Panel Discussion: Writing on the Dark Side
Moderator: Tee Morris
Panelists: Elizabeth Blue, Malcolm Deeley, Elizabeth Massie, Jana Oliver, Tony Ruggiero, Nancy Means Wright
Description: Why do authors contemplate crossing the line to the darker side of writing? When do they feel the need to push the envelope or feed it to the shredder? When is shock essential to the story line and when is it sensationalized? Learn this and more from authors who add moments of terror and extreme situations to their books!

Children’s Corner:  Africa and the Little Rhino
Speaker: Bob Anderson
Description: As both an author and an illustrator, Bob Anderson will do a delightful presentation which shows the writing and illustrating involved in children’s books.  It will include a discussion (aimed at children and adults) which explores where his own inspirations have come from, ending with demonstrations of how he does his art work and then a short reading/preview of one of his critically acclaimed children’s books. His latest, Africa, A Little Rhino Coloring Book, is unlike ANY coloring book you've ever seen before and will appeal to both children and adults.

Special Focus: Defying Gravity: Life’s Second Acts
Speaker: Prill Boyle
Description: It's never too late to realize your dreams!  Using her own emotional story as a jumping off point, Prill will share what she's learned—and what you can learn—from her interviews with scores of midlife women and men.  Her book, Defying Gravity, recounts the stories of thirteen women, including the author herself. Their stories show that when the right mix of courage and “it's now or never” bubbles up inside, the spirit overrides fear and magic happens.  Along the way, she'll dispel a few myths, discuss how to navigate transitions, and offer a clear-eyed perspective on the way life changes as our roles and relationships evolve.

The Poet’s Corner
Speaker: Darlene Zagata
Description: Learn how to channel thoughts and emotions into poetry that touches readers’ souls. Hear how poet Darlene Zagata channeled her deepest emotions into a work of art as she worked through a period of grief after the loss of her husband.

Panel Discussion: Solving the Mystery of the Carolina Conspiracy
Moderator: Joyce Lavene
Panelists: Lynette Hall Hampton, Richard Helms, Jim Lavene, Judy Nichols
Description: From a political thriller to a cozy with a Methodist minister… from finding poisons in the garden to blackmail… join this group of “mystery writers with an attitude” to find out how they get their ideas, and why their group is called The Carolina Conspiracy!

Children’s Corner: The Case of the Missing Necklace
Speaker: Alison Hart
Description: Join author Alison Hart, who has written over sixty books for children. Ms. Hart will talk about the 'mystery' and fun of writing mysteries. Participants of all ages can help her solve "The Case of the Missing Necklace".

The Writer's Corner: Developing Your Voice
Speaker: Dirk Robertson
Description: Join Dirk Robertson of Edinburgh, Scotland in finding how developing a voice through writing benefits society. Whether it’s a clumsy, immature voice or a sweet sounding resonance, people with a voice are content and secure. And content, secure people do not live and operate on the fringes of society hurting people and themselves at will with criminal activity. Learn how ignoring the arts has serious consequences for society. The spiritual well-being is as important as the need to fill our bellies with food and our wallets and purses with money.

Special Focus: Staying in Charge
Speaker: Janet Lembke
Description: "Staying in Charge" offers a discussion of things we can do--while we still have our wits about us--to specify our wishes on end-of-life issues.  The approach emphasizes the peacefulness and joy of making practical decisions so we will not burden our loved ones  Two handouts are available:  1) a 10-item checklist ranging from making a will to writing a service and 2) an outline on making an information packet--bank accounts, insurance policies, and so on--for family members.

For the Fun of It: Chocolate on a Stick
Speaker: Carole Bellacera
Description: Velma and Louie are in their seventies and in love. But trouble is on the horizon: the nursing home is closing, and their children are determined to separate them. But Velma and Louie ain’t gonna take this kind of treatment from their nutty off-spring. They’re “runnin’ oft.” In a red Corvette.

Panel Discussion: Breaking and Entering
Moderator: p.m.terrell
Panelists: Dave Smitherman (Palari Publishing), Mari Selby (Selby Ink), author Robert Walker
Description: Discover the inner workings of the publishing industry from insiders who can tell you what publishers are looking for, how to break into the industry, how to market yourself effectively, and how to keep churning out books that publishers will want to publish and readers will want to buy!

