Inside Writing and Publishing — DuPage Branch
Marc Heiden — Travel Writing
Saturday, January 23, 2 pm
Whether you’re on a trip around the world or across town, you have the chance to bring back experiences that people will enjoy reading about. But, how can you turn a good vacation story into great travel writing? Learn how domestic and international travel guides are put together and how the Internet has opened possibilities for you to publish your own travel writing and photography.
Libby Fischer Hellmann — 20-20-20: Dialogue-Plot-Setting
Tuesday, January 26, 7 pm
Warrenville Public Library
To register contact Adult Services, 630-393-1171
Co-sponsored by Wheaton Public Library
Three of the "tentpoles" of fiction writing are dialogue, plot, and setting. These crucial elements can make or break your novel. Libby Fischer Hellmann, an award-winning suspense writer, will discuss the basics of each element and how to make them work in your own fiction.
Barbara Gregorich— Publishing Through Amazon: The Step-by-Step Process
Saturday, February 5, 1 pm
Addison Public Library
To register contact Adult Services, 630-458-3320
Co-sponsored by Villa Park Public Library
As writers find it harder and harder to get published, and as more and more people want to tell their stories, to leave something behind for posterity, to publish business books, to offer how-to books to the public, they are turning to Print on Demand self-publishing programs.
Author Barbara Gregorich examines in detail Amazon's self-publishing program, CreateSpace, its pluses and minuses. The slide presentation depicts the real-life, step-by-step process of publishing a book through CreateSpace, from signing on and setting up an account; to making decisions on page layout, type face, and cover design; to submitting and proofreading; and, finally to publication of the book.
Kelly James-Enger — Breaking In: The Basics of Writing for Magazines
Wednesday, February 9, 7 pm
Glenside Public Library District
To register contact Adult Services, 630-260-1550
Co-sponsored by Bloomingdale Public Library
Have you dreamed of writing for magazines? Want to see your byline in your favorite publication? While basic writing skills are essential, the keys to successful magazine freelancing are selecting and analyzing potential markets, developing winning article ideas and crafting attention-getting query letters. Kelly James-Enger will introduce you to some common magazine terminology and cover basics like how to find markets, come up with story ideas, and nail your first magazine assignments.
Ilene Cooper — The Ins and Outs and Ups and Downs of Writing for Kids
Saturday, February 20, 2 pm
Hinsdale Public Library
To register contact Circulation Services, 630-986-1976
Co-sponsored by Oak Brook Public Library
Ilene Cooper, author of more than 30 books for children, will talk about different aspects of writing for young people, including what’s hot and what’s not; what publishers today are looking for; and ways to improve a manuscript. As well as being an author, Ms. Cooper is the Children’s Books Editor at Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association.
Bob Burnham — Editing: Don't Take It Personally
Tuesday, February 22, 7 pm
Bartlett Public Library
To register contact Adult Services, 630-837-3560
Book editors work for publishing companies to prepare an author’s work for publication. But, what does that really mean? Bob Burnham has 12 years of experience with major publishers, and his responsibilities have included proofreading, copy editing, production editing, and project management. He will talk about all aspects of editing and be available to answer your questions.
Participating Libraries
Bartlett Public Library District
800 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL 60103
630-837-3560
Bloomingdale Public Library
101 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
630-924-2730
Glen Ellyn Public Library
400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630-469-0879
Glenside Public Library District
25 E. Fullerton Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL, 60137
630-260-1550
Helen M. Plum Memorial Library District
110 W. Maple Street, Lombard, IL 60148
630-627-0316
Hinsdale Public Library
20 E Maple Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-986-1976
Oak Brook Public Library
600 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-368-7725
Villa Park Public Library
305 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181
630-834-1164
Warrenville Public Library District
28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
630-393-1171
Wheaton Public Library
225 N. Cross Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
630-868-7520