Hi folks,

There are a few spots still left for next year's WRW. We've got some great guests who will be here. Hope to see some of y'all there!

Blue skies,
Les

Writers Retreat Workshop 2017 May 6 - 13    San Antonio, TX

The 30th year of Writers Retreat Workshopfeatures, as always, top authors, instructors, agents and editors. Work with all our of visiting and core staff in classrooms, diagnostic groups, and 1-1 sessions. Only 35 new and returning writers will attend...will you be one? We're thrilled to announce our newest visiting author for 2017. Mystery and thriller novelist Reavis Wortham returns for his second year after the announcement of his newest thriller series published by Kensington Publishing (July 2017) featuring Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke. Wortham's long-running series, the Red River Mysteries, has a new installment titled Unraveled (Red River Publishing). Yes, Reavis has two series titles with two publishers. He's prolific, fabulous, and we're very excited to welcome him back to WRW. Lisa Cron's newest book-of-craft for writers is titledStory Genius. Her first book, Wired For Story, challenged writers in a refreshing way. In the last month I've spoken to writers who are reading Cron's books and, with all the workshops and classes they've attended, Cron's "brain science" approach has opened new doors in all aspects of their Story. It's a rarity to be with Lisa in an intimate setting like WRW. If you haven't read her work, do your inner artist a favor and read them now. Thriller novelist Daniel Palmer returns to WRW with the publication of his pre-order novel, Forgive Me, (called by early reviewers "10 stars...his best book yet"). In 2016, Daniel released his novel Constant Fear, and in early 2017 is the publication of a novel he finished along with his father, NYT bestselling author (and amazing man much missed by all), Michael Palmer titled Mercy. It's a busy year for Daniel, and we're grateful he's spending part of that time with the WRW family. Les Edgerton is one of our most-in-demand authors, instructors, and guy we love to have around. Les' latest novel, Bomb!, is getting him even more rave reviews than the dozen plus earlier fabulous works. Joe Lansdale says, "Les Edgerton has swiftly become my favorite crime writer. Original voice, uncompromising attitude and a pure hardboiled style leap him to the front ranks of my reading list. He will become legendary.” He's already legendary in our world. Agents and additional visiting staff yet to be announced. Of course, our WRW core staff of the brilliant Carol Dougherty, Jason Sitzes and Lisa Willars-Pirc will be on hand to lead the way. We're welcoming back WRW family to lead Night Owl and Early Bird sessions, show folks the ropes, run diagnostic groups, and make WRW 2017 the best yet. Visit our website for more information. We hope to welcome you, your story, your characters, and your hopes/dreams in May. -Jason . If you're in the mood for something sooner... how about next month in Pennsylvania with a terrific line-up? Wake Up and Write Writers Retreat Workshop Nov 14 - 19, 2016 Haverford, PA with David Corbett, Tex Thompson, Carol Dougherty, and Jason Sitzes Wake Up and Write Writer's Retreat Workshopis a craft-oriented workshop with the focus squarely on your work-in-progress, and what we can do to help you unlock the potential of the story you want to tell. The workshop is limited to 25 students in order to provide each student an opportunity for several one-on-one consultations with our staff. In addition, we will offer classes for all students, optional informal sessions on a variety of topics, and diagnostic sessions in small groups, plus plenty of writing time. Editorial and Coaching Whether you're writing for a publisher, or writing toward your own independent goals, your story will be improved using the eyes and insight of a professional editor. Work with Jason personally and receive 1-1 conversations, audio reports, and detailed comments based on your work. This is not copy editing, and you won't receive form 'lectures'. Every word of feedback is specific to your manuscript. You receive not only story development feedback on character, description, pacing, scene and sentence structure, but also conceptual lessons and personal feedback to last through the next project and the next. With over 15 years working with hundreds of writers through manuscript evaluations and 1-1 sessions, you'll work directly with WRW Program director/instructor Jason Sitzes. Jason specializes in teaching through explanation and example. Also available for 1-1 instruction, reading your work, and feedback/brainstorming in your town or Austin.  Contact us for more information and to discuss the many options available to you regardless of where you are in the writing process. Lisa Cron Daniel Palmer Reavis Wortham Les Edgerton

BACK HOME FROM TEXAS--GREAT TIME!

Hi Folks,

It’s time to report on my two weeks in Texas! I’m a bit late on doing this as when I returned home a bunch of things happened. First, I had to decompress! Still doing that, but almost fully recovered.

