Contact:  Gina Ellis    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone:  814.795.9982

Email:  stewardship.mdvl.net 

NOVELIST, CNN EDITOR TO OFFER WRITING SEMINAR IN N.W. PENNSYLVANIA

Are you an aspiring or struggling writer?  If so, then this event was designed especially for you.  On Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, novelist and veteran editor for CNN’s Emmy-winning “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” John DeDakis, will be at The Commons at Franklin in Franklin, Pennsylvania.  

John will lead registrants through a four-part workshop that includes From Journalist to Novelist, in which he traces the arc of his 40-year career – from getting tear gassed covering an anti-Vietnam War riot to his current job as a CNN Senior Copy Editor and how it all led to a parallel career as a published novelist, manuscript editor and speaker.  John will then delve into How to Write a Novel, revealing a practical 15-point plan that takes writers from the nub of an idea to a book-length project, and then cover Buffing and Polishing, which addresses the often dreaded but essential rewrite process. Finally, John will guide writers through the development of personality-tailored strategies for Getting an Agent and Getting Noticed. 

Registration is $85/person for the full-day or $25/session.  All registrants receive a free, autographed copy of John’s novel Fast Track.  There are group and student discounts.  For lunch, participants can enjoy the historic, newly restored Commons and an inviting buffet for an additional $14.00 (includes tax and gratuity), go downstairs to the McGinnis Irish Pub or walk the short distance to lovely downtown Franklin for lunch.  

To register, send your name, check and email address to Gina Ellis, Literary Artists of Distinction, stewARTship studios, 10536 Luce Road, Guys Mills, PA  16327 (make checks payable to “Gina Ellis”).  If you are interested in learning more about group and student discounts, call Gina at 814.795.9982.  Register early; seats will fill quickly! 

This event is brought to you by Gina Ellis and The Commons at Franklin, 1340 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323. 

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