Scroll below schedules for presentation details.
Louisville Book Festival Presentations
FRIDAY 11/10
10 AM
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Youth
YA Author Panel
Creating Compelling Characters: Tips and Tricks from Seasoned Authors
What makes a compelling character? Why do we, as readers, feel drawn to or repulsed by certain characters? Why do compelling characters matter? In this discussion and hands-on workshop, learn how to create characters that matter from authors Lydia P. Brownlow, Christine Galib, Bryan Prosek, and Tabitha Sprunger. Then, apply learnings to designing your own character! This session is for authors, readers, students, and writers of all ages–and anyone who loves a great character! LO13
Finding Moon Rabbit Book DIscussion
J.C. & J.C.² Kato
A special school field trip session for students who received copies of the book to read in advance of the festival. The authors will open with a quick game of Book Bingo, then guide the students through acting out a scene from the book. LO29
LEMONADE
M Hendrix
Turning Life’s Lemons Into Creative Gold LO16
Celebrating & Participating in NaNoWriMo
Carissa Turpin
Learn about NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month, an annual November event designed to inspire would be writers to try their hand at starting and completing a novel during the month of November. LO15
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Writers’ Interest
Keeping Facts Straight In Fiction
Victor Hess
LO12
11 AM
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Community/Big Ideas
Just One: A Journey of Conviction & Perserverance
Nour Akhras
Pediatric Infectious Disease Doctor Nour Akhras discusses her writing process and her professional life. LO15
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Youth
Seeds of Change: Fostering the Next Generation of Social Justice Leaders
Dr. Artika Tyner & Amy Aldridge Sanford
This panel aims to inspire and inform attendees about the critical role each of us can play in nurturing the next generation of social justice leaders. In a world where social justice issues continue to shape our societies, it is imperative to ensure that we have an ever-increasing number of passionate and capable leaders who can drive meaningful change. Dr. Artika R. Tyner and Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford will discuss: creating a vision, empowering people, and developing leadership skills. By addressing the strategies, initiatives, and approaches that can be employed to nurture and empower emerging leaders in the field of social justice, attendees can expect to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in shaping the future of social justice leadership. LO14
Cranium Critters Takeover
Paula Vertikoff & Marie Weller
In this engaging presentation, two lovable characters from the children’s picture book series will explore the fascinating world of the brain and its role in managing emotions, staying focused, and achieving goals. Scout, the brain’s safety pup, teaches children how to calm their minds and manage their emotions through mindfulness and other proven techniques. Einstein, the brain’s head thinker and problem solver, teaches children how to manage distractions and stay focused on what matters most. You will learn how to create your own “Pause Place,” a safe and calming space where you can learn to manage your emotions and reduce stress. LO13
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Book Lovers
Historical Fiction: Bringing the Past to Today’s Readers
Rilla Askew, W. S. Boarman, Glodean Champion, Stephanie Edwards, Owen Pataki, & Phil Stephens
Six historical novelists talk about the perils and pleasures of reading and writing historical fiction.
What’s there to love about historical fiction? From Tudor England to 1960s Appalachia, from the French Napoleonic Wars to 1960’s Watts, L.A.,as well as the Reconstruction Era, these novelists mine the past to tell compelling stories for contemporary readers. LO16
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Writers’ Interest
Speculative Poetics: How can you bring science fiction tropes into your poetry?
Amie Whittemore & upfromsumdirt
This panel presentation will provide participants with advice on how to weave together elements of science fiction and poetry to create poems that are wonderfully weird and weirdly wonderful. LO10
12 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
Lexington
Kim Wickens
Kentucky author Kim Wickens talks about the research and writing process for her book Lexington, the true story of the champion Thoroughbred racehorse. LO10
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Youth
Financial Literacy
Alex Claycomb
LO14
American Printing House for the Blind
In just 50 minutes, students will learn all about the ways the American Printing House for the Blind has been empowering readers who are blind or low vision since 1858 through the production of Braille and Large-Print Books, Talking Books, and other reading technologies. Students will even get to try their hand at making their own Braille Bookmark to take home! This presentation is appropriate for all ages. LO16
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Book Lovers
Outside Society
Damon Thompson
Louisville artist Damon Thompson on his life as an artist and the creation of his book Outside Society LO12
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Writers’ Interest
The Paths to Publishing Panel
The Paths to Publishing Panel, made up of 5 authors with diverse backgrounds and careers, will share personal experiences, challenges, and sources of inspiration through the journey of publishing. Whether you are interested in working with traditional publishing houses, self-educating to publish on your own, or prefer an experience with smaller literary presses and journals, this panel discussion is for you!