And, then, my son-in-law, Ray Robinson notified me that he’s interested a financial group in Louisville to hopefully finance a short version of my novel, THE BITCH, which he hopes to enter at Cannes and Sundance in an effort to interest investors in the full-length version. He’s writing the screenplay now.

I’m also about to begin strategizing the promotion of my screenplay of THE GENUINE, IMITATION, PLASTIC KIDNAPPING with Voyage Media and producer John Crye. I’m very excited about the possibilities.

And, I needed to get back up to speed with my brilliant writing class—it’s a true labor of love to be able to work with such a group of extremely talented writers, each of whom are going to end up with publishable novels.

But… Texas was wonderful! And, I get to do it again next year.

First, I flew in to San Antonio a couple of days early, to stay with my good friend, novelist Marjorie Brody. She’d arranged an appearance in her home with her San Antonio Writer’s Group. We had about twenty-five writers appear and I had a fantastic time. Hopefully, we’ll get to do it again next year.

(Photo of Marjorie and me at WRW--taken by Gail Provost)

Then, Marjorie and I went on to the Oblate Renewal Center for the Writer’s Retreat Workshop  with Jason Sitzes and Gail Provost, where Marjorie was a participant and hosted the Early Morning Sessions and I was on the staff.

Marjorie leading a Morning Session.

What a gorgeous place!

Above, the back row at a class and below, presenter Carol Dougherty.

There, I met up again with fellow staffers and old friend Don Maass, and a guy I met in Oklahoma a couple of weeks before and recommended to Jason that he ask him to present at WRW—Richard Thomas, editor for Dark House Press and writer extraordinaire. I was anxious also to meet one of the members of our private online class who was attending—Connie Fulmer. Connie turned out to be as wonderful a person in real life as she is in cyberspace in our class, and I’m so darned proud of her—fellow staffer Carol Dougherty showed a movie and asked everyone to point out the inciting incident and Connie was the only one to nail it. Yes! Connie also had a major breakthrough in her writing while there and is already enrolled in next year’s WRW. It’s a life-altering experience for a great many of those who attend.

Don Maass teaching a class.

Richard was a huge hit with everyone and the more I get to hang with him, the more I know it’s gonna be good times whenever he’s in the vicinity. Just a great literary mind and a terrific person—the kind of guy you want to have beers with.

 

I also got to meet a young lady I’d met in the class I co-taught via Skype with Jenny Milchman for the New York Writer’s Workshop a couple of years ago, who came up and introduced herself with the name I’d given her in class—Apple. Her real name was Jacqui Wolf and she turned out to be one of my new best friends. Got to hang out with a bunch of new friends and old ones as well. Terrific people and writers such as Alexandra Marbach, Barbara Clarke, Camile Di Maio, Carol Dougherty, Diane LaCombe, Connie Fulmer, Ellan Otero, Joni Hahn, Katrina Stonoff, Larry Brill, Linda Moore, Linda Zimmerman, Lisa Pirc, Macaire Hill, Marilyn Tucker, Marjorie Brody, Mary Bowers, Matt Brock, Michalea Moore, Patty Mayeaux, Rick Bylina, Suanne Shafter and Wondra Chang.

Got to meet and hang out with Matt Brock, one of the presenters and an old friend of Jason’s. Matt teaches at the University of Tennessee and went to school at Ole Miss, where he took classes from and hung out with the likes of Barry Hannah! Man! Doesn’t get any better than that! And, he’s a fantastic writer and was the only other one besides me that smoked so we logged a lot of “bench time.” In fact, Wondra told me she had a visual image of me sitting on the bench outside the rooms, smoking, and that would appear in her novel… Can’t wait… maybe…

Matt Brock giving talks at WRW

Several of us got to go down to the Riverwalk and that’s always a fun time!

Katrina “Hurricane” Stonoff (I gave her the nickname and she was… a hurricane), did what no man or woman has ever done before—embarrassed me by singing to me in the cafeteria… I played it off, but she really did embarrass me. Now she knows… J I have wonderful memories of each and every person!

During the retreat, I rented a car and traveled to Austin for a day on May 16 to deliver my Thelma&Louise presentation to the Writer’s League of Texas  and there were about twenty-five people in attendance—a terrific group! I got to hang out with Rodney Sprott and when we were done, he took me to the oldest bar in the U.S. where they were filming a documentary and we had an adult beverage and really connected.

