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Newsletter Archive

Creative Nonfiction Newsletter
for Serious Writers & Readers

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AUGUST NEWSLETTER

CONTENTS:
Pittsburgh in Words: The Website, the Reading, the Publication
2008 Creative Nonfiction Writers' Conference
The Best CNF Vol. 2
Lee's Workshops and Thoughts
CNF Mentoring Programs
Advertising

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

This fall marks Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, and whether or not you have any connection with the city, there's one thing we can all connect with--great writing.

In honor of the city's birthday, CNF has collected some of the best true stories ever written about Pittsburgh and its people, and we've put them up on our brand new Pittsburgh in Words website . These essays cover everything from coal mining in the 19th century to dating in the 21st.

The website currently features essays by Stewart O'Nan, Annie Dillard, and Cathy Day. Plus, we’ll keep adding essays, so stop by often (and if you don’t see your favorite Pittsburgh story on the website, you can email your suggestions to shaffer [at] creativenonfiction.org).

But the website is only part of this literary celebration. We've decided to add to the local lore by collecting seven all-new stories by up-and-coming writers in a special Creative Nonfiction publication. This special book will be released on October 2 at a reading and launch party in Pittsburgh--an event that conveniently coincides with CNF's 2008 Writers' Conference (see below).

THE LITERARY EVENT OF THE YEAR!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

October is shaping up to be one heck of a month. Not only do we have the Pittsburgh in Words project, but CNF is hosting the 2008 Writers' Conference here in--yep, you guessed it--Pittsburgh. And registration is now open!

From October 2-4, the 2008 Creative Nonfiction Writers' Conference will offer engaging speakers, writing workshops, panel discussions, readings and networking. This year's focus is on science and technology writing--a theme inspired by Pittsburgh, a city whose social and economic life has always been intertwined with scientific discovery and technological innovation.

Featured guests include Lawrence Krauss, bestselling author of The Physics of Star Trek, Corey Powell (Discover), Virginia Morell (Science and National Geographic) and CNF's Lee Gutkind.

A series of intensive writing workshops will also be offered. Topics include research and writing about science and technology, crafting book proposals and query letters, writing dialogue, developing characters, and much more. Manuscript review workshops are also available.

Did we mention there are price breaks for early registration? For more information and to register, visit the conference pages.

THE BEST NEWS AND REVIEWS

Rest assured, the Best Creative Nonfiction Vol. 2 will be making its way to subscribers shortly.

What's that? You're not a subscriber? Well, now's the perfect time to become one. Subscribe today and your first issue will be The Best CNF Vol. 2. This book alone is a $15.95 value--which is a steal. But don't take our word for it. In a recent review, Publishers Weekly called the book "a whirlwind of moods and thoughts captured by some of the biggest talents on the essay and blog beat...another fresh collection of exemplary essays from a wide range of authors and sources" and "a 30-run homer" (we don't know what that means, either, but we like the sound of it!)

It doesn't get any better than this. It's called "The Best" for a reason. To subscribe now and receive the book automatically, click here.

KEEPING UP WITH THE GODFATHER

Keeping up with CNF's head honcho, Lee Gutkind, can be a daunting task. This summer he's been doing a good bit of globetrotting abroad, but lucky for us (and the U.S.) he'll be returning stateside just in time for the fall.

Besides the 2008 CNF Writers' Conference, the Godfather will be making appearances in the nation's capitol and the Volunteer State:

September 13, 2008, Franklin, Tennessee.

There are only a few available spots left for this 15th annual writers' workshop hosted by the Council for the Written Word. This all-day workshop will define the genre and present all the basic elements of creative nonfiction, including structure, voice, tone, writing in scenes and using background information and descriptions. The course will focus on real life, research and reflection as the primary Rs in the 5 Rs of Creative Nonfiction.

For more information click here.

September 20, 2008, Washington, DC.

This intense, day-long program will present the art and craft of memoir writing, explaining how to capture traumatic stories in a way that touches and impacts readers.

During this intense and entertaining day, participants will learn how to:

• find the precious nugget of the story
• isolate the crucial magic moment
• infuse the story with a universal chord
• develop a narrative arc
• frame and focus the story
• capture essential intimate details
• share their hard-earned, hard-learned wisdom

Register before August 20 to take advantage of the price break. For more information or to enroll, click here.

The Godfather continues to examine truth and ethics in the world of creative nonfiction.

This month Lee's newest blog post tackles the issues associated with pyschoanalyzing characters, speculation, and Esquire's role in shaping the creative nonfiction genre.

CNF'S NO RESIDENCY WRITING PROGRAM

Whether you are a novice writer looking to learn about the art of creative nonfiction or a seasoned pro looking to polish and publish a finished manuscript, CNF's Mentoring Program is flexible and can be tailored to help you with all of your creative nonfiction needs.

Our program teams you with one of our experienced mentors to help you accomplish your writing goals.

Make an investment in your writing career! For more information, click here.

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Creative Nonfiction Newsletter for Serious Writers & Readers

Creative Nonfiction Newsletter
for Serious Writers & Readers