Stellar Workshop: Judith Arnold

I recently had the opportunity to attend a series of weekend workshops by novelist Judith Arnold. Ms. Arnold has published over 85 books in romance fiction, with additional projects in the works. Her highly acclaimed book, Barefoot in the Grass is also due to be re-released in the near future. This novel is an uplifting story of hope and courage as the heroine struggles to reclaim her life after a devastating illness (breast cancer). The workshops were a part of the Fourth Annual Nebraska Romance Writers Fall Conference. Nebraska Romance Writers is an affiliate of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) in Lincoln, Nebraska.
(Judith is on the right in the above photo.)

The topics presented were: SELF-EDITING--how to edit your own manuscript before you submit it; MAKING PEACE WITH CONFLICT--how to use conflict to propel a story and shape a plot; IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL--how to keep writing over many years without losing your passion for writing and how to keep going when the Evil Gods of Publishing keep knocking you down.

Ms. Arnold is a wonderful presenter, full of enery, humor and a plethora of knowledge concerning the publishing business. She allowed plenty of time for questions at the end of each session. She began work as a playwright before switching to novelist. Should you ever have the opportunity to attend one of her seminars, I highly recommend it. If you're interested in booking her to teach one or more of her workshops, she can be reached via her Web site at: http://www.juditharnold.com.

Details about the 2007 Nebraska Romance Writers Fifth Annual Fall Conference will be posted when available at: http://www.nebraskaromancewriters.com. Hopefully, Christine, the dynamo that was in charge of publicity for the 2006 event, will be assisting again next year. She did a fantastic job of promoting the workshops and presented some fun door prize events.