Putnam Public Library to host writing workshop on Oct. 8

Pre-registration is currently being taken for "Make Money Writing in Tough Times" the theme of a Saturday, Oct. 8, mini-conference presented by Midwest Writers Workshop.

The workshop is $10 and open to adults interested in learning more about writing and in furthering their writing careers

It is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the Putnam County Public Library, 103 E. Poplar St., Greencastle.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 8, with coffee and light refreshments provided courtesy of the Friends of the Public Library. Following an opening discussion, participants will break into interest groups focusing on different writing genres.

Midwest Writers special events coordinator Cathy Shouse of Fairmount will discuss ways to break in to fiction or nonfiction; Terence Faherty will focus on writing fiction and mysteries; and Dr. Dennis E. Hensley of Ft. Wayne will address what agents want.

The leaders have extensive writing credits and are also members of the Midwest Writers Workshop committee, a Muncie-based writers' organization. MWW sponsors a major summer writing conference as well as special events throughout the year, including mini-workshops throughout the state.

Faherty, special guest for the day, is the author of two mystery series, the Shamus-winning Scott Elliott private eye series, set in the golden age of Hollywood, and the Edgar-nominated Owen Keane series, which follows the adventures of a failed seminarian turned metaphysical detective.

His short fiction, which appears regularly in mystery magazines and anthologies, has won the Macavity Award and been nominated for the Anthony and the Derringer. His work has been reissued in the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy and Germany.

Faherty will have two new titles in 2011. "Dance in the Dark," his 11th novel, was recently published by Five Star and Perfect Crime Books will release a collection of the Scott Elliott short stories titled "The Hollywood Op."

Participants will receive $20 certificates toward the cost of attending the 39th annual MWW workshop next July 26-28 in Muncie.

For more information and to pre-register, persons may contact the PCPL Reference Desk at 653-2755, ex. 124 or 115.

Registration is required. The $10 payment will be taken at the door on the day of the event only. Seating is limited. Early registration is encouraged.