Book Fest

Details coming soon!

Kick off Book Fest with Orange Hat Publishing Authors.

Details coming soon!

Print Isn’t Dead: How Writers Pitch, Place, and Publish in Print Media
presented by Michelle Gardner
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Television didn’t kill radio. The internet didn’t kill television. And print media is far from dead. In today’s digital-first world, print still thrives. Thousands of niche, trade and consumer magazines are alive, profitable and desire engaging content. While this session does not guarantee publication, it does guarantee that attendees will be taken inside the process; showing them how to move from idea to pitch to published piece.

Writing Characters: Show, Don’t Tell
presented by Mary Ann Noe 
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Mark Twain said, “Don’t say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.” This interactive workshop is designed to help writers, especially beginning or intermediate writers, expand character descriptions, motives, development, and such, by using action, word choice, and the senses. Attendees will do practice runs, both with partners and alone, to share with the group, if they are comfortable.

Creating a Standout First Chapter
presented by Sarah J. Mendonca 
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With so many new stories out every year, it's important to hook readers from the very first sentence. Learn about ten universal hooks for compelling openings, using Action and Intrigue to draw people in, and common mistakes that stop readers from continuing.

Plotting Your Novel: Adapting a Screenplay Approach
presented by Joseph Rein 
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Beginning, muddle, end. So many of us novelists know where we want to begin, where we should end, but encounter problems in that dreadful middle. However, using techniques adapted from screenwriting, novelists can unlock those key elements that broaden and deepen our plots, characters, and settings, leading both us and our readers to a satisfying conclusion.

Writing a Short Personal Essay for Beginners
presented by Frances Wiedenhoeft 
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This workshop is designed to help new writers develop a personal essay they can work on and eventually share with family, the community, or publish. The session will discuss character and setting in an interactive format, with comments, questions, and suggestions. Participants will have writing time after which the group come together to share how the experience was for them and to provide further writing resources.

Poetry as a Coping Tool
presented by Kelsey Bigelow 
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Life has a way of throwing heavy stuff at us, and it's our job to manage our mental health through it all. This workshop walks participants through methods for writing poetry as a coping tool. From free writing and responding to prompts to observing your situation and trying a poetic form, poetry can help you process and manage your emotions through the heaviness. Attendees will explore poetic tools (e.g., metaphor, imagery, prompts, erasure/blackout, etc.) and how to use them intentionally as a coping tool. The skills discussed in this session are transferrable to writers of all genres.

The Goblin Method of Kind of Outlining a Book
presented by A.Z. Louise/Alby C. Williams 
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For anyone who feels stifled by a full outline but lost without some kind of plan, A.Z. Louise's Goblin Method combines multiple outlining and plotting tools to create a fresh way of coming at outlining a novel or novella-length book. This method can be tailored to any genre and category.

Details coming soon!

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Reception at 5:30 pm
Appetizers provided. Cash bar available.

Book Discussion at 6:30 pm

Meet and Greet with local authors and special guest Lesley Kagen followed by book sale and signing in the Fireplace Room and then a discussion of Lesley's novel Whistling in the Dark. 

The "Eras" Tour: How to do Research Different Eras for Your Historical Fiction Novel 
presented by Jessica Brousseau
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Do you love writing about history but don't know how to get the facts right? Researching for your historical novel can feel like a never-ending cycle of learning that doesn't help you to actually write the book. If you find yourself stuck in the research, come to this class to learn about some helpful resources and techniques that will help you get the most out of your research so you can get back to writing that book.

Working with an Editor: What You Need to Know
presented by Jody Benson 
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Behind every great book is an astute editor. From manuscript assessments and developmental editing to copy editing and proofreading, editors play an essential role in bringing books to life. But have you ever wondered how to get the most out of your relationship with your editor? I'm here to demystify what an editor does behind the scenes and provide tips for getting the most from your relationship with a professional editor.

