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| Events and Programs
Field’s End debuted in Fall 2002 with three writing classes. Fall 2008 launches the seventh year of top-quality instruction from Field’s End. For details about past and current classes, click here. Field’s End also offers occasional events and programs of interest to writers. Check below to see what’s scheduled. |
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| Ahead 2008 October 11 (Saturday) Special Event. “Uniting Story Structure and Character Arc” with Michael Hauge. This is a special event for writers of all kinds - authors of fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir - anyone who has a story to tell. In the best novels, movies and short stories, the heroes must achieve two compelling goals: an outer journey of accomplishment; and a deeper, inner journey of transformation and fulfillment. In this special, all day seminar, Hollywood script and story consultant Michael Hauge, best-selling author of Writing Screenplays That Sell and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read, presents his unique approach to mastering these two essential components of your story. Topics include: the primary goal of all stories; the single key to creating character arc and theme; creating believable and fulfilling love stories; the essential conflict all characters must face; and turning plot structure into a simple, powerful tool you can apply to every story.
Parking Fee: $75 - September 1 - October 9 While pre-registration is preferable, you can register at the door on the day of the event. Please note we can accept cash (exact amount will help) or checks only.
October 21 (Tuesday) Writers’ Roundtable. “So much material, where’s the real story?” with Robin Simons. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Bainbridge Public Library. Free. November 18 (Tuesday) Writers’ Roundtable. “How do you go from vignettes to a meaninful memoir?” with Warren Read. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Bainbridge Public Library. Free. December 16 (Tuesday) Writers’ Roundtable. “Does size really matter?” (rated G) Age of reader - length of book with George Shannon. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Bainbridge Public Library. Free. 2009 April 18 (Saturday) Save the Date for our 4th annual Conference! This one-day event takes place at beautiful Kiana Lodge on the shores of Agate Passage, just north of Bainbridge Island. Enjoy a day of camaraderie, inspiration, and learning about the art and craft of writing. The conference includes break-out sessions, hands-on workshops, a delicious salmon buffet lunch, and plenty of time to meet and discuss with fellow writers. Keynote address: Mignon Fogarty Mignon Fogarty is the creator of Grammar Girl and the founder and managing director of Quick and Dirty Tips. A magazine and technical writer, she has served as a senior editor and producer at a number of health and science web sites. She has a B.A. in English from the University of Washington in Seattle and an M.S. in biology from Stanford University. Mignon believes that learning is fun, and the vast rules of grammar are wonderful fodder for lifelong study. She strives to be a friendly guide in the writing world. Her arch enemy is the evil Grammar Maven who inspires terror in the untrained and is neither friendly nor helpful. Opening Speaker: Jim Lynch A Seattle-area native, Jim Lynch pursued journalism after he graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in creative writing and journalism. His short stories have won national honors including the Livingston Young Journalist Award. Jim has served as a writer for The Seattle Times, the syndicated muckraker Jack Anderson, and Portland Oregonian’s Puget Sound reporter. He is the author of the novel "The Highest Tide", set in the Puget Sound waters on the outskirts of Olympia. Please check this space for further details. Registration will open in late winter 2009. |
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| Recently
2008 September 16: Writers’ Roundtable Carolyne Wright spoke about moving from poetry to prose. August 19: Writers’ Roundtable Carol Cassella discussed finding time to write. July 15: Writers’ Roundtable Four local writers talked about the best way to get your words on a page. June 17: Writers’ Roundtable Sheila Rabe led a discussion about what makes a book funny. May 20: Writers’ Roundtable Wendy Call talked about how we render other people’s stories. April 26: Writing in the Garden of the Gods Our third one-day conference at beautiful Kiana Lodge featured three fabulous speakers (Stephanie Kallos, Roy Blount, Jr., and Timothy Egan) and myriad workshop choices. Many thanks to our faithful sponsors Prudential Northwest and Gilbert Thomes Jewelry, and to Eagle Harbor Book Company, which supplies books for the event. Check back soon for a link to photos and a more complete recap. April 15: Writers’ Roundtable Dia Calhoun honed in on how the hero's journey applies to fantasy and speculative fiction. March 18: Writers’ Roundtable Lynn Brunelle talked about how to go from an idea to a pitch. February 19: Writers’ Roundtable Paul Hanson discussed the necessity of truth and reality in speculative fiction. January 15: Writers’ Roundtable Matt Smith spoke about whether improv can improve your writing. 