Posts

Photos of Words in 3 Dimensions Conference

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

Last weekend was an awesome literary happening in Edmonton and I was so honoured to be a part of it. Words in 3D – D meaning dimensions: writing, editing and publishing – brought together many creative individuals from all over the country for interesting sessions, keynotes and networking.

I taught two awesome workshops and the positive feedback has been rolling in steadily ever since. If you would like more information about the workshops I taught – or to bring them to your writing group or organization – please email me at info@alexismariechute.com

How to take a Picture Worthy of your Words

Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories

I also mentored writers in the Blue Pencil Cafe. If you are interested in my mentoring, please click here for more information.

Here are some photos from the weekend.

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 07

Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 05

Participants of Memorable Memoir focused in the act of writing during one of the exercises. Copyright Alexis Marie Chute

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 01

Paul Matwychuk (NeWest Press), Kelsey Attard (Freehand Books), and Micheline Maylor (Freefall literary magazine) made up the panel in the discussion Beyond the Big Three: Niche and Regional Publishers. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 02

Breaking through the Noise: Inventive Marketing, taught by Harper Collins Canada’s Marketing Director, Cory Beatty. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 06

Getting Published in the 21st Century, taught by Literary agent Carly Watters. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

WORDS IN 3D CONFERENCE WRITING EDITING PUBLISHING 04

The beautiful view from the Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Image copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

I love teaching writing – both in the practical nuts and bolts right to the hands-on workshops. I have multiple workshops available and want to share two conferences where I will be presenting in the next four months.

words in 3 dimensions write edit publish alexis marie chute blog

  1. Words in 3 Dimensions

WHERE: Chateau Lacombe Hotel, Edmonton, AB, CAN

WHEN: May 22 – 24, 2015

DETAILS: Words in 3D is unique because it gives writers connection to the full scope of industry resources, workshops and networks. This includes writing, editing and publishing.

WHAT: I will be meeting with aspiring writers in the Blue Pencil Café, giving advice and feedback. I will also be teaching two seminars:

How to Take a Picture Worthy of Your Words – Saturday, May 23, 2015 (Breakout Session 2)

DESCRIPTION: Covering the basics of good photography, including exposure, composition, and technical requirements for different publications, Alexis Marie Chute shares what writers need to know about taking great photos for their projects. This session includes a group brainstorm for attendees’ current projects and recommendations from Alexis Marie on making your photography a stronger statement to support your words.

Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories –Saturday, May 23, 2015 (Breakout Session 4)

DESCRIPTION: Alexis Marie Chute offers tools and techniques for writing your personal story: removing sentimentality, finding alternatives to strict chronological structure, and building authenticity. Featuring memory recall exercises, this presentation is a must-see for anyone writing personal narratives.

 

the compassionate friends national conference hope shines bright deep in the heart wanted chosen planned alexis marie chute

  1. 38th National Conference of The Compassionate Friends

WHERE: The Hyatt Regency, Dallas, Texas, USA

WHEN: July 10-12, 2015

DETAILS: This is a conference for those who grieve the loss of a child (or sibling or grandchild). The conference aims to form a community and give support, both for the bereaved and bereavement workers.

WHAT: I will be delivering two workshops:

Creative Writing to Rejuvenate Bereavement Professionals and Volunteers

 

– and –

Art-Making to Rejuvenate Bereavement Professionals and Volunteers

 

If you would like information about any of my seminars and workshops, please email me at info@alexismariechute.com

 

Mentoring Aspiring Writers at the Blue Pencil Cafe

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

 

Not only am I teaching two awesome sessions at the Words in 3 Dimensions Conference May 2015, but I am also mentoring aspiring writers through the Blue Pencil Café. As a part of the conference, writers may send me a few pages of their work and/or questions about the writing life and career. We will get together at a designated time during the conference where I will pack as much mentoring support as I can into a twenty-minute session. If you want to chat with me, make sure to sign up early. I look forward to meeting you!

 

Words in 3 Dimensions 2015

May 22 – 24, 2015

Chateau Lacombe Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta

Registration opens February 1, 2015

 

Blue Pencil Café

Sunday, May 24, 2015

12:00 Noon – 2:00PM

 

Visit the conference schedule by clicking here.

 

Want to know about the two sessions I’m teaching at Words in 3D? Click here to read about:

(1) How to Take a Picture Worthy of Your Words

(2) Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories.

 

 

I’m Teaching Two Sessions at Words in 3D Conferencence

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

In May 2015 aspiring writers will convene to learn and be challenged in the areas of writing, editing and publishing. I attended the Words in 3 Dimensions Conference last year and found it wildly valuable, plus a great opportunity to connect with other literary artists. With so many good memories in my pocket, it was an honour to be asked to present at the 2015 event.

 

Here is information about Words in 3D and the two sessions I will be teaching:

 

Words in 3 Dimensions 2015

May 22 – 24, 2015

Chateau Lacombe Hotel

Edmonton, Alberta

Registration opens February 1, 2015

 

How to Take a Picture Worthy of Your Words

Saturday, May 23, 2014

11:30AM – 12:45PM

Covering the basics of good photography, including exposure, composition, and technical requirements for different publications, Alexis Marie Chute shares what writers need to know about taking great photos for their projects. This session includes a group brainstorm for attendees’ current projects and recommendations from Alexis Marie on making your photography a stronger statement to support your words.

 

Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories

Saturday, May 23, 2015

4:00PM – 5:15PM

Alexis Marie Chute offers tools and techniques for writing your personal story: removing sentimentality, finding alternatives to strict chronological structure, and building authenticity. Featuring memory recall exercises, this presentation is a must-see for anyone writing personal narratives.

 

 

 

The Editing Stage: A Necessary Torture

/2 Comments/in , , , , /by

Do you love free writing? Do the ideas just flow out of you and you find you can write for hours? Are you a master at hammering out the first draft? Congratulations, your right brain is serving you well!

What about the very left-brain process of editing? Does that flow as freely for you?

If you’re like me, the draft stage is easier than what follows. At one time, I said I hated editing, that it was like torture – pulling teeth, a slap on a sunburn, slowly dripping water… Although, after very thoroughly editing my first memoir, I have come to appreciate editing in a new way.

I still see editing as a form of torture but also a process that makes my work stronger and more potent as a result – and it’s always worth the effort. Watching my manuscript evolve with each complete edit was like witnessing a child grow-up before my eyes. It turned out that editing was actually a very beautiful and sensitive stage of the writing.

During editing erroneous details are eliminated. Key themes are refined. Characters’ voices are made more authentic. Wordiness is exchanged for clarity… These are all positive qualities we want from our work – but they must be earned.

I’m still figuring out my editing style. I tend to have an epiphany of what needs improvement and then do a full run through of the manuscript focusing on that one element. It is a labour intensive process and sometimes I wonder if I have memorized my sentences. Usually at that point I need a pair of fresh eyes to look at my work, if not just a good night’s sleep to reset my brain.

How do you edit your work? Do you jump in like you do at the drafting stage or do you need a deadline to get focused?

I welcome you to share your reflections on the torturous and yet necessary stage of editing. I’d especially like to hear from those that love refining their work and what words of encouragement they may have for the rest of us.

Happy writing!