Indiewire.com reports, “Southern Gurl Productions is creating a documentary that offers a behind-the-scenes view of an American-based writers’ conference that has helped shape several best-selling authors and added their voices to the Black literary giants who made an indelible impression on us all.”

Watch the trailer —

The Nonfiction Track begins on Monday, May 20!
Six weekly sessions from May 20 through June 27, 2013
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. EST

Why Join This Coaching Program to Finish Your Book?
* You can call in from the comfort of your home or another convenient location.
* You’ll receive a handout before each session to help you follow along and allow you to take helpful notes.
* You’ll have your questions answered firsthand and can learn from the questions other students ask in a confidential, low-pressure and intimate learning environment.
* You’ll receive follow-up emails to give you tips on how to implement what you’ve learned.

Course Registration Deadline:
Mon., May 20 no later than 4 p.m. EST

Cost:
Just $270 for six weeks of instruction, insight and feedback from a multi-published author!

Special Registration Offer:
Register by May 15 and receive an “early bird” rate of $240 vs. $270

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
“I have just completed Stacy’s ‘Author in You’ fiction track. I learned a lot about the art of writing good fiction. Stacy is a knowledgeable, patient, yet, firm instructor. She insists on her students giving their all to get the best results from their writing. Stacy instructed me on how to take what I had already written to another level. The ability to write is good, but knowing how to write to get and sustain a readership is even better. I am even more convinced after taking this course, that when I complete this novel, it will make it to the New York Times best seller’s list. I have upgraded from saying I write to saying I am a writer.”
Dawn Rawlings, Hampton, VA – March 2011

Read more student testimonials on www.AuthorInYou.com

Don’t keep putting off what you intended to do months ago or years ago. Invest in your dream, and in yourself, today!

Click Here to Register Now!

Interested in Stacy’s Fiction Coaching?
Register Now for the only Fiction Track of 2013-
Scheduled to begin in mid-July!
(Register by May 15 to receive
the early bird fiction coaching rate!)

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests that is not included in your bio?

I am passionate about social justice for Aboriginal Australians; I do a lot of volunteering related to literacy and youth organisations in terms of governance and role modelling. I am highly self-motivated and have been running my researching and writing consultancy – Curringa Communications – since 1994. I also love Lindt chocolate.

How did you get started writing?

My first job out of university (in 1992) was researching and writing comic scripts for a company called Streetwize Comics. We produced informational  / educational comics for young people with low-literacy, and covered issues that would help them in life: their legal rights, health information, access to education, employment and training and so on.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

Go to the sessions you think might best assist your current stage of writing. Swap notes with a colleague who attends a session you can’t be at. Be sure and use time outside of sessions to talk books and writing with other writers. But note: don’t force yourself or your book onto someone else. Be grateful for every conversation.

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what interests, experience, skill level should they have to benefit most from your session?

My session on writing faction is designed for those who want to understand both the benefits of weaving real life stories and characters into their novels, using an ethical and creative approach while protecting themselves legally. Skill level: emerging to established.

If 2012 will not be your first, what was your first experience with BWRC?

I first attended the BWRC in Tampa, Florida in 2008 and was in awe of the coordination, programming and the level of enthusiasm of those who had travelled across the country (and some internationally) to participate. I blogged some of the advice from the presenters after the conference. You can read about it here http://anitaheissblog.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/words-of-advice-from-deadly-presenters.html I returned in 2009 for the BWRC in Las Vegas and I blogged http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/stories/s2603139.htm about it for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In 2010, I attended the very memorable conference in Atlanta, Georgia and blogged about it here http://anitaheissblog.blogspot.com.au/2010/06/what-im-grateful-for-at-bwrc-atlanta.html.

Why do you keep coming back to BWRC?

I travel across the oceans to attend the BWRC because it provides me with professional development and networking opportunities. As writing and publishing is my career, it’s important to participate in the industry on an international level.

What do you believe separates BWRC from other writers’ conferences?