Jennifer A Sutherland, author of Bullet Points: A Lyric is a poet, essayist, and attorney.
Sharon Short (pen name Jess Montgomery) is the author of sixteen published books, most recently the historical thriller Trouble Island, forthcoming in Fall 2024.
Rose Prendeville is an award-winning independent author of romantic fiction including her Highland historical Brides of Chattan series, and the founder of Eridani Press.
Jen Vogeltanz, author of the children’s picture book, Cosmo the Tiger Cheetah, works in defense finance.
Sarah Hickner is the author of the award-winning memoir Finding Gideon as well as a short stories book and two journals for helping young writers improve their craft. LO15
1 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
Preventing Burnout as a Homeschooling Parent
Kerridwen McNamara, Jenny Griebenow,
Kellie Vanasse, Eboni Cochran
Four homeschooling parents in a panel discussion about how to successfully homeschool without losing your mind. LO14
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Youth
Celebrating Black Girlhood in Picture Books
Tonya Abari, Brittany J. Thurman, and Deedee Cummings
Join author and book reviewer Tonya Abari in conversation with award-winning children’s author Brittany J. Thurman and Louisville Book Festival Founder and Author Deedee Cummings for a magical hour of all things Black Girl Magic! A special story time and hands-on activity for everyone followed by a three-way dialogue on the significance of centering Black girlhood in children’s books. Panelists will also share inspiring and joyful stories that feature Black girlhood. LO13
Opening Minds and Hearts Through Inclusive Children’s Books panel discussion with Sherry Howard, Shachi Kushik, Katie Otey, and Violeta Cornett
Join authors, Sherry Howard, Shachi Kushik, Katie Otey, and Violeta Cornett, as they address the importance of including physical, emotional, and cultural diversity in children’s books. Through the representation of different physical characteristics and abilities and different languages and cultures, authors are dedicated to allowing children to see themselves in the books they read and also to see, understand, and develop empathy for children with differences. Learn about some books that are inclusive and hear from authors about their journeys to writing them. LO10
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Book Lovers
Love, Danger, & the Authors in Between: Black & African American Voices in Romance & Thriller
Ashley Taylor & Wynta Time
Join Ashley Taylor and Wynta Time as they discuss the romance and thriller genres from a Black and African American perspective. Topics include: strong Black female tropes, using AAVE in writing, finding space for Black writers in romance & thrillers, pushing past criticism, immersing your readers in relatable worlds, the Hero’s Journey from our perspective, and the motivation behind the story. LO15
2 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
A Wrinkle in the Long Gray Line; When Conscience and Convention Collided
Cary Donham
Interviewed by Lubrina Burton, also a former military service member, Cary Donham talks about making the decision to leave West Point after becoming a conscientious objector. LO12
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Youth
American Printing House for the Blind
In just 50 minutes, students will learn all about the ways the American Printing House for the Blind has been empowering readers who are blind or low vision since 1858 through the production of Braille and Large-Print Books, Talking Books, and other reading technologies. Students will even get to try their hand at making their own Braille Bookmark to take home! This presentation is appropriate for all ages. LO16
YA Author Panel
Creating Compelling Characters: Tips and Tricks from Seasoned Authors
What makes a compelling character? Why do we, as readers, feel drawn to or repulsed by certain characters? Why do compelling characters matter? In this discussion and hands-on workshop, learn how to create characters that matter from authors Lydia P. Brownlow, Christine Galib, Bryan Prosek, and Tabitha Sprunger. Then, apply learnings to designing your own character! This session is for authors, readers, students, and writers of all ages–and anyone who loves a great character! LO13
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Book Lovers
Debut Novelist Panel
John Duffy, Alan Goldstein, David Sangiao-Parga, Ellen Birkett-Morris, Christina Wallace, & Dewey Hensley
Debut authors discussing their journeys, their stories, and all points in between LO14
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Writers’ Interest
Writing Effective Fight Scenes
Annie Lisenby & Meredith Lyons
LO10
3 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
The Coal Miner Who Became Governor
Governor Paul Patton
McKenna Horsley of the Kentucky Lantern interviews Governor Patton about his new memoir and his career LO16
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Book Lovers
Capturing and Preserving Queer History
Greg Bourke & David Williams
LO13
When Jasmine Blooms
Tif Marcelo
