Visit the REGISTRATION page for more information.

Tamara Baxter - Writing Out of the Voice Box (fiction & memoir) 

    Friday, September 11, 12:45 – 3:45 (Heritage Center)

We often think that character development is most essential, when often finding the right "voice" is equally essential to developing a piece of writing. In this workshop, participants will write one sentence, and then, through a series of experiments, will switch the voice in one dozen ways. This workshop encourages writers to explore many possibilities in finding the best voice for their story.

John Hoppenthaler - Writing Outside the Self: Poetry of Engagement (poetry)

    Friday, September 11, 12:45 – 3:45 (Upstairs at David's Limited)

Arguably, American poetry is still in the somewhat suspect grips of 1950s and '60s confessionalism. Much of the poetry I've seen as a reader, editor and teacher has been solipsistic and uninteresting, what could as easily be a lineated (often badly lineated) version of a poet’s journal. So what? Who cares besides the poet? This workshop will examine ways to remove one's poetry from the realm of the self, ways to write a more socially, politically, or culturally relevant poetry. It will attempt to move a poet from "I" to "eye."

Jim Clark - If My Words Did Glow (songwriting) * limit 12 participants 

    Saturday, September 12, 9 – 11:45 (Heritage Center)

Participants are asked to bring a song they have written and play it (live or via a recording) for the workshop. Please bring 10+ copies of your song lyrics. A CD/Cassette player will be available. Feel free to bring a musical instrument to accompany yourself. We will then as a group offer constructive feedback on both the words and the music to each songwriter. Note: Our discussion will focus on the song, and not the performance. We will try and approach our songs in the spirit of the Grateful Dead’s great song “Ripple”: “If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine / And my tunes were played on a harp unstrung / Would you hear my voice come through the music / Would you hold it near, as it were your own?”

Judy Goldman - The Fine Brushstrokes of Your Own Life (memoir & personal essay)

    Saturday, September 12, 1:15 – 4:15 (Heritage Center)

This workshop, geared to both beginning and advanced writers, will include specific instruction on how to craft your personal essays or memoir into something others will value, as well as exercises to help you discover your most engaging material. We’ll explore finding your way into your voice, setting scenes as though you’re writing fiction, and turning the people in your life into characters readers care about. I’ll encourage you to have a sense of optimism about your work so that you can keep going even when you know you’re about to step off the edge of the world. I’ll also answer your questions about publishing.



Pre-registration is required ONLY for those events with a fee, and/or limited attendance. General sessions are free and no advance registration is necessary. You may register for events via PayPal on the website, or you may send this form with your check to the address shown below. Tickets for paid events can be picked up at the registration desk in the lobby of the Burnsville Town Center during the Festival. Registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your fee will be considered a donation to the Literary Festival.