The collegiate level between writers is extraordinary. It’s a wonderfully supportive atmosphere especially for emerging writers seeking some sense of place in an otherwise competitive industry.

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

I live what I teach. I have written four adults novels and three children’s novels (published by Random House, ABC Books, Scholastic and Oxford University Press) using the methodology I will share at the Black Writers’ Reunion and conference.

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

NECESSARY!

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

I travel around Australia running creative writing workshops in schools, participating on panels at writers’ festivals and presenting keynote addresses at conferences. I have been on the program of the Sydney Writers’ Festival http://www.swf.org.au/for the last 15 years straight, and it is the third largest in the world (80,000+ visitors per year).

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future

I am currently writing my fifth adult novel, which will be released through Simon & Schuster in 2014. Right now, I am still doing a lot of promotional work for my latest book, Am I Black Enough For You?, which has been surrounded by controversy in the media following a national court case against Australia’s most widely-read columnist who was found guilty of breaching racial discrimination laws in Australia in relation to articles in which he discussed myself and other high profile Aboriginal Australians.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

I really admire the work of Alex Miller http://alexmiller.com.au/, an Australian author who writes stories about the Australian land with characters that matter (or should matter). These stories although in novels are real in that they deal with some of our most challenging aspects of history and social issues.

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

To read! I meet too many people who say they want to be writers, but don’t understand that reading is their training. You must read across genres, geography, genders, and cultures to get an idea of voice, style, and structure. You also need to read to see what you’re competing with in the marketplace. For my tips on being a writer, click here: So You Want To Be A Writer.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author?

That it really is a lot of hard work! Most people think the life of the author is one of glory and glamour. Let’s not get confused: I am glamorous. The life itself is HARD WORK!

Website address: www.anitaheiss.com
Blog address: http://anitaheissblog.blogspot.com.au/
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BLACK WRITERS REUNION & CONFERENCE 2012
August 29-31, 2012

WRITE TIME BLACK WRITERS RETREAT
September 1-3, 2012
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

IN THIS ISSUE

• BWRC Workshop Pre-Registration Begins 7/25
• Reserve Your Hotel Room By Sunday, 7/29
• BWRC 2012 Advance Registration Ends 8/19
• BWRC 2012 on Video
• Register Now for Angela Benson’s Fiction Writing Crash Course
• #BWRC2012 Twitter Contest – Ballot Opens
• Spotlight on Dr. Linda Beed
• 2012 to be Final BWRC
• Southern Girl Productions presents…
• BWRC eShop – MP3s, CDs, Totes & Tees

_________________________________________
BWRC Workshop Pre-Registration Begins 7/25

Pre-registration for BWRC 2012 will begin on July 25. The URL will be
emailed to all registered attendees on July 24. If you are registered
and do not receive the email, please contact us with your correct email
address as several emails have bounced on previous mailings.

*Note re STAGING THE PAGE playwriting workshop: The first three
people to preregister for the STAGING THE PAGE workshop can submit
up to 10 pages from their manuscript/book and workshop instructor
Jeanette Hill will adapt it into a stage play formatted script that can be
used for promotions, staged readings, book trailer or video. Upon
notification of your registration, Jeanette will email you the required
information for the adaption.

_________________________________________
Reserve Your Hotel Room By Sunday, 7/29

Our $129/night group rate at the Westin will expire this Sunday, July
29. Although our block is full, you may still secure a room. Email us by
Friday, July 27, at registration (at) blackwriters.org with the dates you
will be needing accommodations, and preferred room type, and we will
assist you with securing a hotel reservation at our group rate for all
nights of your stay.

If our contact at the Westin is unreachable on Friday, you may contact Westin
reservations directly and secure your reservation outside of the block no later
than Sunday, July 29, and she will move your reservation to our block and flag
it for the reduced rate when she returns to the office the week of July 30.

