Latest News and Updates

Write Now

Three Write Now programs added for August!

As we close in on the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writer Conference, we’re adding more programming to get you ready! We’ve added three more Write Now programs for August and hope to add more for September! We hope to see you there!

Join us for another episode of Write Now, as we welcome the author of Dan Unmasked, and speaker at the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference (Online Only), Chris Negron! In addition to discussing the recent release of his debut novel, we’ll discuss writing for middle grade readers, the writing process, and answer any questions you may have!

The Zoom link for this program is in the description on our Facebook event page, and we’ll also stream live on Facebook.

Chris Negron is the author of Dan Unmasked, his debut published by HarperCollins in July, 2020. KitLitExchange.com says the middle grade novel “broke my heart” and “needs to be on every library shelf.” He grew up outside Buffalo, New York and attended Yale University. His short fiction has appeared in numerous literary journals, with one piece longlisted for the Top (Very) Short Fictions of 2016 by Wigleaf.com. If you spot him in the wild, it’s probably in a comic book shop, which also explains a large portion of Dan Unmasked‘s plot. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, and his writing is represented by Alyssa Jennette at Stonesong. Visit him at www.chrisnegron.com.

Looking for some tips on how to edit your manuscript? Join author and speaker at the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference (Online Only) Ricki Cardenas for a discussion on ways to ensure your manuscipt is in shape and ready to send out on submission! In addtion, we’ll talk about where to begin when you’re ready to start writing, and the ever-elusive confidence a writer needs to get the story on the page!

This program will be broadcast via Zoom (link is in the FB event description) and streamed live on Facebook.

Ricki Cardenas is the author of two humorous women’s fiction novels, Mr. Right Swipe (2017) and Georgia Author of the Year finalist Switch and Bait (2018), both published by Grand Central (Hachette) under the name Ricki Schultz. She’s currently working on her next book. Among other publications, she has contributed to Writer’s Digest Books, and she is also a freelance editor. She earned a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and she’s taught English for most of her adult life. She lives in Atlanta now with her husband and two beagles, and her writing is represented by Barbara Poelle of Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

Author, screenwriter, and CEO of Gramarye Media, Inc., John Adcox, details some of the arrows in the storyteller’s quiver, focusing on character, milieu, and structure … including why everything you’ve heard about the three-act structure is a cruel and damnable lie. These aren’t rules or formulas … but they’re in the toolbox because they work.

This workshop will be broadcast via Zoom (link in the FB event description) and streamed live on Facebook.

John Adcox is the CEO of Gramarye Media, Inc and the author of Raven Wakes the World, published this October. Over the course of a 20-year career in advertising, marketing, and new media John Adcox has held a number of titles including Executive Producer, Vice President of Digital Media, Creative Director, Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services, and CEO.

 

Write Now

Join us for Write Now: First Draft, an online program coming Wednesday, July 22nd!

One part conference test, one part peek behind the curtain, we welcome you to join us Wednesday, July 22nd at 7 p.m. for Write Now: First Draft. Featuring writers working on the Broadleaf Board of Directors and the Broadleaf Writers Conference Committee, we’ll tackle taking on a first draft, offer thoughts on how to push through, and discuss the importance of finding a writing community!

As well, we’ll use this opportunity to test our online approach to the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference! So, join us to see what we have planned, help us with the Q&A process, test out the chat features, and be a part of a conversation on writing a first draft!

To join us, just click this link. No registration is required. The webinar room will open a few minutes after 7 on July 22nd, and then we’ll get started!

Benjamin Carr is a writer and storyteller and serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Broadleaf Writers. His work has appeared in The Guardian, Loose Change Magazine, The Five Hundred and Pembroke Magazine. He has performed regularly onstage at Atlanta-area literary events, including Write Club Atlanta, Carapace, Naked City, Stories on the Square, Stories on the Edge of Night and Listen to Your Mother. His work has also appeared at the Center for Puppetry Arts. He is a member of WonderRoot, the Southern Order of Storytellers and Working Title Playwrights. He is the co-founder of Gutwrench, available at http://gutwrenchjournal.com.