Giving my Thelma and Louise presentation

After the week at WRW, I got to go home with Jason and his beautiful fiancé, Lisa, to their home in Austin where I got to hang out with them and Lisa’s three terrific kids, 

 (Working with Jack on his batting stance and throwing mechanics)

and then, on Saturday, spent all day with Scott Montgomery at the BookPeople Bookstore https://mysterypeople.wordpress.com/ as a guest of his and Gale Albright, Vice-President of the Sisters in Crime, Heart of Texas chapter, sitting on a panel with fantastic writers Reavis Wortham and George Weir, and then doing a signing. I was totally surprised when one of the participants at WRW, Camille Di Maio, showed up with her husband. Camille has one of the most interesting stories of the century! She’d written a novel based on the Paul McCartney song, Eleanor Rigby, and during a concert she’d attended in San Antonio, McCartney brought her up on stage and read a page from her novel! Just a wonderful person and wonderful writer. Look for her book—it’s gonna be a mega seller when it comes out next year.

George Weir, Reavis Wortham, Scott Montgomery and moi...

After the signing, I got to go out with Scott and George Weir and his wife, Jason and Lisa, and a few other of the attendees for a bite to eat and some adult beverages and they all bit the bullet for me, sitting out in a misty rain so I could do my bit in keeping the tobacco industry flourishing… All I can say is I appreciate it but if anyone develops pneumonia it wasn’t my fault… I have an alibi…

Jason and Lisa took me to some really cool places and I got to eat some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had… since the last time I was in Texas. The weather wasn’t typical. During the two weeks I spent there, I saw the sun a total of about two hours… But, that was a good thing. Last year, it was hot, hot, hot and allergy season was in full bloom and I lost 25 pounds and came home half-dead. This year, I gained weight! (An ounce and a half, at least…)

It was just a wonderful couple of weeks and the best thing is I get to repeat it all next year. Plus, I’d suggested to Jason that he consider asking my hero Joe Lansdale to appear as a presenter and unless something changes, Joe will be there next year! I frickin’ can’t wait!

So much more happened that I just don’t have room to report on. Just an absolutely mind-blowing two weeks. If you can swing it, I’d recommend attending WRW. It’ll change your live. And, if you’re considering it, I wouldn’t wait long—they’re already filling up all the spots for next year.

Hope to see some of y’all there!

Blue skies,

Les

 Jason Sitzes and Camille Di Maio during a class.

The grotto at Oblate Renewal Center

Part of the audience at my T ^ Louise presentation.

More folks in class.

WRITERS CONFERENCES, EUROPEAN PUBLISHERS AND JACK GETZE

Hi folks,

Been an exciting week! First, the best interview I’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved in was published in Grift Magazine Issue #2. Then, Benoit Lelievre posted a terrific review of my novel JUST LIKE THAT in his online magazine The Deadend Follies.

And then… Frank Nowatzke, publisher of the German publishing imprint, Pulpmaster, who had earlier purchased the German rights to THE RAPIST, made me an offer to publish the German language rights of THE RAPIST and also made an offer to publish first rights (in German) of my black comedy crime caper, THE GENUINE, IMITATION, PLASTIC KIDNAPPING. And now, Italian publisher Matteo Strukul has requested a copy of THE RAPIST for consideration for publishing the Italian rights. And, another German publisher, Dr. Thomas Wortche of PenserPulp, has requested several of my manuscripts and is reading them now and considering publication. Viva Europe!

 

I’d like to give a BIG SHOUT-OUT to a good friend of mine, Jack Getze, and his novel, BIG NUMBERS. This is one of the most enjoyable hard-boiled detective novels I’ve read in a long, long time. “Page-turner” is an adjective used perhaps too much in describing novels, but in this case it applies. It’s also genuinely funny and will remind you of Carl Hiassen’s novels. I highly, highly recommend it. It’s also a product of an exciting publisher, Down and Out Books, run by Eric Campbell. I met Eric at the last Bouchercon when he came to a reading of noir authors and what he’s doing with his press is resurrecting deserving novels that are out-of-print that he feels deserve to be resurrected. He’s putting together a kick-ass list of books like Jack’s.

And, finally, I’ve been asked to and have accepted invitations to appear at two writer’s conferences next May in Texas. Being a native Texan (born in Odessa and raised in Freeport), I’m really stoked to be going home! Also, I get to meet up with some good friends of mine, Bob Stewart and Carl Brush and some others.

