Williamson County Public Library to Host Writers Workshop

Award-winning author Sara J. Henry will conduct a novel-writing workshop on Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 pm. In “How to Write a Book that Grabs the Reader and Doesn’t Let Go,” Henry will discuss strong openings and review some – participants are encouraged to bring in a copy of a favorite novel – and talk about why these openings work. She also will critique on paper opening pages of participants’ work – please bring up to ten pages, double-spaced (some will be discussed aloud, with participants’ permission, anonymously if desired). Henry will also cover the importance of pacing and how to keep things moving; choosing what tense and person to use; what genre your work falls into; how to find critique partners and how to utilize critiques; the importance of revision; tips on making your manuscript come alive. She will also touch on how to write a query letter (bring yours, if you have one) and select the right agent, and talk about the pros and cons of self-publishing.

Sara J. Henry is a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has a Master’s degree in Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. She was an editor at Rodale Books and at Women’s Sports & Fitness magazine, and attended Squaw Valley Writers Conference. She has edited many nonfiction books, worked as a correspondence writing school instructor, written for numerous magazines, and written and co-written nonfiction books on health and fitness. (She’s also been a soil scientist, website designer, and bicycle mechanic, among other professions.)

Her first novel, Learning to Swim (2011), won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, the Agatha Award for Best First Novel, and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her second novel, A Cold and Lonely Place (2013), won the Silver Falchion Award and was nominated for the Anthony Award.

Henry’s workshop is sponsored by the Williamson County Library Foundation. There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited, and registration is required. Register online at http://lib.williamson-tn.org/ or call 615-595-1243.