Even though she majored in English at Florida State University, Maryann Lozano didn’t start writing until later in life. After spending many years noodling around with NaNoWriMo, books about writing, and writing prompts, she decided to get serious and enrolled in the Masters of Professional Writing program at Kennesaw State University. She graduated with honors in December 2019.

Maryann is an executive assistant at 22squared, a mid-sized advertising agency in Atlanta, and is also the director of the Handbell Choir at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church. When she’s not assisting her bosses or waving her hands at her ringers, she is simultaneously revising her WIP for the 1,000th time and trying to keep her cat off the computer keyboard. Maryann serves as Vice-Chair for the Broadleaf Writers Conference Committee.

Jessica Nettles is a writer of short fiction, plays, and, most recently, novels. Her short fiction has appeared in Oh, Georgia!, Thirteen Stories til’ Halloween, and The Five Hundred. She has performed her works at venues such as Naked City, A Novel Idea, and the Write Room. Her play, Around the Bend, was one of three plays featured in a staged reading show sponsored by Process Theater. When she’s not writing, she teaches English at Chattahoochee Technical College. In her spare time, she knits, crochets, reads, bakes, enjoys long walks, and has a fascination with B horror movies. Jessica serves as Secretary on the Broadleaf Writers Board of Directors.

Uncategorized

A Message to All

We are an organization of words, and yet there are none that truly feel right at the moment. But we at Broadleaf Writers will no longer remain silent while members of the black community are the targets of systemic racism and violence. We stand in opposition to all acts of oppression, discrimination, injustice, and systemic racism. We stand with our black brothers and sisters.

It’s time for change and it’s upon us all to speak up and to act.

We are launching an ongoing initiative to be a platform for black voices. The stories must be heard, the songs must be sung, and we must listen, learn, and rise together. Additionally, we have created a sponsorship program for black writers who do not have the resources to attend our annual conference. For 2020, we will sponsor three writers and welcome sponsorship of more from our community of writers. We will continue to support this program for the foreseeable future and we are engaged with members of the black community on the best methods and platforms to pursue further efforts to educate, support, and activate our community of writers. We welcome all insight and opportunity to further the discussion.

Speak up. Act. Rise together. It’s time for change. Together, we will make it.

5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference

The Schedule for the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference is Now Available!

The time is here and open registration for the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference is upon us. Though the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed our event online, we still plan to offer the same great lineup, complete with plenty of informative and inspirational panels and workshops, one-on-one pitch sessions with agents, as well as our brand new one-on-one mentoring sessions with authors and agents, and a one-on-one first page critique with New York Times bestselling author David L. Robbins! All for a lower price! We’re confident you will get all you expect from us, and as much more as we can possibly offer!

The 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference Schedule is now available for you to review! From open Q&A sessions, to storytelling, to getting your outline and story structure in place, we’ve put together a schedule of sessions we know will give you the tools and inspiration you need to grow as an artist, and to pursue your dreams of publication.

On Saturday, October 17th, we’ll kick things off with an open Q&A session with a legend of the comic book and gaming industries (You can’t say Wolverine without mentioning him!), Paul Jenkins! We can think of no greater source of encouragement and information to get your weekend started than Paul, and this is your opportunity to hear his story, pick his brain, and learn from one of the best around.

Consisting of 7 more panels and 1 workshop, our Saturday schedule digs its heels into the hard work of creating a dynamic story, memorable characters, and, of course, nailing that first page. An annual favorite, the First Page Critique returns to close out the day, giving you the opportunity to have the first page of your manuscript critiqued by our panel of literary agents. The submissions are anonymous and highly recommended. Not ready to submit? No problem! You can still attend and gain invaluable tips from agents to assist you in perfecting your first page!