Children’s Corner: Book 'Em, Sing 'Em and Act 'Em
Speaker: Marjorie Kiel Persons
Description: Marjorie Kiel Persons is dedicated to teaching literacy through classical music. She has an exciting program for children and adults where she ties reading in with fun sing-alongs for children of all ages, from birth to 99. Come meet the marionettes and trolls, or better yet, join in the story of Peter Gynt in the Hall of the Mountain King where you can BE a troll!

Parenting Corner: Mirror Magic
Speaker: Margo Hawk
Description: This workshop will deal with self esteem and how to get in touch with your internal guidance.  Everyone who is interested in bridging the communication gap between kids, parents and grandparents is encouraged to attend this workshop.

The Writer’s Corner: On the Way to the Throne
Speaker: Georgia Richardson (Queen Jaw Jaw)
Description: Join Southern Humorist Georgia Richardson (aka “Queen Jaw Jaw”) as she provides Humor Tips for writers wanting to explore the wonderful world of humor… and even if you’re not a writer, you’ll want to attend this session for the laughs provided!

Keynote Speaker: Ten Things I’ve Learned on the Way to the Best Seller Lists
Speaker: New York Times Best-selling Author Cathy Maxwell
Description: Join New York Times best-selling author Cathy Maxwell, author of more than two dozen romance novels, as she tells you all about the things she learned in her journey from novice writer to best-selling author.

Children’s Corner: Bully!
Speaker: Marcia Silvermetz
Description: Do you know a bully? Then you'll want to attend this reading of “Gertrude the Albino Frog and Her Friend Rupert the Turtle,” which covers bullies in school, who knows a bully, who is a bully, how some bullies grow up to be adults called "difficult people" and what to do when you're bullied.

Special Focus: Self-Publishing
Speaker: Albert Leichter
Description: Albert Leichter has been writing since 1973, and operates ClockTower Publications that publishes his works as well as that of other writers. Al has published close to ten books, mostly in the music field and local Augusta County history. In 2005, he published Staunton Treasures – Past & Present: Connect-The-Dots, and Augusta County, Staunton, & Waynesboro Find-A-Word Puzzles books. He anticipates doing another find-a-word puzzle before the end of the year. In addition, he will be publishing a book on Confederate Hospitals, written by a local writer, later this year or early in 2006.

The Writer’s Corner: Inside the Complexities of A Simple Children's Book
Speaker: Cris Arbo
Description: Illustrator Cris Arbo will be giving a wonderful talk based on her newly illustrated "All Around Me, I See" by Laya Steinberg and published by Dawn Publications.

Panel Discussion: Romance 101
Moderator:
Panelists: Marianna Jameson, Candy Halliday, Karen Kendall, Linda Morelli, Emilie Rose, Hope Tarr
Description: Find out where these successful romance authors get their ideas, research their topics, and write romance novels ranging from Christian and inspirational romance to erotica!

Children’s Corner: Puppet Show
Speaker: Donna Lacy Stanley  and her friend Alfred Oscar Valentine
Description: Don't miss Donna Lacy Stanley’s puppet show which will introduce Alfred Oscar Valentine.   Through storytelling and enlarged illustration, you'll have the opportunity to learn all about Alfred's 4 different amazing adventures.

Parenting Corner: Teenagers: A Bewildered Parent’s Guide
Speaker: Lillian Cauldwell
Description:

Special Focus: Fan Into Flame the Gift - Getting third degree burns in first person
Speaker: Eddie Jones
Description: The gift of writing is not given in full bloom. It is developed through preparation, practice and performance. Whatever spark of inspiration burns within you must be kindled, fanned and fueled. With each story we must reach into the fire ourselves, stoking our own fears, frustrations, and failures, so that the hearts of others might be warmed. We get burned in the process but as writers we are called to entertain and motivate our readers, not sedate them. Come learn how to fan the flame of writing.

The Writer’s Corner: Perspectives on Writing for Kids
Speaker: Joseph Anthony
Description: Join Joseph for a discussion on the craft and business of writing for children.  Joseph is an award-winning children's book author and novelist whose work explores the infinite potential of human consciousness.