Querying Your Novel
presented by B. F. Peterson
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Discuss the traditional publishing process and how to prepare the materials you will need to pitch your book to literary agents, including the logline, query letter, and synopsis.

Details coming soon!
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Details coming soon!
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presented by Amber R. Cederstrom, Acquisitions Editor

Review University of Wisconsin Press's publishing process and requirements.

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Acclaimed Wisconsin author Pao Lor will discuss his books Modern Jungles and Bamboo Son. A book sale and signing will follow the discussion.

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Choose Your Own Adventure Day
10 am-3 pm
Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr. 

In the Hands of Recovery with Author Kristen Akbar
8 am-12 pm
Healing Hands Myofascial Therapy, LLC., 218 S. River St.

Book Fest Event with Author James Salimes
4-5 pm
Davis Physical Therapy LLC and Marigold Speech & Co., 415 W. Milwaukee St.

Book Club and Author Meet & Greet with Author Emma Briedis
5:30-8 pm
American Belle Clothing, 219 W. Milwaukee St.

Slip Into Rejuvenation with Author Eileen Troemel
6-8 pm
Rejuvenate Skincare Studio, 20 E. Milwaukee St.

Books & Brews with Author Mary Ann Noe
2-4 pm
Genisa/Jack & Jenny's, 11 N. Main St.

In the Hands of Recovery with Author Kristen Akbar
8 am-12 pm
Healing Hands Myofascial Therapy, LLC., 218 S. River St.

Beasties Storytime with Author Pat Hall
10:30 am
Classy Rascals Children's Boutique, 113 E Milwaukee St. 

Miracle's Mission with Author Kathy Schendt
11 am-2 pm
Paul Chiropractic Family Wellness Center, 100 W. Racine St.

Author and Retired Gazette Journalist Greg Peck Reflects on Career
1 pm
Rock County Democrats, 50 S. Main St.

Storywalk® Kickoff
1-3 pm
Rotary Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr. 

Nevermore & Once More Book Exchange
4-6 pm
Bodacious Shops of Block 42, 119 N. Main St.

Bring a Book, Make a Friend with Author Lindsey Bussie
5-7 pm
M.H. Vintage Collective 

Meet the Author: Kathy Schendt
10-11 am
Boys & Girls Club of Janesville, 200 W. Court St.

Roots & Reflections: A Morning with Author Jill Gilson
10:30-11:30 am
Janesville YMCA, 221 Dodge St.

Meet the Author with Christina Brajkovich
3-5 pm
608 Vintage, 34 S. Main St. 

'That's Not a Pet!': A Young Writers' Workshop with Jill Gilson
3-4 pm
Janesville YMCA, 221 Dodge St. 

Birds of a Feather with Author Cheryl Beyer
5-6:30 pm
Thrive Massage and Healing Arts, 321 E. Milwaukee St. 

Monsters We Make: Horror Fiction in the Indie World with Author Christopher Micklos
7 pm
Wiggy's Saloon, 9 N. Parker Dr.

Simulating Satchel: A Baseball What If with Author John Graf
7 pm
Rock County Historical Society, 426 N. Jackson St.

Scavenger Hunt with Author Barb Geiger
10 am-2 pm
Raven's Wish, 101 W. Milwaukee St. 

From Pain to Purpose: Healing Through Words and Art
11 am-2 pm
2B Consulting, 215 W. Court St.

Create, Remember, Connect with Author Laura Diehl
1-4 pm
Willow Way Counseling Center, 20 E. Milwaukee St. 

Book Themed Craft at Mood with Author Diedre Golberg
2-5 pm
Mood, 105 W. Milwaukee St.

Stories, Sweets, & Second Chances with Author Malcom Woods 
5-6:30 pm
The Suite Spot, 215 W. Milwaukee St. 

The Wisconsin Whey: A Cheesy Celebration with Author Kristin Mitchell
5-7 pm
Lark Market, 56 S. Main St.