KYOWA Writers Group Presents Falling Leaves Writers Conference

KYOWA Writers Group Presents

Falling Leaves Writers Conference

Pamela Hall

The Ashland Beacon

Do you love to write? Have you written a novel but have no idea what to do with it? Are you a “closet” writer who writes but doesn’t want anyone to know? Or are you an aspiring writer that needs tips on how to become a great writer? Here’s the place for you!

The KYOWA Writers Group will host the Falling Leaves Writers Conference on Saturday, September 20 at the Boyd County Public Library Midland Branch. The event begins at 9:30 a.m., with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. The cost is $50 which includes lunch.

The KYOWA Writers Group began having an annual conference in 1999 after seeing the need for local writers to have instruction without having the big expense of traveling to some of the other out of town conferences. The Dogwood Writers Conference was so successful that it was held annually each spring, with the exception of the pandemic years.

This year, the conference has been moved to the fall and undergone a name change, the Falling Leaves Writers Conference. It will include guest speakers who will give writing and publishing tips along other helpful information.

The day will begin with “The Miracle of AI”. Useful information will be given on how to use AI, not to write a manuscript, but to help develop the direction of the plot, build a map of the story setting, help develop a book cover, and other uses.

Another topic of discussion is “You’ve Finished A Book, Now What?” A representative from Henlo Press will give pointers about how to get a manuscript published. According to their website, Henlo Press strives to shine a light on and feature diverse authors from the underserved and often overlooked Appalachian area.

Guest speaker Maddie James is an award-winning best-selling author with a career spanning 25 years. She writes under several pen names in various genres including contemporary romance, adult fiction, and romantic suspense. She will speak in the afternoon on “More Than Plot: Mastering Story Development”. This will include instruction on Idea Generation, Characters, Pacing, Conflict, and more

“We're really excited about being able to offer such a great program here in our own area,” said Cathie Shaffer, President of the KYOWA Writers Group. “The featured speakers bring incredible experience and talent, and we're thrilled to have them with us.”

Another popular feature of the conference is a critique panel for those that wish to participate. Those attending may bring two or three pages of something they’ve written to submit to the panel. This is done without names of the authors given. After the pages are read aloud by the readers, the panel will give pointers on how to improve the passage.

“The day will benefit both beginner and established writers,” Shaffer stated. “Over our 20-year history, the conferences held by the KYOWA Writers Group have helped a number of authors find their way to publication.”

The Falling Leaves Writers Conference is an opportunity to meet with other writers and get rejuvenated about writing. Attendees will have education opportunities on how to perfect their craft and also networking opportunities with other writers.

Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. that morning, September 20, at the Midland Branch of the Boyd County Public Library. Pre-registration is not required but is helpful. You may pre-register online at https://kyowaconference.weebly.com/. Payment for the conference may be made at the door with cash, check, or credit card.

Don’t miss the Falling Leaves Writers Conference. You may be the next local writer that becomes a published author!