Advice for Aspiring Writers

Anyone who has ever tried to write prose or poetry knows that the process is not an easy one. There are some techniques that can make the process easier. Edward Lodi, author of nearly two dozen books including Secrets and Shortcuts for Successful Writing: You Can Learn from My Mistakes, will visit the Merrimack Library on Wednesday. May 27 at 7 pm, to help you release your writing genius and "Give Life to the Writer Within You."

Mr. Lodi's works include fiction, nonfiction, poetry and humorous verse. As owners of Rock Village Publishing in Middleborough, MA, he and his wife Yolanda have edited and published more than 50 titles. He has taught on the college level, been a book reviewer for The Armchair Detective, published writing tips in numerous journals, and been nominated for the distinguished Pushcart Prize for poetry.

Topics for the evening include writer's block, ways to get started, where to get ideas, where and when to write, point of view, pacing, conflict, dialogue, characterization, applying fiction techniques to nonfiction, and the differences between verse and poetry. Ample time will be allowed for questions.

Whether you'd just like to write your family story or have higher aspirations, this program will inspire you. And if you just want to know how writers do it, you'll learn a lot, too. As usual, we'd like to have you register so we can plan for the size of the audience. Seating will be limited to 50, so reserve a seat by calling 424-5021 or emailing.