Frequently Asked Questions

 

READ THIS: Guide to Getting the Most Out of a Writers Conference, by Jane Friedman

 

How can I get the most help with my writing?

Getting feedback from other writers can be very helpful. You are welcome to bring a few pages of your writing (3-5 pages/or beginning chapter).  You can also hand out informally if you meet someone on your own. Or we have a place set up in the library to put your pages and come back for your comments. Please attach a few blank pages for feedback.  (Remember: manuscript form – double space, 12 point).

What should I bring?

An important advantage to attending a workshop, besides all the knowledge that is available, is an opportunity to meet people who can help further your career. MWW encourages networking and building friendships with other writers. If you have business cards, you may want to bring some to exchange with individuals with whom you have made a special connection. You will receive a list of all participants and their contact information in your welcome packet. As far as packing, bring what you would normally take on vacation, including a swimsuit if your hotel has a pool. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes.

You may bring a laptop/notebook computer if you wish; Ball State is a wireless campus.

Be sure that you put your cell phone on vibrate mode or turn it off during ALL sessions. But we encourage tweeting, and taking and posting photos!

What should I do when I arrive?

Plan to arrive in Muncie on Wednesday, July 19, at 12:00 p.m. to pick up your welcome packet and nametag. Our Welcome Center and Registration Table are located in the Conservatory as you enter the Alumni Center. Parking is free at the Alumni Center (including handicapped-accessible). Parking lots are immediately north of the Center behind Schuemann Football Stadium.

What if I have my own books to bring?

Books about writing and by faculty authors will be on sale at the MWW-BSU Bookstore, which opens at Wednesday afternoon, July 19 and accepts VISA and MasterCard payments.

MWW also provides a Consignment Bookstore for our published attendees. The Consignment Bookstore opens Wednesday afternoon. After you register, if you’re selling books on consignment, bring them to the Consignment Bookstore (located in the Pre-Event area outside Assembly Hall). The MWW Consignment Bookstore is separate from MWW-BSU operated Bookstore.

• Limit the number of books you bring to 10, although, if your 10 books sell out, you may replenish your supply.
• Price your books at a round number (if possible), for example, $10, $15, $20.
• When you check in, we will give you an inventory control slip to fill out and insert into each of your books. It will list the book title, author, selling price, and a number — 1 through 10.
• You must pick up your books by 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. At that time, we will give you a receipt for the check to be mailed to you within two weeks for the amount of money your books earned, minus MWW’s 10% commission.
• You must pick up any remaining books before the workshop ends. Books left after the workshop ends will not be returned.

What if I paid for a Manuscript Evaluation?

If you paid the $50 fee for your manuscript to be evaluated by one of our Manuscript Evaluation Team, you are entitled to a 15-minute one-on-one discussion of your work with the Team Member you selected. Please include your name, address, phone and email on top left of your submitted manuscript. All discussion sessions between participants and the Manuscript Evaluation Team Member are during workshop hours. The Manuscript Team Members will schedule their one-on-one discussions.

What is “Office Hour” with the faculty?

Have you ever wanted to sit with a published author and pick their brains on topics like: publishing, revising, or anything that relates to becoming an author? This is your opportunity. You don’t need an appointment, just drop in for this informal session with an author. Available for all in-person attendees.

What is “Buttonhole the Experts”?

Buttonhole the Experts is a MWW tradition and one of the highlights of our conference. We have round tables in Assembly Hall with an “expert” (our faculty members) at each one, then seven participants sit at each table and chat informally with the expert for about 20 minutes. Then at the ring of a bell it’s like musical chairs (or “speed dating for writers”!): everyone rises and heads to another expert’s table for another 20-minute chat. This process is repeated three times. In other words, everyone learns much about the various genres/topics from our experts.

What are “Talkabouts”?

MWW Talkabouts are another tradition! They are a great time for the in-person attendees and the online attendees to “talk about” their writing projects, to support each other, network, and build community. They are late night gabfests about everything you saw and heard during the day. You can also share work and ask questions, and  perhaps finish the evening with a writing sprint to get ready for the next day of writing and learning.