_________________________________________
BWRC 2012 Advance Registration Ends 8/19

BWRC offers various registration options, including full conference,
Thursday-only, Friday-only, and individual workshop walk-up
registration. See Registration (http://blackwriters.org/registration/)
to register. Advance registration ends August 19. Full conference
walk-up registration will not be available.

_________________________________________
BWRC 2012 on Video

Select BWRC 2012 sessions will be made available by video after this
year’s conference. If you are unable to attend but have a question you
would like posed to a presenter of a specific session, you may email
your questions in advance and have them answered during the session IF
your question is not answered during the presentation. Additional
information will be forthcoming within the next few weeks.

_________________________________________
Register Now for Angela Benson’s Fiction Writing Crash Course

For those new to the craft who aren’t prepared to commit to two full
days of writing and publishing education, bestselling, award-winning
author and professor Dr. Angela Benson offers Telling Your Tale, a
one-hour workshop on how to write and publish your book, Wednesday
evening, August 29 at the African-American Research Library & Cultural
Center in Fort Lauderdale. Admission: $10.
More: http://blackwriters.org/workshops/telling-your-tale

_________________________________________
#BWRC2012 Twitter Contest – Ballot Opens

The #BWRC2012 Twitter contest is in full swing. Semi-finalists have been
selected for the one-day pass entries. Voting begins today, July 23, and
ends Friday, July 27. To vote, simply visit our Ballot. Select your favorite
tweets to help us choose the winners of the day pass.

If you are a semi-finalist, please send us your full name, email
address, and the day you would like to attend. Winners will be notified
by Friday, July 27.

Contestants located in and around the Fort Lauderdale area submitting
tweets for individual workshops have a separate deadline of August 21
to enter. Write a short tweet, including our #BWRC2012 hashtag, on why
you want to attend a particular BWRC workshop. The winning tweeters
will be granted free admission to a favorite session.

Enter as many times as you wish. Every tweet counts.

Have fun! And good luck!

_________________________________________
Spotlight on Dr. Linda Beed

BWRC shines the spotlight on dual workshop facilitator, Dr. Linda Beed.
Dr. Beed will be presenting Investment Writing and M.A.D. Writing
(Making a Difference With Your Writing) at the 2012 Black Writers
Reunion & Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background,
strengths, or interests that are not included in your bio?
What I’d like people to know about me is that I care enough to reach
out to others. As an independent publisher I learned fast that there is
strength in support and shared knowledge. I have a passion for the
written, spoken and performing arts. Embracing creative ways to take
the word to the masses, I believe is the responsibility of those
entrusted with the gift.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?
I’ve always written, but my first step toward publication came after I
entered a short story contest. My decision to independently publish
came after I saw what publishers wanted to turn my story into.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’
conference?
Take the time to acknowledge your needs and your wants. From the course
catalog select a balance of courses that will meet both needs. I also
suggest that attendees come with an expectation of learning, sharing
and connecting with literary professionals who have their best interest
in mind. And of course, plan to have fun.

If 2012 will not be your first, what was your first experience with
BWRC?
My first experience with the BWRC elevated my expectations in what a
writer’s conference can be.

What keeps you coming back to BWRC?
I return to the BWRC because of its continuing education value for
beginning and seasoned authors.

What do you believe separates BWRC from other writers’ conferences?
In my opinion what separates the BWRC from other conferences is its
focus upon the needs of the attendees rather than that of featured
speakers.

For more from Dr. Beed, visit http://blackwriters.org/spotlight-on-dr-linda-beed

_________________________________________
BWRC eShop – MP3s, CDs, Totes & Tees

BWRC eShop offers BWRC CD-ROMs, tote bags, and logo t-shirts. Workshop
audio on 16 sessions covering a wide variety of topics by BWRC speakers
is also available for MP3 download at $1.19 each.
http://blackwriters.org/eshop/catalog/

_________________________________________
2012 to be Final BWRC

The 2012 BWRC will be Director Tia Ross’ seventh and last year as
organizer of the acclaimed Black Writers Reunion & Conference. She
recently announced her resignation and the reasons behind the decision.
http://blackwriters.org/ross-to-resign-2012-bwrc