We return on Sunday with a brand-new session! Our literary agents will sit once more, this time to listen to your query letters! A daunting undertaking for any writer, this will be your chance to hear what agents have to say about the query letters our attendees have submitted! Much like First Pages, if you are not up for submitting, no worries! You can still gain from their insights and use all you learn to get yours right! But we do recommend you submit! After all, your submissions remain anonymous!

With 6 additional panels and 2 more workshops, Sunday is another busy day full of opportunities to learn! And it includes another new session we’re beyond excited to present. Hosted by the dynamic duo of YATL, Kimberly Jones and Vania Stoyanova, the YATL Pitch Match is your chance to present your story to an agent in a whole new way! Covering four categories—Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, and Nonfiction—we will select four attendees for each (you will submit your name on Saturday) and Kimberly and Vania will lead our contestants through a series of fun and entertaining questions and scenarios for a literary agent that represents that category. At the end, our agent will select a winner and meet with them in a private breakout room for 15 minutes to discuss the story further! Not only will it be fun, but you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about pitching your work and give an agent even more reason to consider reading your manuscript!

We’re working hard to add more elements to this quite different way of presenting a conference. From social rooms to chat with other attendees and our speakers, to a storytelling reception to celebrate our fifth year of existence, we plan on giving you all the elements of our conference from the cozy confines of your home. Additionally, you no longer have to decide between which session to attend. Every attendee of the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will receive access to the recordings of every session! Watch it all again or catch the ones you missed!

Register early to ensure your place in our one-on-one sessions! With your registration you receive one pitch and one mentoring session, but for an extra $25 for each you can add more if you wish! With a lower cost, yet as much or more of what we normally offer, this is an incredible opportunity to attend a conference and grow as a writer! We hope to see you there!

BWA Conference

The 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference is Moving Online

We’re not even halfway through 2020 and it’s been a year to remember. Wildfires in Australia, four-foot carnivorous reptiles, murder hornets, the prediction of a highly active hurricane season, and all that on top of the Covid-19 pandemic. Enough already, right?

2020 also marks the fifth year Broadleaf Writers will bring you our annual conference. We marched into this year with visions of the grandest of celebrations to mark the occasion, to bring our writing community together for a weekend of fun, education, and opportunity. We assembled a speaker list as solid as ever and we’ve even added new elements to paint some shiny new gloss to our annual event. What we didn’t plan for was a pandemic that effectively restricted us all to our homes and created a need for social distancing for the greater good. Though we’re all slowly inching our way back out toward normalcy, we can’t avoid a peek further into 2020 and what it means for our conference.

After considerable discussion, and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve made the decision to move the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference online. Though this removes the ability for us all to meet up in person, it affords us an opportunity to come together virtually and to fully benefit from all the elements of our conference. As with previous conferences, you will still be able to choose from a great list of panels, workshops, or breakout rooms in which to learn and meet new people, but for 2020, every attendee of the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will also receive the complete recording of every panel and workshop! Can’t decide which session to attend? Now you’ll be able to review them all later, and as often as you like.

For 2020, we have reduced the cost of attendance to a flat rate of $175! With your registration, you will have access to both days of panels and workshops (and their recordings) and will be able to schedule a one-on-one pitch session with an agent, as well as a one-on-one mentoring session with an agent or author. You will also have access to breakout rooms with some of our speakers to chat with, and rooms with other attendees with whom you can meet and discuss your work.

And if you choose to do it all in your PJ’s, we won’t judge!

No travel, no traffic, no gas, no hotel or food costs for you to incur. Two days of our conference from the cozy confines of your home, or wherever you want to be for the weekend!

We insist on the highest of quality for our conference. We want every attendee to gain and to grow from their experience with us, to meet new friends and mentors, and to be inspired and even challenged to become the best writer they can be. This year will be no different. In fact, in many ways, we are excited to have this opportunity to exceed the standards of previous years, and to gain from this experience so that we may make every year to come better than the last!

In the coming weeks, we’ll have further information on the structure for this year’s conference, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter.

