Saturday Morning Writer's Clinic

Local authors and educators Bill Loehfelm and Erica Welter will discuss various issues of interest to writers at the November Saturday Writers’ Clinic - at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public. There is no registration.

9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8

Bill Loehfelm – “Building Characters: Creating fully-realized and unique characters that leap from the page”

Bill Loehfelm asks “Have you ever felt like your characters fall into familiar tropes? That's okay! Archetypes, like the Hero, Mentor, or Villain, are universal character types that provide a foundation. They're a launching pad, not a cage. Challenge expectations!” He suggests making your hero a pacifist with a hidden past, or your villain a tragic figure with a twisted sense of justice. Play with the familiar to create something fresh.

Loehfelm is the author of the critically acclaimed series about New Orleans Police Department rookie Maureen Coughlin, as well as the stand-alone novels Fresh Kills and Bloodroot. His short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in several anthologies. He lives in New Orleans with his wife AC Lambeth, a writer and yoga instructor, and their dog.

11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8

Erica Welter – “The Art of Critiquing and Feedback”

Not only do most writers participate in groups where critiques and feedback are required, but they also need to apply some of the same principles of critiquing to their own work. Welter will provide guidelines about offering solid advice to fellow writers as well as how to give oneself constructive criticism without crushing one’s spirit.

Erica Welter holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in Publishing from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. She is an author, a professional editor, and an instructor of English at Southeastern. Her poetry appears in Across the Margin and the Manchac Review.

Program inquiries should be directed to Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.