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April 12, 2007
Xtreme Critique Weekend & A Writing Camp for Kids
“For a long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can.”
-- Ernest Hemingway
If you're looking to write better than you can, you've come to the right place!
We at Fat Plum are hosting an event called the Xtreme Critique Weekend. It's a bit different from other conferences and workshops in that you won't be listening to lectures or writing independently on your project. You'll be working with us to improve and enhance your writing.
In a serene campus-style setting nestled among the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, we'll break into small groups, roll up our sleeves, and read your work. We'll offer focused comments and suggestions on how to improve everything from word choice and sentence structure to overall content, readability, and the ever-important marketability. There are five such sessions and each attendees with have the opportunity to read every time.
Discussions often continue into the dining hall, the floor lounges, and into the evening social events, where we cover such subjects as finding an agent, how to write a bang-up query letter, how to stay motivated, and much, much more.
Here are the details.
When?: June 29 - July 1, 2007
Where?: St. Joseph's Center in Greensburgh, PA (approximately 30 miles east of Pittsburgh)
How Much?:
$295 for a single room by April 28 ($330 after that date)
$275 for a double room by April 28 ($305 after)
$215 for our no-lodging plan by April 28 ($240 after)
What?: Fee includes 5 Critiquing Sessions, 5 delicious meals, 2 evening socials, lodging for 2 nights, and countless hours of meaningful interaction with serious writers
So whether you're working on a novel, a nonfiction book proposal, or shorter works, consider joining us for this unique event that places writers among caring peers and professionals. You will leave the weekend knowing what the next step is on your path to publication and how to take it.
For additional information, visit our Xtreme Critique Weekend page.
And for those of you with a special child in your life who has an interest in writing (or who has a loved one who wants to help them improve), I've got just the camp for you! My colleague Mary Patouillet and I are offering our third annual Write Now Writing Camp.
Note: The camp does not include remedial instruction.
Here are the specifics.
Who?: For students entering grades 5-8
Where?: Borders in Northway Mall on McKnight Road, North of Pittsburgh, PA
When?: June 18 - 22, 2007
Choose one session, either 9:00 AM - Noon OR 1:30 - 4:30 PM
How Much?: $130, fee includes t-shirt, writing notebook & folder, and a bound collection of the child's camp creations
What?: We offer fun activities and exercises that feature tips and techniques designed (by us) to elevate the students' confidence in writing and to enhance their writing abilities.
The best part is, on top of learning useful skills and making new friends (last year we had 17 schools represented), it's just plain fun!
I hope to see you at either or both of these exciting events!
For more information or to have a brochure sent to you, email me at judy@fatplum.com
Keep in mind Hemingway's quote above and know that we all truly are capable of writing better than we can! So let's get to it!
Posted by Judy at April 12, 2007 12:57 PM
Comments
Judy--I am struck by the thread running through your blog--from Hemingway's comment, which I find so true as a writer; to the opportunity for adults to enhance and hone their writing skills; to the exciting kid's camp where young people can learn, practice and explore writing skills and ambitions.
Hemingway was right, you know. Sometimes we CAN write better than we ever did before, and usually that is because we have invested in nurturing the skill and desire which, at least in part, give us the foundation upon which we can begin to create. As you know, I write this from the perspective of one who attended your critique weekend many years ago. That weekend changed my life, because it gave me the confidence and inspiration to take a chance on myself, and on writing. It has been my honor and pleasure to cofound our Write Now Writing Camp for kids, which for me brings back memories of myself decades ago when I first began to carry around notebooks filled with ideas, stories, and dreams. I firmly believe that learning is a lifelong process, and that among those attending the Fat Plum Xtreme Critique Weekend and the Write Now Writing Camp are other dreamers who will spend a lifetime learning, growing, and writing. Mary
Posted by: Mary at April 12, 2007 06:13 PM
I'm bummed I won't be able to be a part of the adult weekend. An Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding anniversary falls the same time...big family reunion weekend.
But I do have a thirteen year old who has started her own book. She may be interested in the kids camp...well except Kennywood Day is the 18th! We'll see.
Last February my husband and I went to Key West. All I can say is that if I had Hemmingway's writing room, I'd write better than I could too! It was so sweet!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy at April 13, 2007 02:58 PM
Judy, I hope I can join you in June/July. And I love the camp idea for kids. Mine are too young to attend right now, but I hope both continue to use their imagination in creating their own "stories" and can attend one day. Thanks for the overview! Susan
Posted by: Susan at April 13, 2007 08:26 PM
Mary, I love that you said the critiquing weekend "gave you the confidence and inspiration to take a chance on yourself, and on your writing." That is exactly what we hope to accomplish there. And look at you now -- you're sharing that same confidence-boosting energy with students! What could be more rewarding?
Kathy, it's too bad you won't be able to make the weekend. You would love the productive camaraderie and genuine support it offers. Also, it's great that your daughter is writing a book. I'm sure she'd thrive in our camp environment, surrounded by shelves of Borders books and all that creative interaction!
Susan, I'm keeping my fingers crossed you'll be able to attend the weekend. I'd love to hear more of your novel chapters. (Hope it's coming along well.) As for your kids, keep encouraging the release of those imaginative forces. Don't they surprise you, sometimes?
I also wanted to thank all those who emailed me off the board regarding your interest in either the weekend or the camp for kids. I am so looking forward to seeing you again and/or meeting you for the first time.
As you know, creativity is catchy! And we at Fat Plum are spreading it around carelessly this spring!
Stay tuned!
Posted by: Judy Schneider at April 14, 2007 12:18 PM
Hey Judy,
I have every intention of attending what I know is the best critique experience available. It was the first thing I ever did in a writing community--about six years ago--and I'm sure I wouldn't be where I am in my writing life without all of you at Fat Plum. The networking, generosity of everyone in attendance, honesty and kindness in delivering feedback makes it the gold-standard for anyone searching to begin a writing life. Any word on published writers attending this time? I'll get back to you for sure soon. Thanks for doing this.
Posted by: kathie at April 16, 2007 10:01 PM
judy
I am so looking forward to the xtreme critique weekend. i have attended two of them in the past (one was held in 2000) and,as a writer, enjoyed and benefited from them enormously. it's feels more like a retreat than a workshop, the latter of whch is more sterile, regimented and school-like. in greensburg, amongst talented writers like you, one is able to fully immerse herself in everything literary. i can't wait. my novel needs a tune-up and i know the retreat is just the ticket to get me back on track. see ya in about a month!!!
Vanessa
Posted by: vanessa moore at May 27, 2007 05:27 PM