CHARLESTON, S.C. – Join three published authors in Charleston County Public Library's Main Branch in downtown Charleston on Sept. 22 to learn how to take a manuscript to publication, deal with revisions, and develop habits that foster creativity and a successful writing life. Sessions start at 9:30 a.m. with J.C. Sasser and Matthew Foley, and continue at 11:30 a.m. with Derek Berry.
About the authors and sessions:
From Draft to Traditionally Published Novel: A Class with J. C. Sasser
9:30 - 11 a.m.
Many writers self-publish in a hurry, but regret it later when they discover errors or lose money on the process. This class is for writers looking for tips to transform their draft into a traditionally published novel. Topics will include plot, character, structure, chapter length, sentence structure, active writing, and voice, as well as other tips, such as creating a compelling opening, choosing readers for feedback, and hiring a copy-editor.
NOTE:There are no more seats available for this session.
Born and raised in Metter, Georgia, J. C. Sasser started her professional career at age 12, working as a dishwasher, waitress, and cook at a truck stop off Georgia’s I-16. Over her life, she has worked as an envelope licker, tortoise tagger, lifeguard, Senate page, model, editor, water polo coach, marine biologist, plant grower, software consultant, and 6-Sigma Black Belt. She is the award-winning author of “Gradle Bird” (Koehler Books 2017) and a contributor to “Town Magazine” and the forthcoming anthology, “Gather at the River: Twenty-five Authors on Fishing,” edited by David Joy and Eric Rickstad (Hub City Press 2019). She lives in an old barn on Edisto Island, SC, with her husband, Thomas, along with their two sons, T. C. and Robert Esten, two dogs, Cro and Blue Moon June, honeybees, and a flock of frenzied chickens.
The Writing Life: Creative Habits & Helpful Strategies
9:30 - 11 a.m.
Local author and poet Matthew Foley will present information on creative habits and helpful strategies for the writing life, including topics such as daily writing habits, finding time for creativity, overcoming writer’s block, and learning to leap from brilliant idea to actual words on the page. Time for questions will follow presentation. No registration necessary.
Matthew Foley is an author, spoken word poet, writing coach, and creative entrepreneur in Charleston, SC. He is the author of three books of poetry: “We Could Be Oceans” (2014), “The Typewriter Sutra” (2015), and “This One Breath” (2017). In early 2017, Matt launched Contribute Your Verse, a writing coaching business that helps aspiring writers find their voice and share their creative gifts with the world. Matt also serves on the board of directors of The Unspoken Word, a literary arts non-profit which organizes open mics, poetry slams and school workshops in the Charleston area. After five years in the classroom as an English & Creative Writing teacher, Matt recently left teaching to pursue his lifelong dream of being a full-time writer.
Revising Your Novel: From First Draft to Publication
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Local author and poet Derek Berry will present a 90-minute class with information for fiction writers on how to transform a first draft into a traditionally published novel. Derek will cover topics such as revising your draft, choosing readers for feedback, deciding whether to hire a copy-editor, and preparing a manuscript for the submission/publication process. Time for questions will follow presentation. No registration necessary.
Derek Berry is a novelist and spoken word poet. Derek is the author of “Heathens and Liars of Lickskillet County” (PRA Publishing, 2016). He is also the author of the forthcoming poetry chapbook "Good Ghost: Alive & Intact" (2018) as well as "Skinny Dipping with Strangers" (2013). He co-founded and organizes The Unspoken Word, a literary non-profit based in Charleston, SC, which provides an independent home for the poetic arts through regular readings, workshops and community fundraisers. He is the current president. He is on the executive board of Free Verse, the Charleston Poetry Festival. He is also serving on the 2018 Poetry Society of South Carolina Board as a member at large. He is the editor of Good Juju Review and co-host of the Contribute Your Verse Podcast. He has performed in venues across the United States and Germany. He has worked as a photographer’s assistant, busboy and bookseller. He currently works at a curation facility for Cold War History.