2007 December 18: Writers’ Roundtable Ann Roth discussed how to improve the opening of a piece. November 20: Writers’ Roundtable Suzanne Selfors talked about going from Field’s End student to published author. October 16: Writers’ Roundtable Kristin von Kreisler talked about dealing with the criticism and rejection that come with the writer’s life. October 13: Special Event: The Fire in Fiction Donald Maass presented a day of writing exercises that can help authors keep the Fire in Fiction. October 14: Fiction Workshop Lisa Rector-Maass conducted a workshop to help us with our sagging middles - at least the ones in our novels. September 25: Writers’ Roundtable Suzanne Macpherson discussed writing snappy dialogue. August 21: Writers’ Roundtable Brent Hartinger spoke on the limits of teen lit. July 17: Writers’ Roundtable Jim Whiting led a discussion about compelling nonfiction. June 19: Writers’ Roundtable Gary Kinder talked about writing clear, compelling sentences. May 15: Writers’ Roundtable Mary Buckham discussed creating believable characters of the opposite sex. April 28: Writing in the Garden of the Gods Our second one-day conference, featuring Malachy McCourt and Debra Dean as keynote speakers, was a great success. Many thanks to our returning sponsors Prudential Northwest and Gilbert Thomes Jewelry. April 17: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist Michael Donnelly spoke about the reasons why readers quit reading a book - and how to avoid those in your own work. March 20: Writers’ Roundtable Screenwriter Charley Pavlosky led a discussion about how to get out of your own way. February 20: Writers’ Roundtable Jennifer Louden talked about nurturing your creative brilliance and romancing your muse. January 16: Writers’ Roundtable Due to inclement weather and library closure, this Roundtable was cancelled. Jim Whiting will return at a later date to discuss writing compelling nonfiction.
2006 December 19: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist Larry Karp led a discussion about the differences between fiction and nonfiction. November 21: Writers’ Roundtable Mark Trahant led a discussion about the benefits of writing every day. October 17: Writers’ Roundtable Anjali Banerjee led a discussion about how to take your writing seriously. October 7: Special Event: The Writer’s Journey Field’s End was delighted to welcome author and script consultant Christopher Vogler to the Northwest for this workshop. Over 130 people came from four states and Canada to attend this valuable seminar in applying the elements of myth to narrative of all kinds. Feedback was very positive about the presentation and the venue, Bainbridge Cinemas at the Pavilion. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to Eagle Harbor Book Company for their continuing support. September 19: Writers’ Roundtable Kathleen Alcalá led a discussion about writing meaningfully in the wake of disaster. August 15: Writers’ Roundtable Susan Plunkett and Krysteen Seelen discussed how to stay creative in a writing team. July 18: Writers’ Roundtable Mary Matsuda Gruenewald discussed the audience for memoir. June 20: Writers’ Roundtable Writer Matt Briggs discussed how fiction can compete with blogs and reality TV. May 16: Writers’ Roundtable Playwright Jordan Harrison spoke about writing for the reader and the stage. April 22: Writing in the Garden of the Gods The first Field’s End writers conference at Kiana Lodge was blessed with sunshine and full attendance. Keynote speakers David Guterson and Erik Larson provoked our thoughts and laughter, and the 200 participants made difficult choices from among sixteen hour-long workshops. A great deal of planning and hard work went into this day, and we’re proud of all our volunteers. We are forever grateful for the financial support of our primary sponsors, Port Madison Enterprises, Gilbert Thomes Jewelry and Prudential Northwest Real Estate. In addition, we wish to acknowledge the support of the Bainbridge Public Library, with whom we are affilited. April 18: Writers’ Roundtable Author and columnist Tom Kelly discussed wrapping creative nonfiction around facts. March 21: Writers’ Roundtable Writer and editor Tamara Sellman discussed opportunities for writers to work online. February 21: Writers’ Roundtable Writer Nancy Blakey spoke about how writers can find a personal voice. January 28: Lecture
Award-winning novelist Dorothy Allison presented a talk on “Scaring the Horses: Writing those Big, Mean, Hard Stories,” at the Bainbridge High School LGI. January 17: Writers’ Roundtable Writer Jonathan Evison discussed the factors that define a great character.