The first event will be the Dallas-FT. Worth Writer’s Conference held May 2-4 at the Hurst Conference Center, Hurst, TX (Dallas). So far, besides myself, old friend, uber-agent Don Maass is appearing and the headliner is best-selling novelist Jonathan Maberry. The director, Kirk von der Heydt,  aware that “Les likes his Jack Daniels,” told me that each presenter is assigned what they call a “wrangler”--a person who gets them places and escorts them around, and that he assigned me a guy who always carries a flask with him since the bar doesn’t open until 7:30. Seven-thirty!? What th?! Is this Texas? Anyway, it’ll be lots of fun so hope some of you can make it and we get to meet. After 7:30 you’ll find me… well, you know where…

Then, I come back home for a few days and then go back down again to San Antonio, where I’ll be appearing at my third Writer’s Retreat Workshop (WRS) for director Jason Sitzes. These are intensive 10-day affairs and a total blast! I was privileged to teach at two earlier ones when they were held in Kentucky and they were fantastic. I’m planning on hooking up with several of my writer friends, including Bob Stewart, Carl Brush, and SusanBaker. And old friends from when I appeared a few years ago. People tend to go back to WRW, over and over. It’s an amazing retreat and will run from May 9-18 2014 in San Antonio, TX., at the Purple Sage Ranch. It's going to be one of the most fabulous venues yet. I can’t wait and I hope we’ll get to go down to the Riverwalk—it’s one of my favorite places in America!

Finally, I've received emails from folks who tell me they can't find my novel THE BITCH on Amazon. Well... that's because I've taken back the rights from the original publisher and sold the book to New Pulp Press and it will be coming out anew in January in both paperback and in ebook format. It will also be coming out in a German edition in paper and ebook from Pulpmaster. Sorry for the inconvenience but I'm really excited about the new publisher and the edition that will come out. There's be new material in it as well--including a foreword and a reader's guide.

Welp… thas’ about it!

Blue skies,

Les

Me reading at the Noir at the Bar event in Cleveland at the last Bouchercon where I met Eric Campbell of Down and Out Books.

APPEARANCES IN 2013

Hi folks,

I’m starting to get my appearance/speaking schedule together for the coming year. I’m very pleased to be able to announce two events I’ll be presenting at in particular—the Idaho Writers & Readers Rendezvous in Boise, Idaho, May 2-4. It will be my first time in the state of Idaho and I’m really pumped up to go!

Here’s some info and pertinent links to the event. I hope I see a few of my friends from here there!

THE IDAHO WRITERS & READERS RENDEZVOUS 2013

Come to the Rendezvous!

In the early nineteenth century the Rendezvous was the event of the year on the western frontier. Mountain men and Native Americans trapping along the streams and valleys of the Rocky Mountains gathered annually to sell their furs, trade for supplies, and tell stories. In that tradition, we welcome you to our annual gathering of writers and readers...

Go here for complete info.

Faculty includes authors, agents, screenwriters, editors, publishers, educators,  poets, and other industry professionals, including: myself, C.J. Box, Elaine Ambrose, Ron Carlson, Michael Collings, Claudia Cross, Anthony Doerr, David James Duncan, Rachel Gibson, Larry Habegger, Janet Holmes, Daniel Manus, Steve Moore, Clay Morgan, Joanne Pence, John Rember, Jamie Talan, Mitch Wieland and others to be announced.

There will be:

• Author panels
• Writing workshops
• One-on-ones: Manuscript and pitch sessions
• Contests (cash awards!): Short story, poetry, short screenplay, and exciting new "collaborative story telling" categories
• Open mic nights
• Book signings and marketplace
• Small-group dining with an agent, editor, or author
• Saturday night awards banquet
• PLUS Pre-Conference Interactive Workshop on Thursday afternoon

The cost is $195 (or $175 for members of the Idaho Writers Guild and students)

Sponsored by the Idaho Writers Guild and the BSU Story Initiative

LUNCH OR DINNER WITH A PRESENTER

A limited number of slots are available for lunch on Friday, May 3, or on Saturday, May 4, with a presenter and a few other conference participants. The fee is $20. This does not include the cost of your meal. List your three choices from the following list on your registration form. These slots will go fast, so register early!

