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High Country Festival of the Book Features Day-Long Writing Workshop as Part of Pre-Festival Lineup June 27

June 17, 2014. Do you have a book inside of you waiting to be written? Here is your opportunity to hone your writing skills. The upcoming High Country Festival of the Book will feature a day-long Writing Workshop on June 27 as part of their pre-festival lineup.

“We are really excited about the speakers this year,” said Suzanne Thompson, chair of the festival.

“Two of our authors are going to lead two hour hands-on writing sessions. Jim Minick, author of the memoir Blueberry Years will be challenging writers to play with words, especially using metaphors. We are also pleased to have Pamela Schoenewaldt, who is a USA Today bestselling novelist on the topic of writing about family.”

-1The workshop will also include practical marketing advice from publicist Lynda Bouchard who has worked with a variety of clientele from Academy award winning director and actor Kevin Costner to NY Times Bestselling authors like James Pattesron.

And every writer wants to know what is happening to local bookstores. Will brick and mortar book sellers become a quaint thing of the past? What is the digital age doing to libraries? How are publishers going to survive? Is this a good time to become an author? Bookstore owner Clayton Thompson will help participants through the maze of today’s book world.

The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Agricultural Conference Center on Poplar Grove Road. Tickets for the workshop are $30 and include a light breakfast and lunch catered by Over Yonder, Mast Farm Inn’s newest restaurant. Advance tickets are available online at www.HighCountryFestivaloftheBook.com or by cash/check at the Watauga County Public Library and the Western Branch Library.

The High Country Festival of the Book will be held on June 28 on the grounds of the Watauga County Public Library and the Jones House. The High Country Festival of the Book (HCFB) and associated author events are organized by the Friends of the Watauga County Public Library to draw attention to the importance of books, reading and literacy. There will be authors and books for all ages and a variety of interests.

This year’s event will include music, food, vendors, children’s activities and a free book for every child who attends.