When Jasmine Blooms is a “what if” story, about a grieving mother who is faced with an ultimatum. In this low point, the protagonist, Celine, wonders what would have happened had her deepest tragedy not come true. Based on Marmee of Little Women and Abigail Alcott, the mother of Louisa May Alcott, Tif explores, and will share with readers, Celine’s what if story through her historical research about the least well known Alcott, and her use of magic realism, specifically, the alternate reality. This presentation will be interactive, drawing on the audience’s knowledge of Little Women and Marmee (there will be spoilers of Little Women) and Abigail Alcott, and how everyone can create their own what-if story. LO15
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Writers’ Interest
Using the Enneagram to Fasttrack Character Development
Avalon Barrow
LO12
4 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
How a Sacred Heart Gal Became a Rock Music Insider, and Beyond.
Nadine Condon Interviewed by JK McKnight (Forecastle. Art of Impact) and Kyle Meredith (WFPK)
LO16
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Book Lovers’
True Crime & Shining A Light On Survivors
Holly Brians Ragusa
LO13
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Writers’ Interest
First Page Feedback
Katie Otey & BB Swann
Submit the first page of your work in progress and get feedback. LO12
5 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
How To Start From Zero, Overcome Challenges and Rebuild Your Life
Selma Jacinto Domingos
LO15
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Book Lovers
The Vice President’s Black Wife The Untold Life of Julia Chinn
Amrita Chakrabarti Myers
LO13
SATURDAY 11/11
10 AM
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Community/Big Ideas
Keep Calm and Tech On: The Importance of Empathy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a Tech-Enabled World
Dr. Christine Galib
What is empathy and what does it have to do with technology? In a world in which AI is ubiquitous headline news, why do we, as authors, readers, and teachers need to embrace technology and empathy? Join Dr. Christine Galib, author, technology and innovation leader, and adjunct professor, for a discussion on empathy, AI, and why and how understanding both is crucial to thriving in a tech-enabled world. Discussion participants will have the chance to create and participate in a mindfulness exercise that blends empathy and technology. This session is for authors, readers, students, and writers of all ages–and anyone seeking to promote compassion and kindness in their communities! LO12
Dr. Wendy Zagray Warren An Illusion of Equity: The Legacy of Eugenics in Today’s Education
Education policy asks us to use large-scale testing. Dr. Warren’s book examines that request and its impact. The presentation is applicable to educators, parents, HS or college students-and anyone who cares about educational equity. LO16
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Book Lovers
Make Peace with Food and Your Body
Margie Odom
Join Margie Odom, a recovered emotional eater and therapist, as she walks you through the hidden barriers to weight loss and body acceptance. LO13
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Writers’ Interest
Befriending the Creatures of the Deep through Poetry and Prose
Pavita Singh & Amy Wright
This presentation/workshop will show how exploring our psychic blue holes can deepen our creative work and offer new pathways for healing and self-care. Pavita Singh will discuss her creative process for healing and self-care through poetry and personification of emotions. Amy Wright will offer questions that can crack the crust overlying memories, experiences, and relationships to open new forms of self-expression. LO14
11 AM
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Community/Big Ideas
Medical Mistrust & Conspiracy Theories: Appalachian Healthcare Workers Tell All
Wendy Welch, MD, Melissa Zook, MD and Taylor Sisk, Health News Reporter
Front line healthcare providers share how conspiracy thinking shaped their lives during the pandemic LO12
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Youth
Outside Society
Damon Thompson
Louisville artist Damon Thompson on his life as an artist and the creation of his book Outside Society LO12
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Book Lovers
* Sharon Steven Evans – Ordinary Angels: Before the Movie, Before the Book
In 1994 Louisvillians banded together to save a little girl’s life in the midst of the worst snow storm in state history. Hear from the hairdresser who inspired them all, wrote a book, and is portrayed by Hilary Swank in this February’s upcoming Lionsgate movie by the same name. Special guests to join her with stories not in the book or movie! LO13
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Writers’ Interest
Ashley Taylor & Tif Marcelo – Finding Confidence Self Publishing & Querying as a Minority Writer
Using your characters as your proxy
Giving yourself a yes (when doors seem closed as an author)
Self-publishing for yourself (while representing your community)
Fielding tough questions after publishing (showing grace under
pressure)
Should you pay attention to statistics
Questions you should ask potential editors (and is it important that
they come from your background?)
