Spring Writing Workshop Series at the Royal Oak Public Library

Want to become a better writer? Want to set up a blog or publish your own book? 

Spring is the perfect season to start achieving your writing goals. Sponsored by the Friends of the Royal Oak Public Library, a three-part writing series will be offered on the following Mondays from 7 to 8:30in the Friends Auditorium. It is not a requirement to attend all three classes, however, attendees must register for each class in advance. Seating is limited.

March 24 - From Memory to Memoir: How to Write and Publish Your Life Stories

Award-winning author and journalist Cindy La Ferle returns to lead a discussion on turning memories into stories that editors will want to publish. This lecture covers the basics of writing memoirs, including personal essays, and includes time for your writing and publishing questions.

La Ferle writes a personal column on midlife issues for Michigan Prime (delivered with the Sunday Detroit Free Press) and is widely published in national magazines. Copies of her memoir, Writing Home, will be available at a special discount at this event.

March 31 - Blogging to Promote Your Writing

Having a website and a blog is essential for the any writer. It stands as a platform to promote your skills, find work, and keep readers in the loop. In this workshop, you’ll learn the importance of blogging, the basics of getting started, and tips to keep it going. An online home is crucial for creative success.

Panelists:

Lisa Howard is a cookbook author, culinary speaker, and cooking instructor. Her blog includes photography, original recipes, and essays, all of which have served to define her brand and ultimately lead to agency representation and a book deal.

Michael Dwyer, a freelance travel journalist, content provider and founder of the Rochester Writers’ Conference, will moderate the panel.

Cindy La Ferle is a widely published freelance writer and artist. She maintains two very different blogs -- one to promote her writing career and the other to showcase her mixed-media art.

April 7 - Self-Publishing Panel

Self-publishing has come a long way since the days of vanity publishing. Today, authors can publish e- books, print-on-demand books, or both. Many services provide easy routes to get your book to the public. Authors can be involved throughout the entire creative process, or they may decide to focus on the writing and hand over the whole project. Learn your options in this beginner’s workshop on self-publishing.

Panelists:

Dora Badger, a Detroit writer and editor, has self-published on Amazon.com, as well as other major online booksellers.

Sylvia Hubbard, founder of Motown Writers’ Network, has independently published over 30 books.

Michael Dwyer, freelance travel journalist, content provider and founder of the Rochester Writers’ Conference, will moderate the panel.

Registration is required. Call the Adult Reference desk at 248-246-3727 or visit ropl.org.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Royal Oak Public Library.