Registration for the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will open on Monday, June 1st, 2020. Our schedule of panels and workshops will be available for you to peruse as well on June 1st. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the conference, please feel free to contact our Executive Director, Zachary Steele, at zach@broadleafwriters.com.

We look forward to seeing you there, and to all that we can offer our writing community during a most difficult time.

Guest Post, Programming

Guest Post: Katharine Sands, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency

On the heels of our Write Now program with literary agent Katharine Sands, we’re pleased to present her post on getting your pitch right! Take some tips from an industry professional and polish that pitch!


A PITCH IS STILL A PITCH

Casablanca kiss
WHEN YOU HONE YOUR SUBJECT INTO A GREAT PITCH, YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR BOOK IS ABOUT—AND YOU CAN COMMUNICATE THAT IN A QUERY LETTER OR ALOUD. PITCHCRAFT™  IS AN INVALUABLE TOOL—NOT JUST FOR LANDING AN AGENT BUT FOR SELLING BOOKS. IN THIS GUEST POST, AGENT KATHARINE SANDS, WHO COINED THE TERM, ANSWERS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR ASPIRING AND PUBLISHED AUTHORS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WRITTEN AND VERBAL PITCH? NA

To e-query, or not to e-query, that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The zings and arrows of agent feedback
Or to take pains and angst a sea of e-mails
And by proposing, send them?

This question, pondered by William Shakespeare—unless, you’ve seen the movie, Anonymous, and now wonder about that fact, may be paraphrased (with apologies to the Bard, and his fan base), but surely writers have always had plenty to muse about when it comes to creativity versus commerce. And today, writers have similar concerns, with both age-old and brand-new questions about how to best tilt at these windmills (as Cervantes might have put it). Writers ask how to catch literary agents’ eyes—but also their ears. If your own wish is to sign with a literary agent, this raises binders full of query questions. (No apology to president-reject Romney).

At the San Francisco Writer’s Conference, a glorious weekend of workshops that takes place in February and takes over the Mark Hopkins Hotel, literary agents and industry professionals summit to give talks on a variety of publishing topics, I first met Nina Amir.  During a pitch contest headed by Mike Larsen questions came up about pitching for the conference’s popular speed dating day and for the page. Are on-page elements and in-person aspects of the pitch different, or not? A kiss is still a kiss (in the Casablanca theme song, As Time Goes By); but, is a pitch still a pitch?

So what is the difference between the in-person or elevator pitch and the query letter for the nonfiction writer? The pitch, now synonymous with query, was once the province of Hollywood, often comic when depicted by huckster-y ad guys (think Mad Men). It has morphed into the umbrella term meaning proposing and introducing your concept for a book; now it is used universally for the most lofty and serious projects along with the most commercial. Why? Because your pitch must succeed to get you read, and represented, long before you can get a deal, movie, a product line, and a corner table at Spago.

In person or on paper your pitch has the same job to do: to get you to the next rung. On paper, you have your words, the ones you hone and choose and select. The reader sees how you write. In person there is more of YOU to consider, as poster-girl or go-to guy for this kind of book. On paper You convey; in person You display. Sometimes the most effective in-person pitch could be you walking your talk, just being yourself, as your mama used to say. A great example of this can be found in the client I discovered on the ladies’ room line. The writer did not corner me with her pitch, or pass an opus under the door. We were just chatting. As the line snaked, I found myself taken with her articulate and humorous approach to her life, work and topical acumen and activism, all of which intersected….so much so that by the time we were lathering up at the sinks, I was lathering to read her writing, with more than a sneaking suspicion I would undertake—and sell—this book. And so I did. Please note: I am not encouraging this as the better option than the elevator for pitching to an agent.

Whether meeting with you or reading your pitch letter agents are always on a treasure hunt. No matter if they meet you in-person or on the printed page, something must pop. Agent Regina Brooks, author of You Should Really Write a Book, calls this jolt of recognition a “kinetic crackle.” My dowser rod starts to hum when I come across an author-to-be. For me to undertake a new client I have to know that I want to have 110 conversations about their project. What we hope is for a moment of discovery, a Eureka feeling…electricity…sparks. We want to know more, much more.

