Writing education
In addition to the creative writing programs and classes offered at our area universities and colleges, our area has several renowned writing conferences.
Antioch Writers' Workshop (www.antiochwritersworkshop.com) will present a one-day conference in the spring on "Story" for writers of screenplays, stage plays, novels, memoir and short stories. In addition, the organization has monthly free mini writers' workshops, its weeklong summer program July 11-17, and a fall retreat, as well as fundraising events called LitSalons that feature regional writers. The spring and summer programs are held at Antioch University Midwest in Yellow Springs; the free mini-workshops are held at Books & Co. at The Greene; the LitSalons in various locations, and the retreat will be at Maria Stein Retreat Center in 2015. Check the workshop's website for details or email info@antiochwritersworkshop.com.
Word's Worth Writing Center (www.wordsworthdayton.com) offers year round short courses, tutoring and consulting in creative writing. The center will kick off 2015 with "Fiction Jumpstart" focusing on helping writers start… or finish… a new project, with writing prompts and exercises; Saturday, Jan. 10-Feb. 7, Noon to 2 p.m. Then, "Revision Inspiration" will provide tips and techniques on how to revise and edit a manuscript, Mondays, Jan. 26-Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Both are led by Katrina Kittle and are held at the conference room of the Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave. See the website for pricing details and to register.
The Ohio Playwrights Circle
offers courses in playwrighting through The Human Race Theatre Company (http://humanracetheatre.org/adultclasses.php). Aspiring novelists can meet like-minded writers and get inspiration through the area’s NaNoWriMo group (
).
OnLiten offers online creative writing workshops; the first one is on "Inspiration and Motivation" and kicks off on Jan. 15. Visit the website for specifics on schedules and registration details: http://www.onliten.com/workshops.htm
Sinclair Community College (www.sinclair.edu) offers an annual workshop held in the fall; date to be determined. This year will mark its 42nd annual workshop.
Bookstores, libraries and coffee shops
Perhaps it seems obvious, but don’t forget to check out area bookstores and libraries, not just for books but also for readings and events as well as writers groups and book clubs.
Libraries: Dayton Metro Library (daytonmetrolibrary.org), Washington Centerville Public Library (wclibrary.info), Wright Memorial Public Library (wrightlibrary.org) and Greene County Public Library (greenelibrary.info).
Bookstores focusing on new titles: Books & Co. (booksandco.com), Barnes & Noble area locations (barnesandnoble.com), Book Bums in West Chester (bookbums.com) and Jay and Mary's Book Center in Troy (jayandmarysbooks.com).
Gem City Poetry Stage
showcases readings by established and emerging poets on the fourth Sunday of each month at Dharma Center of Dayton (425 Patterson Road, just west of Patterson and Shroyer roads); the next reading will be Jan. 25 at 7 p.m., opening with a featured poet and then continuing until just before 10 p.m. with an open mic. Learn more about the monthly poetry stage online at
Magazines
And finally, don’t forget to make a resolution to check out these locally published literary magazines.
"Mock Turtle Zine" (www.mockturtlezine.com) features many local writers.
"Antioch Review" (www.antiochcollege.org/antioch_review) is world-renowned for publishing some of the best stories, poems and essays being written today.
"Flights" (www.flightsscc.wordpress.com) is an annual literary magazine published by Sinclair Community College, featuring work by local writers as well as writers from around the country.
"Heavy Feather Review" (www.heavyfeatherreview.com) is a quarterly literary magazine co-founded by local writer and Antioch University Midwest creative writing graduate student Nathan Floom. Its print version is printed by locally owned and operated Greyden Press (www.greydenpress.com).
Literary events
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2-3:30 p.m., Books & Co. at The Greene, Beavercreek: The Antioch Writers Workshop will sponsor its first Free Mini-Writers' Workshop of the year, on the theme of "Metaphor and Imagery," led by acclaimed Dayton poetry slam group Metaphorically Speaking.
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mad Anthony BookFest in Hamilton: This book festival will feature authors from southwestern Ohio and their books; presented in conjunction with Hamilton's IceFest. The BookFest will be at Ryan's Tavern, 241 High St., Hamilton, Ohio, 45013.
Sunday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Dharma Center of Dayton (425 Patterson Road): Gem City Poetry Stage will open with a featured reading, followed by an open mic.
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