2nd Annual Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium Set for June 21, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2nd Annual Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium Set for June 21, 2025

HESSEL, MI – Writers, authors, and literary enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Upper Peninsula Writers Symposium is set to take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the historic Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center. This full-day event will bring together seasoned and aspiring writers for an inspiring and educational experience filled with thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.

Keynote Speaker: Sue Harrison
Headlining the symposium is internationally acclaimed author Sue Harrison, best known for her captivating novels The Midwife’s Touch, Mother Earth Father Sky, and many others. Sue will share her expertise and insights, offering valuable guidance to writers at all stages of their creative journey.

Engaging Breakout Sessions & Panels
In addition to the keynote address, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of breakout sessions designed to enhance writing skills and publishing knowledge. Highlights include:

Breakout Sessions Include:

• AI for Authors: Writing Smarter, Not Harder
  Presented by: A.R. Vagnetti
  Discover how AI-powered tools can streamline the writing and editing process while enhancing book marketing strategies. Learn how AI can assist with brainstorming, drafting, and automating time-consuming tasks such as crafting social media posts and email newsletters.
• The Power of Less: Crafting Concise, Authentic Poetry
  Presented by: Ellen Lord
  Explore the art of writing concise yet impactful poetry through forms such as free verse, haibun, and haiku. This session will focus on distilling emotions and ideas into their most resonant forms to build a portfolio of poetry.
• Self-Publishing 101: From Manuscript to Marketplace
  Presented by: Debbie Frontiera
  Gain insight into the self-publishing process from start to finish. Learn about self-editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing strategies to successfully publish and distribute your book.
• Getting Started With Audiobooks: Bringing Your Story to Life in Audio
  Presented by: Brandi Thomas
  Learn how to create and distribute a professional-quality audiobook, from selecting a narrator to navigating production costs and distribution platforms.
• The Power of Setting: Building Worlds Readers Want to Live In
  Presented by: Joseph D. Haske
  Discover techniques for crafting immersive settings that enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, and engage readers across all genres.
• How to Shoot, Write, and Self-Publish Your Photo Book
  Presented by: Wayne Pope
  Explore the process of creating and publishing a photo book, from capturing compelling images to designing a visually stunning and marketable final product.

A Growing Literary Tradition
Following the resounding success of last year’s sold-out symposium, organizers anticipate even greater enthusiasm for this year’s event. This event provides an opportunity to connect with fellow writers, gain insights from industry professionals, and sharpen writing and publishing skills in a supportive, creative environment.

Registration Now Open!
Registration is now open and filling up quickly. The price for this event is $65 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments. To register, call 906-484-1333 or sign up online at www.hesselschoolhouse.org/calendar.

This event is a partnership of the Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center and the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Assocation (UPPAA).