Or, we do not. Internet-dates speak woefully of being captivated in the cyber world only to deflate once they meet in the real one. Same holds true for agent speed-dates in search of Mr./Ms. Write. Chemistry counts.

What do we talk about when we talk about the on-page and the in-person pitch? And what should you talk about? Remember, as an author you are always going to be asked to introduce your work, to share your enthusiasm for your writing, and to get others excited about what is exciting to you. “What is your book about” or “Tell me about your work” means: The 15 minutes of fame is yours to shine in. Use the time before the agent in any way you feel gives them the best insight into what you would like to accomplish by sharing your writing with readers.

DO’S AND DON’TS

I surveyed a group of agents and asked: When a writer pitches on paper or in person, do you look at the project differently, would you say there are things not to do in person? Here are their answers:

Says Paul Lucas of Janklow & Nesbit Associates, “My main advice to writers is that they think of any pitch, on page or in person, as performative: It needs to fly off the page, regardless of whether you’re there to deliver it personally. So read those queries out loud to friends before sending them. And when that opportunity to trap an agent in an elevator materializes, be prepared to entice him quickly! You may not have more than 2-3 sentences; don’t waste them describing the opening or summarizing the plot. Make that in-person pitch a simulacra of your amazing book.”

Janet Reid of FinePrint Literary Management replied, “The clearest difference is that authors are often so nervous meeting an agent in person that it gets in the way of everything. The main thing an author shoulddo is realize an in-person pitch is not an audience with Her Majesty. It’s talking to a potential fan of your work. Be as natural as possible. Don’t memorize a “pitch” even as you would not memorize “hello, nice to meet you” at a party. Simply tell me what your book is about and then stop talking. Let me ask some questions. But mostly, try to relax. No writer was ever eaten by an agent. Not even agents who are sharks.”

Agent Sheree Bykofsky of Sheree Bykofsky Associates, Inc., author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published, shares, “I would say, don’t read or recite your memorized written words. Speak naturally and slowly and from your heart. Answer the following questions before they are asked: Why is this a good and viable project? Who is the audience? And why are you the best author to write this?”

Brooks Sherman of FinePrint Literary Management says: “I think the in-person pitch and the on-paper pitch are two different animals. If you recite your written pitch aloud, it sounds dead; and if you write your pitch the way you’d tell it, it might come off too informal. When pitching in person, I’d recommend looking at your written pitch, finding the two or three buzz words or terms you want to hit on, and find a way to incorporate those into your speech. Also, don’t make it a monologue—if I like your pitch, I’m going to interrupt to ask questions, so be prepared for a conversation.

“I like to hear a writer talk about their work with excitement—which can be hard to do if you’re reciting your pitch verbatim from how you wrote it,” adds Sherman.  “Just tell me the coolest thing about your project, and when I see your eyes light up, I’ll get excited too.”

“Always look the agent in the eye as you pitch—if you must read your pitch, fine, but say so up front, and then plan on a sincere and impromptu interchange at the end. Eye contact goes a long way to establishing a personal connection,” says April Eberhardt of April Eberhardt Literary.

Marisa A. Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency offers this advice: “Good querying is about thorough research, attention to detail and a good story. Of course the writing speaks for itself, but the query format is different, and it’s important to provide the information that agents need to consider the author’s work. It is almost as if queries require an additional skill altogether. It’s the skill to sell…to make things sound good in addition to the normal etiquette that the query requires.”

BE PREPARED FOR QUESTIONS

The in-person pitch meeting also gives you the chance to ask questions.

