February 9: Rick Watkins

Creation of Story

At this workshop, we will discuss the creation of story and how it is used in writing for the screen, theater, and fiction.

Founding member, playwright, and actor of Mecca Performing Arts Troupe (1983-1990.) He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and has appeared several off-broadway plays and with numerous Chicago Regional theater companies. His screenplays have placed in the Austin and Slamdance contest finals. He recently wrote a screenplay for Donnelly Productions and is currently working on his second novel. Rick is currently Vice President of Chicago Screenwriters 2012 Contest and has served on the board for two years. (http://www.chicagoscreenwriters.org)

By January 26, send manuscripts to address in newsletter.

February 16: Susan Hubbard

The Basics of Film Writing

Writing scripts for movies is different from other forms of creative writing, presenting challenges both liberating and demanding.  Learn the key components a writer must master to craft a screenplay that can be taken seriously in Hollywood and have fun creating the primary pitching tools for your story.

Susan Hubbard is an award-winning screenwriter whose work has screened at home and abroad. She co-wrote Realization, a produced feature film, and has experience pitching to Hollywood executives in L.A. She holds an MFA in Film and Video from Columbia College and currently teaches screenwriting at the University of Chicago's Graham School of General Studies.

February 23 — Paula Krapf

Book/Author Publicity and Social Media Use

In this jam-packed session, speaker Paul Krapf will address why authors must have an online presence. She will talk about how to promote yourself and your book online, including article syndication, virtual tours, e-books and more. She’ll cover successful social media strategies on all the major social networking sites and, perhaps most importantly, how to maintain your online presence without sitting at your computer 24/7.

Paula Krapf is COO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., where she oversees the company's social media marketing and online promotion for authors. AME specializes in Internet promotion, working strategically with social networking sites, blogs, micro-blogs, e-zines, video sites, and other relevant sites to push an author’s message into the virtual community and connect with sites related to the book’s topic to position the author in his or her market. AME has helped land 12 books on the New York Times Bestseller list. Get free tips from their blog and biweekly newsletter Book Marketing Expert. No manuscripts.

And coming up March 1, 2012

Ken Green:

I’m From Division Street

Spring schedule
will be announced soon.

Sneak peak at Editor's Day!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
at 9:30-Noon

OCWW will be hosting its annual Editor's Day, May 3, 2012, welcoming an AGENT, PUBLISHER and EDITOR panel.  

Jon Lellenberg, literary agent for the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle will be appearing. Jon has authored many Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle books individually and with Daniel Stashower. Jon will discuss the complicated issue of copyright and its history in regard to the Holmes books, movies, DVDs, and other derivatives. Sherlock Holmes is 125 years old...and his books survive...come learn why.

Three additional agents, publishers, editors will share the stage with Jon Lellenberg, and will take questions from the audience and offer related information; books will be displayed for sale.

A healthy picnic brunch will be at finger-distance

Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL 60093 (847) 446-0537 (walking distance from Metra.

For further info, or to send your rsvp, contact Editor's Day Chair, Pam Stavinoga, at eleesheva@att.net, or Membership Chair, Carole Cotter, at clanceyco@comcast.net.

Join or renew your membership so you've got a seat at the table for all these great sessions.

http://www.ocww.bizland.com/ocwwapp.pdf.