St. Davids Christian Writers' Conference

Melanie Rigney

Melanie Rigney, a past editor of Writer's Digest, has also served as edi- torial director of Writer's Digest Books and as an editor at Advertising Age magazine. Currently a freelance editor, she has edited and evaluated manuscripts for dozens of clients.

 

 

 

Melanie Rigney

"Writer's Retreat” 

Tuesday 1-4PM, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:45 AM, Wednesday and Thursday 2:30 PM.


Writer's Retreat is all about critique--giving and taking. It's about craft, and about making your work the best it can be. This course is limited to six people who are at least 10,000 words into a book-length work, fiction or nonfiction.

Please note: The retreat is a six-session commitment, including 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday (early arrival). You'll have the opportunity to read three passages from your work to the other participants and ask for feedback on specific aspects of the manuscript that don't feel quite right to you. And, you'll offer specific feedback to the five other "retreaters."

It's an intense but positive and productive experience. Due to the small class size, writers cannot participate three years in a row. To apply, please send 10 pages of your project via e-mail to Melanie Rigney at editorforyou@earthlink.net by May 15. Applicants will be advised of selection status by June 1.

 

 

"A New Beginning: Finding Yourself as a Writer"

The Call--Wednesday, 2:30 PM
We’ll talk about the different types of fiction (novels, short stories, novellas) and nonfiction (articles, essays, memoirs, devotionals, self-help) that help lead souls to the kingdom. The critical elements of storytelling, essential to all writing, will be discussed. Bring your questions--and a paragraph or two about you and what you feel called to share as a writer with your family, church community, or the broader world. You’ll receive handouts and resources lists.

The Sending Forth--Thursday, 2:30 PM
This session will focus on the way to get your words into the world and into the hearts and souls of God’s people. We’ll talk about pitching agents and editors. Time of Singing Editor and Publisher Lora Zill will give an example of an editor’s selection process and what goes into publishing a quarterly magazine. We'll also talk about the language of publishing, about self-publishing, and about ways to let your light shine (also known as marketing yourself). The session will be rich with additional take-home resources. You bring the questions!