Selecting your cover art
The power of community connections LO14
12 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
When All Cheerleaders Were Boys: Gender Segregation in Sports
Robin Ryle
Have you ever wondered why most cheerleaders are girls? It didn’t use to be that way. Up until the early twentieth century, all cheerleaders were actually boys. And why do some athletes, like Caster Semenya, have to prove they’re women while there’s no testing for men? Are men really better athletes than women? How do we make room for transgender and nonbinary athletes in our current sports world? Explore these questions and more with Dr. Robyn Ryle, Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Hanover College.LO12
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Youth
The True Story Behind Finding Rabbit Moon
Denny Kato
Denny Kato presents on the historical and genealogical research he used to learn more about his family’s experiences in Japanese internment camps during WWII LO13
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Book Lovers
Collecting Sports Memorabilia with Ryan Walsh
From the whirring of a corner store baseball card in your childhood bike tires to a multi-billion dollar marketplace, sports memorabilia elicits different feelings and impressions from children and adults alike. Join Ryan Walsh, the author of An Introduction to Sports Memorabilia, as he takes you through the historical significance of sports memorabilia and how the pandemic and other factors impact the industry today. LO15
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Writers’ Interest
From 1st Page to Published Draft
BB Swann
LO12
1 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
Dr. Jennifer Ortiz Interviewed by Dan Canon
LO16
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Youth
Financial Literacy
Alex Claycomb
LO15
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Book Lovers
What’s Not To Love? – A Romance Panel Discussion
Toni Blake, Isabelle Drake, D.A. Henneman, and Dana Nussio
The sale of romance novels has grown into a billion-dollar industry, and these authors represent the sub-genres of Inspirational, Fantasy & Paranormal, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense and Women’s fiction with their combined works. While their paths to their writing careers vary, the one thing they have in common is their commitment to giving readers of their stories a happily-ever-after with each tale they tell.
Join them for an informative discussion about their choice in writing Romance in their genre, and the various considerations they make for the books they write. There will be time for Q & A at the end of the presentation, so bring your questions! LO14
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Writers’ Interest
Know Your Character, Know Your Story
DK Marie
A workshop for any writer, beginner to seasoned. The focus is on an author knowing their characters before writing a story. Why learning the main character’s (and even important secondary characters) wounds, history, and personalities before a single chapter is written will result in a smoother writing process for authors and a more satisfying story for the reader. LO12
2 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
Panel Discussion – Literary Activism & Community Building in the American South
Erin Hoover
LO14
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Youth
A GREAT IDEA MEETS A BRILLIANT ONE: HIGH CONCEPT AND THE ART OF THE MASHUP
M Hendrix
LO10
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Book Lovers
Celebrating the Night Sky: Sci-fi Writing & the Dark Sky Movement
Lydia P. Brownlow
The International Dark Sky Association encourages responsible outdoor lighting and celebrates the star-filled night sky as something we share around the world. Writing Vermilion Sunrise, a sci-fi novel set on a distant planet, led author Lydia P. Brownlow to become a Dark Sky Advocate. In this presentation, she’ll discuss how her fictional planet’s night sky, free from light pollution, impacts the characters. You’ll also learn what’s taking place here on Earth, including details from a new exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and regional information from places like Bernheim Forest and Mammoth Cave National Park. This session is for all ages. Come celebrate the night! LO13
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Writers’ Interest
Editors: Who they are, what they do, why do we need them?