What about meals?

Meals are NOT included with the registration but we do provide coffee and water during the day. You can purchase lunches for an additional cost when you register.

OPTIONAL:

• Thursday: (select either sandwich or salad) $17.00
  • Sandwich choice: (choose one: turkey / ham / roast beef / vegetarian / gluten free) deli meat of choice, cookies, diced fresh fruit cup, chips.
  • Salad choice: Fresh fruit salad: seasonal fruits, spinach, candied walnuts on the side, grilled chicken breast or pork tenderloin.
• Friday: Lunch Tex-Mex Buffet $20.00
  • Seasoned ground beef and chicken alongside an array of nacho and taco toppers including lettuce, tomato, onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Also includes enchiladas, refried beans, Spanish rice, and churros.
• Saturday: (select either sandwich or salad) $17.00
  • Sandwich choice: (choose one: turkey / ham / roast beef / vegetarian / gluten free) deli meat of choice, brownie, pasta salad, chips.
  • Salad choice: House salad: mixed salad greens and vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese on side, grilled chicken breast.

If you have any dietary restrictions, email the director: midwestwriters@yahoo.com. At the workshop, please see one of the catering staff as they have your food set aside in the kitchen.

What should I wear to workshop?

Since you’ll be in workshop sessions most of the day, you’ll want to wear something comfortable. You may also want to bring a sweater as some of the classrooms may be cool. The building’s air conditioning system is located off-site so we are UNABLE to adjust the temperature for individual rooms. (We also have a selection of MWW sweatshirts for sale at our merchandise table!)

MWW Social Media

• FACEBOOK: Midwest Writers Workshop FAN page or Facebook Group
• TWITTER: follow MWW @MidwestWriters [MWW Director: @jamabigger]
• INSTAGRAM: @midwestwritersworkshop

Connect with other writers, authors, previous faculty, MWW alumni, and many participants. Maybe you have a question about manuscript submissions, or the facility. Maybe you’re looking to share a motel room or a ride to Muncie. Post a question on our Discussion Board or write a comment on our Wall. (To join our Group: type “Midwest Writers Workshop” into the search line.)

Use Twitter to Share Your “Notes” at MWW23

If one of us says something quotable, share it on Twitter (or post a pic on Instagram!). Use the hashtags #mww23 #MWW50th, #midwestwritersworkshop. Use tags and hashtags so that others on Twitter can find it!

Faculty

• Jess Lourey @jesslourey
• John Gilstrap @JohnGilstrap201
• Lori Rader-Day @LoriRaderDay
• Barbara Shoup @barbshoup
• Matthew Clemens @chucktwain
• Michael Martone @FourforaQuarter
• Jill Christman @jill_christman
• Kelcey Ervick @KelceyErvick
• Brent Bill @brentbill
• Lou Harry @louharry
• Dana Kaye @kayepublicity
• Jane Friedman @JaneFriedman

MWW ALUMS

• Kelsey Timmerman @KelseyTimmerman
• D.E. (Dan) Johnson @DEJohnsonauthor
• Leah Lederman @leahlederman
• Larry D. Sweazy @larry_sweazy
• J.R. Jamison @JR_Jamison
• Kelly O’Dell Stanley @kellyostanley
• Sherry Stanfa-Stanley @stanfastanley

Board Members:

• Julie Tuttle Davis @IndianaJulie
• Kelsey Timmerman @KelseyTimmerman
• Angela Jackson-Brown @adjackson68
• Lylanne Musselman @LylanneM
• Jack Heffron @whymenmatter
• Michelle McGill Vargas @askdelta8
• Cliff Protzman @cliffprotzman
• Jaclyn Youhana Garver @JYoGarver
• JD (Dave) Webb
• Director: Jama Kehoe Bigger @jamabigger
• Assistant Director: Leah Lederman @leahlederman

What if I still have questions?

If you have questions, contact MWW Director, Jama Bigger, at 765-282-1055 or email at midwestwriters@yahoo.com.