3 KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK AN AGENT:
  1. Does my book idea feel fresh enough? If yes, what in particular do you like? If no, what seems too generic?
  2. What is my most interesting point? Which area needs the most work? What would make this stand out?
  3. What was the first red flag, or reason that would prevent you from wanting to read—and represent—me?
YOUR PITCH WILL SUCCEED IF YOU:
  • Use the pitch to deliver enough of the flavor of the book to whet the reader’s appetite for more.
  • Show what we can learn from you about how to handle this life problem or challenge. Tell us: What do I do differently after I read your book, what could I not figure out without you? Show how much texture, how much scope there is to the subject. What are three quick tips or hints of the “practical and prescriptive” advice to come?
  • Speak about a topic or nonfiction subject or memoir showcasing the groundbreaking, or new, focus you can encapsulate and state clearly.
  • Keep calm and carry on even—if it appears the agent is getting glassy eyed, eyeing the bar, or squirming as if her buttock or her foot has fallen asleep.
YOUR PITCH WILL FAIL IF YOU:
  • Don’t leave home with a “money shot,” a clear, core point about why this book will find readers.
  • Ramble, or use many prefaces or qualifiers.
  • Rely on reviews or references from gurus, editor feedback, or spousal support.

The practice of Pitchcraft™, writing about your writing and speaking about your writing, is every bit as important as the writing itself. You want to put as much passion, attention, savvy, and as much crafting into your pitch—as you do your project.

If the pitch had been the thing, Shakespeare might have summed up thus:

…To write, to weep
No more; for by a successful pitch, to say we end
The heart-ache, and the thousand natural knocks
That pitch is heir to. ‘Tis representation devoutly to be wished.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, Katharine Sands has worked with a varied list of authors who publish a diverse array of books. Highlights include Spiritual Pregnancy: Nine Months that Change Your Life Before You Give Birth by Dr. Shawn Tassone and Dr. Kathryn Landherr; Talk to Strangers: How Everyday Random Encounters Can Expand Your Business, Career, Income and Life by David Topus; The New Rules of Attraction: How to Get Him, Keep Him and Make Him Beg for More by Arden Leigh; Stand Up for Yourself: Resolve Workplace Crises Before You Quit, Get Axed or Sue the Bastards by Donna Ballman; Making Healthy EZ with Dr. Oz guest, Dr. Julie Chen; Dating the Devil (producer: Vast Entertainment) by Lia Romeo; XTC: SongStories; Chasing Zebras: THE Unofficial Guide to House, MD by Barbara Barnett of Let’s Talk TV; CityTripping: a Guide for Foodies, Fashionistas and the Generally Style-Obsessed; Writers on Directors; Ford model Helen Lee’s The Tao of Beauty; Elvis and You: Your Guide to the Pleasures of Being an Elvis Fan; New York: Songs of the City; Taxpertise: Dirty Little Secrets the  IRS Doesn’t Want You to Know; The SAT Word Slam, Divorce After 50; Trust Your Gut; Make Up, Don’t Break Up with Oprah guest Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil to name a few.

She is the agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Eye, a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents. Recently contributed “Grey is the New Black” to Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey, a nonfiction look at the cultural phenom of the bestselling novel.

Actively building her client list, she likes books that have a clear benefit for readers’ lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. When reading fiction she wants to be compelled and propelled by urgent storytelling, and hooked by characters. For memoir and femoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed

Zach's Corner

A Time Like No Other

After the attacks on September 11th, 2001, our country fell silent. The skies were empty, roads spotty with cars, work ground to a stop as schools and stores closed. We waited. For what, we weren’t entirely sure, but we knew a moment was required to pause, reflect, regroup, and plan for the future.

Today is different. Today, while stores may open and work will continue–whether from home or a place of business–the waiting comes with an unknown endpoint. We aren’t recovering from a singular moment. We’re watching it unfold in slow motion across the globe. We’re not facing off against a radical segment of humanity, we’re settling in for a war with a pandemic.

Like any war, it requires a great deal of sacrifice, a willingness to do what must be done in order to save as many lives as we can. It requires solidarity, a desire to lift one another up as we fall, to stand together, as one nation, as one species. It requires faith and hope and an unwavering focus on the day when victory is acheived and life begins anew. Reformed, driven by an experience that reshapes our perspective.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. But there’s darkness to walk before we get there.

