Write in the Valley Launches 'Chapter 4' of Writer Workshop Series

Editor's Note: This is a press release from the City of Sumner.

Budding authors and anyone who loves to read are invited to join the discussion as local authors answer questions about writing and publishing. 

returns on Saturday, September 29, 10 am – 2 pm.  Hosted by the Sumner Arts Commission, this fourth year (or Chapter 4) of the popular event brings together readers, published writers and those interested in writing. Participants can choose how involved they would like to be.

The event itself invites all book lovers of all ages the chance to meet and mingle with published authors. Held at the cost is $10 at the door. Seating is limited, so participants are encouraged to arrive early. 

Published authors will share their experiences in a Question & Answer session with participants. Then, the authors will be available for more one-on-one discussion and signing of books. 

This year’s guest authors include:

• Jason Black, editing and manuscript revisions;
• Megan Bostic, young adult fiction;
• Jeanne Matthews, Dinah Pelerin mystery series;
• Rebecca Morris, adult nonfiction;
• Mike Lawson, the DeMarco political thrillers, top ten author of The Seattle Times;
• Karen Robbins, children’s picture books;
• Susan Schreyer, Thea Campbell mystery series and co-president of the Puget Sound Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

“Readers love books and stories so much that sometimes, it’s a bit of a mystique to meet the people who create this world for us,” said Sumner Arts Commissioner Lisa McNamara, who is also Sumner’s librarian at the Sumner Pierce County Library.  “It’s fun to hear their personal stories as they explain the journey that led them to be authors.”

Those participants aspiring to join the ranks of published authors can take advantage of two additional opportunities that Write in the Valley offers. First, they can gain feedback on their writing from published author and Sumner Arts Commissioner Judy Kimball. 

Participants submit their writing by Friday, September 21, and their works are reviewed in one-on-one appointments during the event. Participants may submit up to 10 pages for critique by Friday, September 21.  Participants can e-mail submissions to  richnjudy_7@msn.com with subject line “WITV4” or mail submissions to Sumner Arts Commission, Attn:  Sally Abrams/Critiques 2012, City of Sumner, 1104 Maple Street, Suite 250, Sumner, WA 98390.

In addition, participants can enter a writing contest as part of Write in the Valley. Writers have until Friday, September 21, to enter.  They may send in stories that are up to 750 words, written in first person, have a main character plus two other characters in the story, and includes dialogue. 

The setting is at a book signing in a large book store. The author is well-known (but may write under a pseudonym).  The bookstore is crowded; music plays in the background. The main character has been waiting most of the evening to have his book signed; the store is about to close. It’s vital that the main character gets this book signed/meets the author because . . .???  The genre is open and may be mystery, romance, comedy, suspense, thriller, fantasy, paranormal, etc. 

The winner will be announced at the event on September 29.  Submissions may be sent to Sumner Arts Commission, Attn:  Sally Abrams/Contest 2012, City of Sumner, 1104 Maple Street, Suite 250, Sumner, WA 98390.

Additional information about Write in the Valley is available online at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.