Writers want publishers, and publishers want writers, and they all want a darn fine cup of coffee. So this weekend (May 27-29) they’re all going to get what they want as local hero, author and publisher, Bob Nelson, and his legion of literature lovers are launching their first ever “Cirque de Livre” Writer’s Conference in downtown Mesa. (That’s ‘Book Circus’ for you Freedom Fries lovers.)
The goal of this new, three-day round-up of writers is to be “informative, engaging, interactive and fun,” with discussion panels, workshops and events designed to cover everything from the technical aspects of the literary life to how to best kick start your imagination.
“Cirque is focused on the craft of writing, in giving writers at all levels and of all genres the ability to learn something new and apply that to their work,” said Cirque de Livre organizer, Bob Nelson.
The conference talks alone, with topics like “Plot is More Than Path on a Map” and “Collaborating: Write a Book Without Killing Each Other,” should be enough to get your creative juices flowing, but you can always supplement your experience with actual juices (or coffee or tea) from the host venues, including Inside the Bungalow, Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea and Gallery, and Volstead Public House.
Cirque de Livre’s wide array of guests will include: authors Sharon Skinner (The Healer’s Legacy), Tom Leveen (Party), and J.A. Giunta (the Ascension series); publishers Brick Cave Media, Four Chambers Press, and T.R.I.B.E. Comics; as well as Arizona’s Nerd Poet Laureate (as decreed by NERDVANA), The Klute.
The Cirque writer’s conference also offers a unique opportunity for authors to “speed date” with potential artists (for getting that perfect book cover) and publishers (to get your hard work into print.)
Books by many of the event’s professionals will be available at the conference’s main staging location, the PUB (Pop Up Bookstore), inside Lulubell Toy Bodega. You can also get your books autographed at events throughout the weekend.
For detailed information, updates, locations, and to purchase event passes to Cirque de Livre, visit: cirquedelivre.com