But we will get there.

As a writing organization, Broadleaf Writers is designed to influence and inspire writers, to educate and offer instruction in a skill that assists in taking that which is brain-bound and giving it a voice on the page. We are meant to function as a community, to help one another learn, grow, and realize our dreams. I will always believe that we–as humans, as a community, as a collective of like-minded individuals, etc–are only as strong as those we stand beside. So, I encourage you to buckle up, do what you must do to benefit us as a whole, and be prepared to jump in feet-first when it’s time to reset our world (no matter global or the world of your home). Be mindful of others, be mindful of those you love, be mindful of yourself.

And if you find yourself with an abundance of time–as it seems we all may–write. Dig in. Pour your soul onto the page. Take all the fear and worry and concern and hope you’re experience right now and write it out.

As to our slate of 2020 programming, we’re monitoring the virus and recommendations for public gatherings. At the moment, we’re holding a place for our April 11th Write Now program, while moving forward with the open of registration on April 1st for the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference in October. By then, I’m sure we’ll all need a breakout weekend of fun and community.

For now, stay safe. Follow the recommendations of the medical field and stay home unless you absolutely need to get out. You may be able to withstand the nastiness of an exceptionally powerful flu, but you can’t be certain others you will encounter can. Write. Read. Be with your family. Find reason to laugh as much as possible.

The darkness is temporary. There will be light. Walk the tunnel together and we’ll see what the world looks like when we get there. Then we’ll adjust accordingly.

If you want to share any thoughts–on writing or otherwise–or have some material you’d like feedback on, feel free to reach out. You can email me at zach@broadleafwriters.com, or find me on Facebook or Twitter.

Be well. My thoughts are with you all.

Programming

Announcing the 2020 Schedule of Programs!

A new year is upon us and with that comes a new schedule of Broadleaf Writers programming! For 2020, we return some of our trademark events, while adding some new opportunities for you to learn and hone your craft! Our focus this year is on storytelling. We’ll dig deep to help you develop and perfect your storytelling skills!

Our list of speakers for 2020 is on-going, so check back for updates, or follow us on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram! And be sure to sign up for our newsletter as well!

2020 Self-Publishing Seminar

We kick off our 2020 programming preview with the return of the Self-Publishing Seminar! This year we’ll not only give you the tools and resources to publish your own work, but our guest speakers will also give you all the information you need to start your own Indie Press! Join us on Saturday, March 21st at the Cobb Galleria and learn how to publish your book today!

Write Now

Our popular Write Now program returns in 2020 with a focus on the elements of storytelling! Over the course of 4 dates, we will cover various aspects of building and telling a great story, giving you the tools and inspiration to bring your manuscripts to life!

On February 29th, we’ll be in Woodstock at Fox Tale Book Shoppe, taking the leap into the elements of great storytelling!

On April 11th, join us in Newnan at Southern Fried Books as we discuss creating iconic images and visual treats for your readers!

On June 20th, our program will shift to Eagle Eye Books in Decatur for a conversation on creating relatable characters, as well as the importance of the relationships your characters have!

For our 4th and final Write Now program (Fall 2020, location TBD), we’ll put it all together and dig into the Storyteller’s Toolbox with Gramarye Media, Inc. CEO and author, John Adcox!

The Cross-Media Writer Series with Paul Jenkins

Seminar 1: Writing for Comics

In April and May of 2020, we’re thrilled to present the first multi-week seminar in a brand new series on cross-media writing, featuring the multi-talented author of Wolverine: Origin, Paul Jenkins!

Today’s writer no longer has to be restricted to writing books. From comics, to video games, to films and more, the opportunities abound for the writer willing to learn how to gear their craft toward new audiences. Broadleaf Writers, in partnership with Paul Jenkins, present to you the chance to learn how to enhance and expand your writing opportunities with a series of seminars covering each facet of the cross-media world.