_________________________________________
Southern Girl Productions Presents…
After 12 years and seven conferences, the Black Writers Reunion &
Conference will host one final conference in Fort Lauderdale this
August. Southern Girl Productions is producing a documentary offers
a behind-the-scenes view of this inspirational event plus authors
sharing their stories of successes and failures in the publishing
industry. The documentary profiles:

The VETERANS – Authors who have published 25 or more books and/or
have been in the publishing game more than 10 years.
The HUSTLERS – Authors of 1-5 books who are in the thick of hoping
that their books will launch them into success while trying to
find the balance of working a professional job and launch a book career.
The NEWBIES — Unpublished authors working on getting their first
books into print.

Watch Blackwriters.org for the trailer to be released next week.

********************************* About BWRC ************************************

Empowering Black Writers

Established in 2000, the Black Writers Reunion & Conference is well
known for its engaging workshop presenters, outstanding topics,
inspirational ambience, and professional organization. BWRC’s mission
is to educate, support, and motivate aspiring, emerging, and published
writers. We promote and encourage artistic expression and growth
through skill development in the art, craft, and business of creative
writing in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama as well as business
and career endeavors in professional writing. While BWRC does not
discriminate against participants of any race, BWRC is the only touring
conference with the added cultural bonus of being presented both by and
for Black writers.
__________________________________________________________________

Your interest in Black Writers Reunion & Conference is appreciated! Hope to
see you in August!

Black Writers Reunion & Conference

http://www.blackwriters.org

info@blackwriters.org

http://facebook.com/blackwritersrc

http://twitter.com/blackwriters

http://gplus.to/blackwriters

_________________________________________________________________

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests that are not included in your bio?
What I’d like people to know about me is that I care enough to reach out to others. As an independent publisher I learned fast that there is strength in support and shared knowledge. I have a passion for the written, spoken and performing arts. Embracing creative ways to take the word to the masses, I believe is the responsibility of those entrusted with the gift.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?
I’ve always written, but my first step toward publication came after I entered a short story contest. My decision to independently publish came after I saw what publishers wanted to turn my story into.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?
Maya Angelou tops my list of many. She does because at the crossroads of my life, her undiluted words reached out, embraced and encouraged me.

How did you master the topics you’ll be presenting at BWRC?
‘Investment Writer and Writing M.A.D.’ came from listening to the readers. We all know that there’s not a story written that hasn’t been told. That being the case, it becomes the responsibility of the writer to take that familiar tale and make it uniquely their own. Similarly, one must ask themselves if their writing is making a difference in the lives of their readers. If not, why?

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?
Necessary

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what interests, experience, skill level should they have to benefit most from your session?
My sessions are geared toward the beginning and intermediate writer. Their most beneficial skill will be their desire to succeed.

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?
I’ve previously presented at the Faith Based Arts Conference, Romantic Times, Romance Slam Jam and The Write Plan workshops.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?
Take the time to acknowledge your needs and your wants. From the course catalog select a balance of courses that will meet both needs. I also suggest that attendees come with an expectation of learning, sharing and connecting with literary professionals who have their best interest in mind. And of course, plan to have fun.

If 2012 will not be your first, what was your first experience with BWRC?
My first experience with the BWRC elevated my expectations in what a writer’s conference can be.

What keeps you coming back to BWRC?
I return to the BWRC because of its continuing education value for beginning and seasoned authors.

What do you believe separates BWRC from other writers’ conferences?
In my opinion what separates the BWRC from other conferences is its focus upon the needs of the attendees rather than that of featured speakers.

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?
This year I have completed two new projects; the first being the upcoming release of my novel, Through the Fire from On Assignment Publications. The second is my one-woman monologue, Tell Them, which is being adapted into a one act stage play. Tell Them depicts the last day of Denise McNair, the youngest victim of the 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, the mother left to preserve her legacy, and extends a message of hope to others. My ongoing project is The Write Plan. This series of workshops is geared toward teaching the business side of the industry.