2005 December 20: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist Mary Guterson discussed how writers keep going. November 15: Writers’ Roundtable Essayist and chef Greg Atkinson discussed translating personal memories into savory prose. November 2: Writers’ Workout Novelist Anjali Banerjee led a Workout in East Bremerton focusing on using details from all five senses. October 18: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist Susan Sloan addressed the question “Why Write?” September 20: Writers’ Roundtable Nonfiction author Kristin von Kreisler discussed how a writer can gain confidence. August 16: Writers’ Roundtable Fall Class Preview. July 19: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist and screenwriter Daryl Ponicsan discussed the pros and cons of writing in the present tense. June 21: Writers’ Roundtable Writer and online publisher Tamara Sellman discussed “Is online publishing a viable option for creative writers?” June 6: Writers’ Workout Writer and editor Mark Trahant coached a Workout in Poulsbo centered on daily writing. May 17: Writers’ Roundtable Poet and author Sheila Bender discussed “What does writing it real require?” April 30: Lecture
Award-winning novelist Ivan Doig spoke on “Makings: Putting This House of Sky Together,” at Island Center Hall on Bainbridge Island. April 19: Writers’ Roundtable Poet Kris Henshaw discussed how writers can tap into life’s metaphors. March 23: Question and Answer on Craft Best-selling mystery novelist Elizabeth George talked about her creative process. March 15: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist Joe Upton discussed “How does a writer get started writing?”
March 2: Writers’ Workout Poet Sharon Svendsen coached a Workout in Kingston with exercises using metaphor.
February 15: Writers’ Roundtable Author and editor Irene Wanner discussed “How does travel trigger fascinating literature?”
January 15: Writers’ Roundtable Novelist Skye Moody discussed “Heroes & villians: Where’s the conflict?”
January 10: Lecture/Workshop Memoirist Natalia Rachel Singer spoke on “Living History: How to use your story to tell the story of the times.”
2004
December 21: Writers’ Roundtable Fiction and nonfiction author Anjali Banerjee discussed “How does a writer use specific detail and imagery to express universal emotions?”
November 16: Writers’ Roundtable
Poet Sharon E. Svendsen discussed “What is a poem’s story arc?”
November 3: Writers’ Workout
Novelist Debbie Macomber led a Workout in Bremerton about plotting.
October 19: Writers’ Roundtable
Journalist and nonfiction author Fred Moody discussed “How does an author know what questions to ask in an interview?”
October 16: Lecture
Award-winning author and historian Andrew Ward spoke on “Backing into the Past: An Essayist’s Journey into African American History” at Island Center Hall on Bainbridge Island.
September 21: Writers’ Roundtable
Novelist and cookbook author Susan Sloan discussed “What makes a page-turner?”
August 17: Writers’ Roundtable
Field’s End organizers, volunteers, instructors, and writers celebrated the conclusion of Field’s End’s second full year and previewed Fall classes.
July 20: Writers’ Roundtable
Suzanne Macpherson, author of romantic comedy, discussed “How do you get in the mood to write?”
July 1: Writers’ Workout
Poet and nonfiction author Sheila Bender coached a workout of writing exercises.
June 15: Writers’ Roundtable
Terry Brooks, author of fantasy, short stories, and a writing guide, discussed “What’s the importance of dreaming your story?”
May 18: Writers’ Roundtable
David Korten, nonfiction author and publisher of YES! Magazine, discussed “How does a writer awaken the reader’s sense of the possible?”
May 16: Lecture
Award-winning author and New York Times reporter Tim Egan discussed “The Power of Place — Finding a Literary Voice in the Land.”
