Amok in Announcements

A quick break from the “poetry postcards” about the Dodge Festival to bring you some announcements.

1. "CityLit Project’s popular “Write Here, Write Now” workshops makes its debut in Howard County with a six-session workshop on freelance writing. Led by instructor Laura Shovan at the Howard County Center for the Arts." When I stopped freelancing for the Baltimore Sun this summer and put some feelers out about teaching adult writing classes, I never expected to that I'd be WHWN’s first instructor in the ‘burbs. I would never say, "I'm stoked!" but I totally am. The class is called “Rookie Reporting: Breaking Into Freelance Writing.” The focus is on breaking into the non-fiction market by targeting local and specialty publications (online and print). Children’s writers looking to earn clips in the magazine market are very welcome! Send me an email if you’d like more info, the official flyer, or to receive the registration form. But do it today – we’re short on time. 6 Thursdays 7-8:30pm October 16 – November 20, 2008 Howard County Center for the Arts Registration Fee: $125 2. Speaking of Joy Harjo (see the last post), she’s coming to Howard County, MD for a reading this Sunday. Visit http://www.hocopolitso.org/events.htm for more information. Harjo is a wonderful poet, a powerful reader. If you do any animal work in your writing, she’s a must see. 3. Another reading in the Baltimore region soon. Poet Valzhyna Mort will be at University of Balitmore Monday, October 6 at 7 PM. The reading is free. 4. Tons of writing opportunities for Baltimore area kids this fall! This one from the Sun: "Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to illustrate the theme, 'What Maryland Means to Me,' in creative writing or art. Creative-writing entries include essay, narrative, short story, poem or song; art entries include drawing, painting, photography, photo-collage, sculpture or computer-generated art. Entries can relate to Maryland's history, people or landmarks, or to personal experiences, the environment, animals, business, commerce, etc." http://www.highlandmd.org/Arts&Letters.html. A few months ago, the Sun posted a note that it was seeking children to write restaurant reviews. I'm looking for the information. If anyone knows where to find details, post a comment please. "There's no greater reward for a young writer than seeing his or her work in print. Baltimore's Child and the City Lit Project have teamed up to encourage student authors by presenting the Maryland Young Writers' Contest. Winners will have their work published in Baltimore's Child and will receive additional prizes to be announced soon. Visit http://www.baltimoreschild.com/ for information. " Publishing work makes kids feel great about writing. Encourage a child or teen to try one of these contests.