Join romance authors Patricia  Grasso (Marrying the Marquis) and Emily Bryan (Stroke of Genius) along with storytellers Cindy Killavey and Anne Marie Forer (“Take Two” Tandem Tellers) for a fun-filled day exploring what makes a good story and how you can write one.  The one-day mini conference is from 9am to 4pm in the Community Room at the Cumberland Public Library in Cumberland, RI. Register for the Mini
Conference

PATRICIA GRASSO: PLOTTING WITH PANACHE
Boring beginnings?   Sagging middles?   Flat endings?
Both plotters and pantsers need well-structured stories.  Plotting with panache—a dashing style of confidence, flamboyance, courage—will cure what ails your story.  Learn the plotting secrets that will keep readers turning pages and prevent reviewers from using deadly adjectives—boring, sagging, flat—to describe your masterpiece.

Patricia Grasso is the author of eighteen historical romances that have won various awards:  National Readers’ choice Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice and KISS Awards as well as B. Dalton and Bookrak Awards for best-selling first time author. A dog person who lives with ten cats, Patricia lives in the Boston area.  She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at a state college and, for too many years, used her “leisure” time to teach in a public high school.

EMILY BRYAN: WHAT A NOVEL IDEA!
How can a writer be sure  her story isn’t full of holes or missed opportunities? Listen to the voices of the ancient bards. For centuries, story-tellers have been perfecting the craft of weaving tales. We can stand on their shoulders.
Based of Christopher Vogler’s The Writers Journey, Emily explains the mythic structures that form plot points your readers are already pre-programmed to respond to. WHAT A NOVEL IDEA will help writers be certain their plots will hit all the readers’ (and editor’s!) hot-buttons.

Award-winning author Emily Bryan learned much of what she knows about writing from singing. A classically trained soprano, she gleaned the elements of storytelling while performing operatic roles. She and her husband have lived in nine different states, but she now makes her home in the heart of New England. Emily is available for signings, readings and writing workshops. To schedule events or for more info, please visit www.emilybryan.com

CAROL KILLAVEY AND ANNE MARIE FORER: “TAKE TWO” TANDEM TELLERS
Storytellers Carol and Anne Marie will examine what makes a good story using lots of examples.

Cindy Killavey is a professional actress and singer and acclaimed audio book reader (the LA Times called her “the best reason to put great books in the hands of great readers and get out of the way”). She is on the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Folk Arts/Education roster.

Anne-Marie Forer is a gifted musician who plays fiddle, guitar, accordian, drum & piano – a pre-school favorite whether appearing as Mother Goose, Mrs. Frost, Mrs. Clause or Engineer Annie; a former special education teacher, librarian, a Music Together instructor and half of the Take Two Tandem Tellers team.