April 20: Writers’ Roundtable
Humorist Sheila Rabe discussed “What’s so funny—how does a writer tickle the reader's funnybone?”
March 16: Writers’ Roundtable
Memoirist Natalia Ilyin discussed “What is creative nonfiction?”
March 9: Lecture Acclaimed Michigan poet and professor Diane Wakoski discussed “Secrets and Revelations: How Poems Use Trope To Store Secrets.”
March 1: Writers’ Workout Poet Kelli Russell Agodon coached a workout using exercises on simile and metaphor.
February 17: Writers’ Roundtable Poet and nonfiction author Sheila Bender discussed “Why write the personal essay?” February 4: Lecture
Dr. Alice Weaver Flaherty discussed “The Midnight Disease: Drive to Write, Writer’s Block, and the Creative Brain.”
January 20: Writers’ Roundtable Nonfiction author Annette Moser-Wellman discussed “How do writers discover their creative genius?” 2003
December 16: Writers’ Roundtable Brian Herbert, science fiction writer and memoirist, discussed “Writing a Life: What Makes Biography and Memoir Resonate With Readers?” November 18: Writers’ Roundtable
Joe Upton, nonfiction/fiction author of Alaska, discussed “A Passion for Place: How Do Writers Create a Powerful Sense of Place or Setting?” October 21: Writers’ Roundtable Nonfiction author Kristin von Kreisler discussed “What Does It Mean To Be Authentic As a Writer? ” October 17 – 19: Northwest Bookfest Field’s End participated in Northwest Bookfest 2003. On October 17, the UW Writers’ Extension Program (morning) and Field’s End (afternoon) offered a Writers’ Workshop. On October 19, Nancy Pearl of the Washington Center for the Book moderated a panel featuring Kathleen Alcalá, Michael Collins, and David Shields discussing “A Field ’s End Panel: The Writer in Public and in Private.” October 8: Reading with Elliott Bay Bookstore Field’s End co-founder David Guterson read from his new novel, Our Lady of the Forest, at The Town Hall in Seattle, in a benefit for Field’s End. October 7: Reading with Eagle Harbor Book Company Field’s End co-founder David Guterson read from his new novel, Our Lady of the Forest, at Bainbridge High School in a benefit for Field’s End. September 16: Writers’ Roundtable Playwright and nonfiction author Barbara Winther discussed “Making Characters Come Alive: How Do Writers Do It? ” September 12: Lecture Award-winning author Dr. Charles Johnson spoke on “What Makes an Enduring Story?” to a sold-out audience at The Playhouse on Bainbridge Island. August 19: Writers’ Roundtable Field’s End organizers, volunteers, instructors, and writers celebrated the conclusion of Field’s End’s first full year and previewed Fall classes. July 15: Writers’ Roundtable George Shannon-writer of books for children and young adults, as well as adult nonfiction-discussed “Keeping a Writing Journal: Does It Help or Hinder a Writer?” June 17: Writers’ Roundtable Nonfiction writer Jack Swanson discussed “Speak Up! What Makes Effective Dialogue and Quotes?” May 20: Writers’ Roundtable Fiction writer Kristin Hannah discussed “Descriptive detail: How do good writers choose what to include?” April 15: Writers’ Roundtable Poet and creative writing teacher Kris Henshaw discussed “Sound & sense:How can writers tap into life’s metaphors?” March 18: Writers’ Roundtable Food writer and chef Greg Atkinson led the monthly Writers’ Roundtable in a discussion about “How can personal memories be translated into savory prose?” February 27: Open House Spring instructors Michael Collins and John Willson joined Field’s End in an open house and overview of Spring 2003 Classes. February 18: Writers’ Roundtable Award-winning fiction author Kathleen Alcalá led the monthly Writers’ Roundtable in a discussion about “The Research Behind the Story: How Much is Enough?” January 22: Writers’ Roundtable Nationally known garden writer Ann Lovejoy led the monthly Writers’ Roundtable in a discussion of “How does a writer develop a voice that works?” |
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