Cynthia Ozick and Joseph Heller wrote advertising copy, Kurt Vonnegut wrote press releases, and Amy Tan wrote horoscopes.

From the Publisher

The act of writing is a solitary craft. The process of getting anyone to read it; however, requires a lot of networking and support. The author provides writers with a convenient directory listing writer's groups, workshops and conferences, as well as why they are needed. Lists the names and addresses of 400 writer's conferences, courses, seminars and workshops. Offers up-to-date information about online writer's groups. Includes information on the major national and international writing organizations.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471142174
• ISBN-13: 978-0471142171
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,549,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dated, but perfect for what it is supposed to be, November 2, 2000

By 

Heather Hale (Hollywood, California USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Writer's Groups, Conferences, and Workshops (Wiley Books for Writers) (Paperback)

Half the book, granted, is outdated lists (of the constantly changing contact info and deadlines for all of the conferences and workshops, which are easily accessible via the internet now, anyway).

But the other half of the book alone is still worth the purchase price. I wish someone would do an updated version of it.

I read this book several years ago when I started SOC (Screenwriters On-Line Cooperative) and it was instrumental in helping me define our culture, goals, and structure (i.e.: what to look for in a writers' group, what to expect, how to form one, how to GROW one, etc.).

I still recommend that all new members read it, so we're all on the same page as to how to benefit from - and contribute to - a good writers' group.

I also use it as a reference in my screenwriting classes to help students offer constructive criticism to one another - and how to best incorporate the myriad suggestions and insights they receive themselves.

I have loaned it out several times - and now must buy yet another copy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If Eileen wrote it, it's worthwhile to read, April 9, 2008

By 

June P. Ahern "Author, The Skye in June" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Writer's Groups, Conferences, and Workshops (Wiley Books for Writers) (Paperback)

Eileen Malone knows what she's talking about, not only as a writer but as a teacher. Ms. Malone walks her talk by creating an atmosphere, in classes and in writing, of the importance of a friendly supportive writing group to move you forward as a writer. Her style is straight forward information with good resources (yes, outdated) that one can seek out. As she said, Amy Tan herself realized the importance of such a group. I have been to several like groups but never did I feel the intense dedication as in Eileen's classes to support the uniqueness of a writer. Read her "how to's" and you feel inspired to continue with your writing. I must say that because of her I ventured to write my first fictional novel, The Skye in June, due out soon. Thank you, Mz. Teacher.

5.0 out of 5 stars Worked for me, I started up my own group because of it, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Writer's Groups, Conferences, and Workshops (Wiley Books for Writers) (Paperback)

I used this book like a bible and searched around for a good writers group for me but nothing measured up and I know that because I used the book to help me evaluate my needs and what each group was providing. Consequently, I started up my own group, again using the book as a guide and now we all use the book to settle differences and improve ourselves as we grow. It is an excellent guide and one that keeps on giving. The only thing we would like is to have the list of resources in the back of the book updated to include websites and e-mail addresses, otherwise, it is just about perfect.