Over six weeks, our first seminar will cover the process, tools, resources, and intent of writing for comics. Not only will Paul offer his insights and wealth of knowledge gained through his vast experience, but you will create and refine your own story under his guidance. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a master of the craft and expand your writing opportunities. The class will be limited to the first 20 students, so be sure to register when the portal opens early in 2020! Dates and location will be announced soon, so be sure to check back for updates, or follow us on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram!

For over 20 years, Paul Jenkins has provided entertainment to the world through hundreds of print publications, films, video games, film and new media. With 6 Platinum selling video games, a Number One MTV Music Video, an Eisner Award, Five Wizard Fan Awards, and multiple Best Selling Graphic Novels, Paul Jenkins is synonymous with success. He has enjoyed recognition on the New York Times bestseller list, has been nominated for two BAFTA Awards, and has been the recipient of a government-sponsored Prism Award for his contributions in storytelling and characterization.

One of the premier creators and writers of comic books and graphic novels and video games in the world today, Paul’s writing credits include the Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesHellblazer, InhumansSpider-Man, BatmanThe Incredible Hulk, the smash hit Wolverine: Origin, for which he won five Wizard Fan Awards. He’s the author of the novel Curioddity, which was released in August of 2016. Paul is currently working with Nickelodeon on a brand new series, Underwhere, which is being developed across all media. He also recently wrote and directed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animation for Nickelodeon. Additionally, Paul’s work as Writer and/or Creative Director in the video game genre includes Twisted Metal: Black, Soul ReaverIncredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, God of War and many others. 2007’s The Darkness earned him a BAFTA nomination for storytelling and characterization, as did Vivendi Universal’s 2008 smash hit Prototype.

5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference

The 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will return October 17-18, 2020, at the Cobb Galleria at the intersections of I-75 and I-285 in Atlanta, Georgia! To honor this milestone year, we’ve assembled the strongest list of writers you will ever find at a conference! As well, our list of agents, editors and publisher representatives will be deeper than ever! Combined with educational sessions and workshops, the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will offer you all that you need to refine and improve your craft and get you on the road toward publication!

In addition to our annual slate of panels, workshops, and pitch sessions, this year we will offer you the opportunity to schedule one-on-one time with authors and agents for mentoring sessions! Here, you’ll have the chance to ask the questions filling your mind in a comfortable setting, without the pressure of pitching your work. Our speakers are eager to help educate you on the intricacies of the publishing industry, to ease your worries and concerns, and help clarify the path before you! Do not miss out on this golden opportunity!

Now through December 31st, you can take advantage of our pre-registration special! Get both days of conference activities for the one-day price! This will be the last chance to get the discounted rate! So act now!

Featuring Karen Abbott, Becky Albertalli, Paul Jenkins, Clay Chapman, Rona Simmons, Roger Johns, as well as agents and publisher reps to take your manuscript pitches and critique your first page, our list is sure to be the best yet! Check back for more updates and announcements on speakers!

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Pre-Registration Special for the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference now through December 31st!

Looking for a great gift idea for a writer? How about an opportunity to attend the 5th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference? Now through December 31st, our pre-registration special is available! Two days of panels, workshops, pitch sessions, and mentoring sessions for the one-day price! 👀

Don’t have a writer to gift it to? Then gift yourself and join us🎅

Fundraiser

#GivingTuesday is December 3rd!

Dec 3rd is #GivingTuesday! This year we’re fundraising to aid in our growth and to add more educational programming and resources! Facebook is again matching donations starting at 5am PST/8am EST, so mark your calendar and help us reach our $2,500 goal! All donations are tax-deductible and help fund our efforts to grow in 2020!

Whether you donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps (and on Dec 3rd, will be matched by Facebook!). Thank you for your support!

The mission of Broadleaf Writers is to enrich and advance the craft of writing for all writers through education, inspiration and community.Our list of programming is growing in 2020, as we shift our attention to the entire state of Georgia! Reaching underserved areas is vital, and we’ll need the resources to do so efficiently and effectively!

Visit the Broadleaf Writers Funrdraiser page and help us in our efforts to grow!