Natalia Aponte
LO12
3 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
A Quick History of Three Classic Cocktails
Heather Wibbels
Heather Wibbels, the Cocktail Contessa will educate on the history of the old fashioned, the manhattan and the whiskey sour. This is a “dry” presentation, education only LO14
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Book Lovers
Discussion of Race During Times of Division.
Banned books and times of division.
A Panel discussion with Barnard the Barber and Terry Watson
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” (Winston Churchill).
America has had laws making it illegal to teach people of color to read (Alabama Slave Code of 1833). Banning books today is a similar attempt to keep our society separated from the actual information that could bridge our divisions, by allowing us to learn from each other. Information is powerful! Thus, teaching the truth gives us a solid foundation to learn and grow from, together. LO16
Writing as Therapy
Cecilia Garcia
Honor Veterans’ Day with former military service member Cecilia Garcia and learn how she uses writing therapeutically. LO10
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Writers’ Interest
Location as Character
Gerry H. Brown
A scene fits inside a larger location. Describing that physical setting as one would a character helps bring the reader inside the story by placing him in familiar surroundings. For instance, a tragedy takes place in a Galt House guest room. Little detail is necessary to differentiate that hotel room from any other. If the protagonist looks out the window, however, the writer can note things familiar to a Louisvillian: Big 4 Bridge, Belle of Louisville, Falls of the Ohio, etc. Another benefit may be the foreshadowing of sites for upcoming scenes within the larger physical setting. LO15
4 PM
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Community/Big Ideas
Books as Mirrors, Stories as Soul
Jermaine Fowler
Join our Presenting Author & Speaker Jermaine Fowler as he delves into the importance of finding one’s own story, weaving in narratives from his book The Humanity Archive for added depth and context. LO13
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Book Lovers
Calling All Book Clubs
Phyllis Dixon
Author Phyllis Dixon talks about what you need to start and sustain a successful book club, and how to market it to get more members. LO10
Trauma Informed Writing: Finding Strength to Share Your Wounds While Helping People Heal
Holly Brians Ragusa & Tanya White
LO12
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Writers’ Interest
Pick up the Pace! How to Keep Your Story Moving and Your Readers Turning Pages
Jess Montgomery
LO16
5 PM
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Book Lovers
Debut Novelist Panel:Lauren Thoman, Meredith Lyons, Jeffrey Dale Lofton, Robert Gwaltney, Wendy Welch, Hope Gibbs
Debut authors discussing their journeys, their stories, and all points in betweenLO16
Podcast Panel!
Evie Clare, Tyler Bell, Mick Sullivan, Amy Smalley and Carrie Vittitoe
Fortunately for readers, there is an ever-increasing number of book- and story-related podcasts. This panel represents several different kinds. Great Podversations, produced by Evie Clare, pairs authors and interviewers in conversation. Tyler Bell’s The Westside Fairytales is a horror and dark fiction storytelling podcast that he writes, voices, and produces. The Past and the Curious brings history to life through humor and the musical talents of creator Mick Sullivan. Amy Smalley and Carrie Vittitoe’s The Perks of Being a Book Lover podcast features writers, illustrators, publishers, agents, and regular readers who discuss all aspects of reading, writing, and publishing.
In this panel, moderated by Sam Miller from Carmichael’s Bookstore, the creators and producers of these four unique podcasts discuss the following:
The origins of the respective shows
How stories or books are integral to their shows
What they have learned about storytelling from creating/producing their podcasts
How they see their podcasts enhancing literacy efforts in the community
What does your podcast add to the literary scene in your community LO14
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Writers’ Interest
How to Show, Not Tell in Your Writing
Julie Navickas
Want to know the instant secret to level up your writing? Participants in this course will learn how to use writing techniques that show your reader what’s happening, rather than telling. This shift in mindset will immediately boost your writing skillset, but it’s not easy to do! Join this session to learn the top five ways you can show, not tell your reader. LO12