Panel Discussion: A Thrill a Minute
Moderator:
Panelists: Chris Graham, Maureen Robb, Joanne Kerzmann-Troppello, Kathryn Lively, Randy Richardson, Terri Ann Ridgell
Description: Come along with these mystery, suspense, and thriller authors and discover how they weave stories that scare and excite you, and how they keep you on the edge of your seat, with stories so tense and taut you can’t put the book down!

Children’s Corner: Pirates!
Speaker: Eddie Jones
Description: Sea farin’ Eddie Jones will tell a Pirate Story that will be sure to tingle the bones of even the mightiest tikes.  Hold on to your hats, children, and come listen to Eddie’s story!

Teen’s Corner: High School Sex Pot
Speaker: Lisa Rothlisberger
Description: Did you ever wonder what your teens wanted to know about sex (without asking)? The High School Sex Pot gives readers the opportunity to get inside the minds of teenagers today. Mrs. R. has compiled sex-related questions that she has anonymously received from teens over the past several years and has answered them scientifically, humorously, and with a frankness that puts adults and teens at ease about today's sexual issues. This book is a must-read for teens, parents, and educators. Everyone is bound to learn something and may come away inspired to more frankly discuss sexuality with those closest to them.

The Writer’s Corner: The Craft
Speaker: Robert Walker
Description: Before you can sell your manuscript, you must have mastered consistent voice and style. Robert Walker is the master of dramatic, active, moving, and flowing sentences that drive the dynamo of the story ever forward in a visually powerful flood that has his readers ripping through pages. Come to this session and see how it’s done!

Special Focus: The Healing Power of Words
Speaker: Malcolm Deeley
Description: Just as improved literacy can have a significant impact on the reduction of crime, so too can words be a powerful healing tool for those who are striving to heal from trauma, abuse, bereavement, or those who have been victims of crimes.  The poet Malcolm Deeley has been an activist against abuse of all kinds for over 20 years, and will discuss techniques for using reading and writing as a focused tool of healing.

The Writer’s Corner: Podcasting
Speaker: Tee Morris
Description: It's the latest craze of the Internet and it is taking the world by storm -- and chances are you are asking yourself "What is Podcasting?" Find out EXACTLY what podcasting is, how anyone (even you) can podcast, and how authors are reaching out into this new and exciting media...and giving their works away FOR FREE!  Podcasting is the ability to assume the role of radio station programmer and turn your computer or mp3 player into your own private radio station. Talk radio. Hard to find indie music. Tech Tips. Audio books (called Podiobooks).  All this and more can be found in Podcasting.  With Tee Morris (co-author of PODCASTING FOR DUMMIES and co-creator of Podiobooks.com) leading the discussion, satisfy your curiosity as to what is filling mp3 players around the world!

Special Focus: Getting Ideas for Children’s Books
Speaker: Carol Newell
Description: The question people ask Carol most often when they find out she’s a writer is, "Where do you get your ideas?"  She will be answering this question when she talks about her latest children's book, Blue Lewis and Sasha the Great."  She will also talk about ways you can develop stories from everyday incidents and observations. Following her talk, she will answer any other questions people have.

The Writer’s Corner: Buzz Your Book
Speaker: Mari Selby
Description: Mari Selby is the Director of Selby Ink Marketing and Promotion. Her company specializes in making a difference with small publishers who want to make an impact in the world through their books. Her first experience as a publicist was working for a small publisher where she brought sales of a $39.95 book from 25,000 to 150,000 in just over a year. Mari facilitates a writer's feedback group once a month in Staunton. She is also the author of two poetry chapbooks, published essays and has one non-fiction book and several screen plays of her own in the works.

Songwriting: How to Take Your Poems and Turn Them into Hit Songs
Speaker: Rainey Moon
Description: Learn the process for turning your poetry into hit songs from internationally acclaimed poet Rainey Moon, whose words won Suggested Artist for Songwriter of the Year by nationally recognized music video channel VH1’s sponsored Save the Music Foundation in 2004, and whose book Timeless Souls inspired Australian band The Honey Palace to produce the song Love Never Stays and was nominated for the 2005 IPPY awards.

The Writer’s Corner: Marketing 101
Speaker: Robert Walker
Description: Robert Walker will turn you into a savvy marketing guru with the many methods open to you to do Smart Marketing in a carefully planned guerrilla-marketing campaign that will set your manuscript apart. His methods have proven useful in selling forty novels to major New York publishers.