For Writers

Two upcoming Web events have been brought to my attention, so I thought I’d share them here:

• From Patricia Punt, an experienced freelance writer and writing instructor:
  

  Here’s a chance to get your writing questions answered. Peggy Frezon, a well-published freelance writer has agreed to answer any questions you might have about writing and marketing. The interview will appear in late November on “Dialogue,” a blog for writers.

  Peggy writes on assignment for Guideposts and Sweet 16 magazines. A winner of the Guideposts Writing Contest in 2004, Peggy was one of 15 writers chosen from thousands of entrants to attend a professional week-long writer’s workshop. Her work has been published in Guideposts, Sweet 16, Positive Thinking, Angels on Earth, Teaching Tolerance, numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Soul Matters, and many other publications.

  In addition to writing stories of her personal experiences, Peggy interviews interesting people and ghostwrites their stories for magazines. She especially enjoys talking to teens and helping tell their stories. She also writes fiction and nonfiction stories for reading comprehension tests for ETS, WestEd and Harcourt Publishing. Students have been reading her stories and articles in academic tests for the past 18 years.

  Submit your questions ASAP to Patricia by emailing her at patriciapunt[at]gmail [dot]com, and she will forward them to Peggy. Here’s your chance to talk with a professional writer. Then, be sure to check out the Q&A session on “Dialogue” later this month.

• From Heidi Hess Saxton:

  Catholic Writers to Hold Online Conference

  Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the second annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 2-9, 2009. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.

  Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Editors on this year’s faculty include Brian Saint-Paul (InsideCatholic.com), Ami McConnell (Thomas Nelson Publishers), Susan Brinkman (Canticle Magazine), diocesan newspaper editor Kyle Eller, and Sister Maria Grace (Pauline Books & Media). Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Lea Schizas, Mark Shea, Melanie Rigney, Michelle Buckman, and Tom Grace will also be presenting in their areas of expertise.

  Eric Sammons, who participated in last years’ conference, shared this success story:

  “Before the conference began, I had been working on a proposal for a manuscript I had recently completed. As a first-time author, I had a bit of trepidation about entering the whole process of submitting to publishers. When I saw that the Catholic Writer’s Conference was having a pitch session with Pauline Books & Media, I decided to register for it, even though I wasn’t quite ready yet. This gave me the incentive to get my proposal in a final form.

  During the pitch session, Pauline asked me to send my full proposal. They ended up passing on the project, but their desire to see my proposal gave me the impetus and confidence to continue to submit my proposal to publishers. After a few rejections, Our Sunday Visitor just this week offered me a contract!

  I appreciate the opportunity that the Catholic Writer’s Conference gave me last year, and I wish it continued success in the future. I’ll be sure to attend this year.”

  Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, visit the conference website here.