News

Portland State University's Center for Excellence in Writing is now accepting applications for its June workshops "The Business of Writing" and "Crafting the Query." The workshops are conducted by local authors and professionals in the publishing field. The workshops are open to the public and preregistration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.english.pdx.edu/cew or contact Sydney Thompson at 503-725-9422 or sydney@pdx.edu.

Saturday, June 4, 2005, 1-5 p.m. (PSU Neuberger Hall, Room 407, 724 S.W. Harrison)
"The Business of Writing: What Every Freelancer Needs to Know," taught by Lisa Nuss, is designed for freelance writers of all levels and provides an understanding of the basics of the freelance business. It covers topics such as how to craft query letters balancing the high art of ideas against the need to be paid; how to approach editors and present a query; how to decipher writing contracts; and the importance of protecting copyrights. Participants will have the opportunity to workshop one article query. Lisa Nuss is an attorney and freelance writer. Her freelance political opinion columns have been published in major daily newspapers including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and on the Women's eNews website. Her features have been published in the Tacoma News-Tribune and in regional magazines, and her work has been excerpted in the Utne Reader magazine. Cost for the workshop is $60.

Saturday, June 25, 2005, Noon-3 p.m. (PSU Neuberger Hall, Room 407, 724 S.W. Harrison)
"Crafting the Query," taught by Jodi Helmer, will cover the basics and the purpose of writing a query, and the best way to present it to editors. The workshop will use successful query letters that have landed in lucrative assignments, as samples, to educate the participants. The workshop includes in-class writing exercises that will help the participants develop their ideas and sell themselves. Jodi Helmer has written hundreds of articles on topics including the AIDS pandemic in South Africa, the shortage of male teachers and easy ways to cut calories. Her work has appeared in publications like Entrepreneur, Woman's Day, Parents and the Christian Science Monitor and she is a frequent contributor to the Portland Tribune. Additionally, she has worked as an editor and taught numerous writing classes both independently and through organizations such as Saturday Academy. Cost for the workshop is $50.