Available for FRIDAY LUNCH are:
Larry Habegger, Author, Editor, Journalist
John Rember, Author
Elaine Ambrose, Author & Publisher

Available for SATURDAY LUNCH are:
C.J. Box, Author
Les Edgerton, Author
Janet Holmes, Poet
Clay Morgan, Author, Director of BSU Story Initiative

The locations and times for the meals will be announced at a later date.

I can’t wait to see real mountains!

WRITER'S RETREAT WORKSHOP

The second event I’ll be participating in is the annual Writer’s Retreat Workshops. I was a presenter at two of the WRW events in 2009 when they were held in Marydale, Kentucky. They’ve now moved to Minnesota and I’m stoked to be going to what looks like a fabulous resort. Click here for the website.

THE WORKSHOP/RETREAT

Co-founded in 1987 by the late Gary Provost (author and internationally acclaimed teacher of writing for publication) and his wife Gail, the ten-day WRITERS RETREAT WORKSHOP is an intensive learning experience for small groups of serious-minded writers who are committed to improving and completing their novels for submission. For those who consider their writing to be a vital part of their lives, one they wish to develop as fully as possible, WRW provides the ideal experience. Jason Sitzes is the leader and one of the most knowledgeable and astute writing teachers in the nation.

June 14 - 23
Villa Maria Retreat and Conference Center
Frontenac, MN

Register early to reserve your space
(limited spaces available)

You'll attend class each morning and be taught WRW's in-depth, step-by-step course for crafting your novel, of any genre, for publication. This is not formulaic novel instruction. There is no such formula. Gary broke down novel structure scene-by-scene, dissected characters, taught how to choose words with impact, and shared many other fine details novelists must learn as second nature. Here, at WRW, we review these stylistic tools over and over throughout the week until you leave feeling equipped, inspired, and revitalized about your novel. We don't teach the art-- we teach the craft and instruct you on how to nurture the artist. Class instruction uses examples from classic to bestsellers of that day. Prior to the workshop you will be given a list of books used and a series of pre-workshop assignments. During the workshop you will be given assignments, then go back to your private room or one of the various outdoor spots to write. All work focuses on your novel, so while you work on your story's structure, our dedicated staff will be available to brainstorm with you on your plot. In small group sessions, while learning how to diagnose your own and others' style strengths and weaknesses, you'll also boost your editing skills.

Other optional activities include 7am Early Bird sessions, evening wine and appetizer Shop Talks (featuring agents, instructors, students, and authors), Book Signing night, 10pm Night Owl Sessions, and ample 1-1 opportunities with core and visiting staff. WRW is as close to a ten-day, 20+ hour workshop as you can get. It's unparalleled in what it offers. And most of all, if you want only a nice writing retreat in which you work on your book and socialize when needed-- it's that as well. The only request of new participants is that you attend the morning sessions based on Gary Provost's groundbreaking course-- and you'll want to anyway. WRW is immersion in the writing world whether you're writing genre, literary fiction, children's literature, memoirs, short stories, or any number of creative writing endeavors. That's why top agents and authors return year after year.

Assisting you throughout the ten days will be WRW mentors and In-Residence guests, including authors/agents/editors who will share with you the truth about today's publishing "business" and --when they meet with you -- how best to market your novel-in-progress.

Folks, I’ve been privileged to have been able to participate in a lot of great events, but truly, nothing matches WRW. It’s just amazing. I can guarantee you won’t want to leave when the time comes!
The trip there is going to be fantastic. A very good friend, Bob Stewart, is driving his Jeep up from where he lives in San Antonio to pick me up. Along the way, another friend, Carl Brush, is flying into Louisville from his home in Oakland, California, where he’ll meet up with Bob and they’ll drive up to Ft. Wayne to pick me up and then we’ll continue to Minnesota. Road trip!

And, then... one of my true heroes, crime/noir/literary writer Anthony Neil Smith, who lives in Minnesota, is going to meet us for adult beverages and adult conversations one day in Minneapolis! I'm looking forward to that as much as the retreat itself!

This is just an up-close-and-personal writer’s event. We spend the entire day on various writing lectures, exercises, seminars and all kinds of writing-related activities and then at night, will hang out and enjoy adult beverages and wonderful socializing and mingling. It’s a writers’ Nirvana!
I know I’m going to meet many old friends and a lot of folks come back every year from all over the world and am going to make new friends also.

If you can make it, I’d strongly urge you to consider going. It will be an experience you’ll treasure all of your life.

Blue skies,

Les

PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS WRW’S