What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring authors?
The best piece of advice any author can receive is that they take the time to learn the business side of the industry.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/playwright/poet/producer/etc.?
This may sound odd, but I wish someone would have told me that not following industry spin and trends will not make you a failure.

Website address: www.lindabeed.com and thewriteplan.net

Blog address and/or Facebook, Twitter, etc:
thewriteplan.blogspot.com
Twitter @lindabeed

Scheduling has begun for the pitch sessions with literary agents Dawn Michelle Hardy and Janell Walden Agyeman. These one-on-one sessions will only be available to individuals registered for the full conference. Appointments are limited and must be scheduled in advance.

The sessions will be held on Thursday, Aug. 30 and scheduling will be on a first come, first served basis. Once the time slots have been filled, additional interested participants will be placed on a waiting list, in the event of a cancellation.

Ms. Hardy is looking to acquire non-fiction, pop-culture, women’s fiction and empowerment titles.

Ms. Agyeman is seeking young adult / middle-grade fiction and adult non-fiction.

To learn more about them, please see http://www.blackwriters.org/pitch-sessions/.

If you have a completed manuscript and are ready to schedule, or would like additional information, contact veronica (@) blackwriters.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson
BWRC 2012 Pitch Session Coordinator

My name is James West, and I co-founded www.titledoctors.com, a naming firm and subsidiary of www.semantixcreative.com, that has worked for Hollywood studios since 2007 to the present. I now rep sold and unsold screenwriters whose works deserve your attention.

While there are great screenplays, few and far between find their way to the big screen. Many of those screenplays would make good books, if the screenwriters knew how to write books, which they usually don’t. Therefore, I am seeking authors who would be willing to partner with screenwriters to adapt their screenplays into novella eBooks.

Under my new banner, Scriplit, I’d like to hire talented authors that (change that to who) will turn screenplays into eBooks for Kindle, Kobo, iPad and Nook. You’ll receive an advance fee to begin, co-author credit, plus 30% of all royalties (digital and print). The screenwriter receives 50% while Scriplit receives 20% for consultation, marketing and editing the eBooks.

If you’re interested, please contact me at: manager@industryvisionary.com or direct, 310-733-7559.

Although the time has come for me to step down, I realize that ending this incomparable event will leave a gaping void. Thus, it is my sincere hope that the BWRC can live on under new ownership and that the legacy we’ve established for empowering aspiring, emerging, and established Black writers shall be expanded beyond measure.

It has been an incredible journey and an honor to serve the African-American literary community during the past 12 years as director of the conference and the three years prior with the organization that spawned it. I feel deeply blessed to have been able to positively impact so many. It has been intensely gratifying to have watched so many authors flourish and live their dreams.

I am especially appreciative of the many extraordinary speakers over the years and my amazing staff who catapulted this sensational conference straight to the top of its class as well as those who have supported BWRC as volunteers and viva voce promoters. There are so many of you I am thankful for, yet too many to list, but I do thank each and every one of you and pray that you continue to aspire toward and achieve your grandest passions.

With this being my last year at the helm, I look forward with added excitement to the momentous program that will be the 2012 Black Writers Reunion & Conference.

Warmly,
Tia Ross

Write a short tweet and win a ticket to Black Writers Reunion & Conference 2012.

This summer we will again run our Twitter contest, offering even greater prizes to tweeters.

Our last Twitter contest invited the most creative tweets about the conference. This year, tweet using our #BWRC2012 hashtag on either or both topics below:

• Why you want to attend BWRC
• Why you want to attend a particular BWRC workshop

The winning tweets will receive free admission to a favorite session (local residents only) or one day of tickets to all workshops (open to all). Nominees will be selected by a team of judges, and then prize winners will be selected by poll via the Blackwriters.org website.

Enter as many times as you wish. Every tweet counts.

The contest starts May 21 and ends August 21! Nominees will be announced in early August.

Have fun! And good luck!