UNF and Florida Writers Association Hosts Writers Conference

Joanna Norris, Assistant Director

Department of Media Relations and Events

(904) 620-2102

The Division of Continuing Education and the Department of English at the University of North Florida, along with the Florida Writers Association, is sponsoring the 2010 Writers Conference Friday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 8, at the University Center on campus. The conference is for writers of fiction, non-fiction and screenplays.

The three-day conference kicks off on Friday, August 6, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author of “The Charlemagne Pursuit,” “The Alexandria Link,” “The Venetian Betrayal,” and many more will present a workshop titled “What Every Writer Should Never Forget.” The day also holds workshops on topics such as Memoir Writing, Online Social Networking for Writers, Writing for the Young Adult Market and much more.

On Saturday, August 7, and Sunday, August 8, writersparticipate in general fiction, general non-fiction, young adult, children’s book, memoir-writing and screenwriting critique workshops. Sunday afternoon’s schedule includes a “First Page” critique panel and a workshop featuring the UNF Writers Conference Book & Film Deal Connection, an opportunity for attendees to submit their work for a fee to agents, book editors and film producers after the conference through the Pitch Book.

“We had a remarkable response to last year’s Pitch Book with 47 requests for attendees’ work from agents and editors,” said Sharon Y. Cobb, Writers Conference director and instructor in the Division of Continuing Education at UNF. “With our Book & Film Deal Connection, all conference attendees have the opportunity for a low fee to pitch their projects to book agents and editors as well as literary agents who represent screenplays and film producers.”

Full conference early registration (before June 1) is $249. Regular registration for the full conference (June 1 through July 16) is $299. The final registration deadline is Friday, July 16.

Friday only passes are also available for $119 and Friday only registration closes on Friday, July 30. Friday only passes include: Friday workshops, lunch, wine and cheese reception and book signings on Friday, August 6, only. Friday only attendees may choose workshops to attend on the day of the event. For more information and to register online, visit www.unfwritersconference.com or call (904) 620-4200.

The 2010 UNF Writers Conference is sponsored by The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville.com and Final Draft screenwriting software.

The Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a statewide professional trade organization where authors and aspiring writers come to learn, grow, network, and find the resources they need to improve their craft. With over 900 members and 34 chapters spread throughout the state, FWA produces an annual conference, regional mini-conferences, publishes a magazine for members, and offers many other benefits. For more information, visit www.floridawriters.net.

The Department of English at UNF offers courses in American, British, Irish, and world literature, creative and expository writing, and linguistics. The Department’s mission is grounded in the conviction that a knowledge of literature and language and a mastery of interpretive skills are absolutely integral to a liberal education.

UNF’s Division of Continuing Education is dedicated to the concept of life-long learning. Whether you are looking to change careers, advance more rapidly in your current position or need to master new skills to prepare yourself for different responsibilities, UNF is here to support you with the resources you need. The Division of Continuing Education provides a wide range of non-credit courses and certificate programs designed to offer convenience, flexibility and exceptional value.

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