WHAT IS THE GENEVA WRITERS’ CONFERENCE?
by Chené Koscielny
The 11th Geneva Writers’ Conference takes place 2nd-4th March 2018. It is a full weekend of workshops and panels led by authors, agents, editors, and publishers from around the world. It is organised by the Geneva Writers Group – an international association of writers.
Their goal is to bring together English-language writers for high-level instruction, support, and community through workshops, discussions, and readings. Conference instructors are experienced in teaching creative writing and committed to sharing their knowledge, skills and perspectives on writing as an art and as a profession.
In an interview on World Radio Switzerland, Paula Read and Jennifer Bew Orr, assistant directors of the the Geneva Writers Conference, talk about what agents really want from their writers, writing as activism and, when it comes to making money from writing, whether there are certain genres that can be more lucrative; all of which will be covered in depth as panel discussions at this year’s Geneva Writers’ Conference.
5 REASONS TO ATTEND THE GENEVA WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
LEARN FROM TOP WRITERS
You’re starting to get into writing or you’re thinking about writing novels, children’s books, non-fiction or poetry.
Get instruction in creative writing from well-known authors, who will share their craft and tips with aspiring and established writers.
Choose from four different writing workshops – choices in fiction, children’s writing, non-fiction and poetry.
If you’re already a writer, but you’d like to take your writing to a different level, you’ll get inspiration and practical tips to help you hone and fine-tune your writing.
Writing panels offer interesting themes such as ‘Are you speaking my language?’ – for writers interested in translating or translators interested in writing; ‘Living locally, writing globally’ – and ‘Making words matter’ – for writers who want to make a difference and become activists on the page.
Writing instructors include 11 accomplished writers, poets and authors, many of whom lecture in creative writing. Among the big names leading the sessions at the conference are British writer, Bernadine Evaristo; Hungarian-born poet, George Szirtes; author of over 30 children’s books, Rachel Vail; and BBC producer, author and historian, Colin Grant. For the full lists visit the Geneva Writers Group website.
Workshops include interesting themes to choose from such as Creating character; Fiction and description; How to write for young teens; How to write for kids; Finding your place in a piece of non-fiction and The Zen of writing.
GET YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED
You’ve written a book, but you’re not sure how to get it published. Do you need an agent? How do you get noticed by a publisher? Should you self-publish?
You’ll have the opportunity to attend two question and answer sessions with the instructors and panelists, including well-known agents and publishers, who will give you invaluable advice and answer your most burning questions.
SELL OR BUY BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS
You’re a published author who’d love to promote your books or you’re a writer and reader keen to read books by writers who live in and around Geneva. You can sell your books through the conference bookstore, but advance sign-up is required.
NETWORK & HOBNOB
The best ever opportunity to mingle with like-minded people, including other writers, publishers and agents. Networking happens throughout the weekend, but you also have the opportunity to register in advance for a meet and greet networking cocktail on Friday 2nd March.
SHARE ISSUES FACING WRITERS TODAY
Two panel discussions and question and answer sessions led by expert panelists and instructors will address the issues faced by modern day writers and share lessons and insights.
The panelists include well-known agents, editors, publishers and authors.
Panel and writing lab discussions include a variety of interesting topics, including Who’s afraid of social media, Secrets of the book trade and what they wish you knew – a panel for writers looking to find an agent or publisher.
For more info about the panelists click here.
PRACTICAL INFO:
WHERE: Webster University, Bellevue, Switzerland.
WHEN: 2nd-4th March 2018.
COST: 250CHF.
Hot meals are available at additional cost.
FURTHER INFO: Click here. To book your place click here.
Never heard of the Geneva Writers Group? Read our article about this inspiring group here.
