DCAC to host writing class

A one-day seminar for writers of all levels—from professionally published authors to those who plan to “write one of these days”—is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, at the College of the Albemarle campus in Manteo.

The event is sponsored by the Dare County Arts Council (DCAC) in cooperation with the six-state Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Featured presenters will include Chris Roerden, award-winning author and professional editor, who will discuss “making your manuscript publishable.”  Roerden, who has more than 40 years of experience as an editor and college instructor, is the author of the highly acclaimed “Don’t Sabotage Your Submission” and “Don’t Murder Your Mystery.”

Also presenting will be Maggie Toussaint, the author of six published books with two more under contract. She writes mysteries as well as romantic suspense novels. Nationally, Toussaint has given talks on writing, and she will discuss “Genre Crossing: Writing Mysteries and Romances…and Books in Between.”

Acclaimed local writer Suzanne Tate, a best-selling author of about 40 nature and history series books for young readers, will give a presentation on “Writing for Children Is More Difficult Than You Think.” Her books have sold nationally in the millions.

Special guests for the event will be Kip Tabb and Joseph Terrell. Tabb is editor of the North Beach Sun and a prolific free-lance writer. Tabb is chairman of the Literary Arts Committee of the Dare County Arts Council. Terrell is a local author of five novels, the most recent are mysteries set here at the Outer Banks. He is a member of the Literary Arts Committee, Mystery Writers of America, where he serves as Eastern Representative for the Southeast Chapter, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the National Press Club.

The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch. For members of the DCAC and for students, advance registration is $15; non-members of DCAC, $20 for advance registration; at the door, DCAC members and students $20; non-members at the door, $25. Box lunches from Coastal Provision will be available for $6 each.

For more information or to register, visit www.darearts.org or call 252-473-5558.