I know where you're gonna be on April 4/5 . . .

So here's the deal. . . you probably should go to this conference.

'Cause it's local, it's cheap and Mary Gaitskill will be there (she's also at Bender Conference Room at AU on Wednesday -- what's up with that?).

Seriously, $45? Go already. They've got speed dating. It's a wonderful opportunity to get over the fear of pitching to an editor/agent . . .

http://writersconnectconference.com/wordpress/

oin us on April 5, 2008 in Washington, DC for a different kind of writer’s conference.

The Second Annual Conversations and Connections will help you get the connections and information you need to take your writing — and publishing — to the next level.

This year’s keynote speaker is Mary Gaitskill, author of the novels Veronica and Two Girls, Fat and Thin, and the story collections Because They Wanted To and Bad Behavior.

Our panelists are experts in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, making connections, using the web, marketing, and everything in between. Over 30 literary magazines will be represented. Get the real deal straight from the editor’s mouth: your $45 registration fee includes the full day conference, plus face-to-face “speed dating” with literary magazine editors, a subscription to the lit mag of your choice, and a book by featured speakers.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 (evening):

Short fiction reading, featuring Susan Muaddi-Darraj, Dave Housley, Nathan Leslie, and Lalita Norohna (bios coming soon). Time and location will be announced shortly. Note that conference registrants attending the reading will receive a book from one of the featured readers (this is included in conference registration).

SATURDAY, APRIL 5:

Johns Hopkins University (Washington DC branch), 1717 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC

8:30:

Registration

9:15 — 10:30:

Breakout Session 1:

* Crafting the Poem
* The Business of Getting Published
* Finding a Home for Your Brilliant Work: Amy Holman Workshop
* Starting Your Own Independent Press

10:45 — 12:00:

Breakout Session 2:

* The Long Haul: Writing the Novel
* How Can an MFA/MA Help Me?
* Contests: Winning, Placing, Not Getting Scammed
* Voice in Memoir

12:00 — 2:00:

Speed Dating and Lunch:

2:15 — 3:30:

Keynote: Mary Gaitskill

3:45 — 5:00:

Breakout Session 3:

* The Disciplined Writer
* Poetic Forms
* The Novella: Form and Potential
* Web Markets and Marketing

5:15 — 6:30:

Reception