Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Achieving Energy; May 19, 2008; This event will take place in Chicago, Illinois. Learn how to create great fashion photographs by combining your energy with that of the model's and your assistants.

Luminous, Lustrous Colored Pencil; May 19-23, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Kristy Kutch.

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Location Master Class; May 20-22, 2008; This event will take place in Chicago, Illinois. "A unique opportunity for those looking to break into fashion photography, Smith's Master Classes will prepare you for everything on the horizon. You will shoot in a professional environment under Smith's personal guidance."

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Adobe Photoshop; May 23, 2008; This event will take place in Chicago, Illinois. "Smith and an Adobe Expert will demonstrate how to overcome the specific challenges of retouching, color correcting and making montages for fashion shoots. From planning to processing, each workshop will give you the expertise to efficiently run your own shoots while producing high-caliber work that will set your portfolio apart."

Watercolor: Beyond the Norm (Watercolor on Gesso); May 26-30, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Don Getz.

Marydale Writer's Retreat Workshop; May 26 - June 1, 2008; This event will take place in Erlanger, Kentucky. "Not a writing conference, but intimate workshops and retreats. Daily in-depth classes; assignments; writing time; diagnostic sessions; readings; one-on-ones with WRW acclaimed core staff; nightly "shop talks" and brainstorming sessions with staff Mentors - proteges of the late GARY PROVOST, "arguably the leading teacher of writing in the United States" (Writer's Digest Books); visiting editor/agent/author classes and one-on-one consultations; informal gatherings; "surprises"; and more. Included in tuition: three meals daily, private rooms, classes, meetings and all materials. Most important, the promise that you'll make dramatic leaps in your writing, self-editing, and marketing ability no matter your skill or publishing level. Published and not-yet-published writers rave about their WRW experience."

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Location Master Class; May 27-29, 2008; This event will take place in San Francisco, California. "A unique opportunity for those looking to break into fashion photography, Smith's Master Classes will prepare you for everything on the horizon. You will shoot in a professional environment under Smith's personal guidance."

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Adobe Photoshop; May 30, 2008; This event will take place in San Francisco, California. "Smith and an Adobe Expert will demonstrate how to overcome the specific challenges of retouching, color correcting and making montages for fashion shoots. From planning to processing, each workshop will give you the expertise to efficiently run your own shoots while producing high-caliber work that will set your portfolio apart."

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Achieving Energy; May 31, 2008; This event will take place in San Francisco, California. Learn how to create great fashion photographs by combining your energy with that of the model's and your assistants.

7th Annual War Poetry Contest; Deadline May 31, 2008; "Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,000. Top prize $2,000. Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on the theme of war, up to 500 lines in all. Winning entries published online. Sponsored by Winning Writers. $15 entry fee, payable to Winning Writers. Judge: Jendi Reiter. Include cover sheet with contact information. No name on poems. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: War Poetry Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. More information on the website."

June

Flash Fiction Prize For Kennesaw Review; $15 entry fee for an unpublished flash fiction of 750 words or less. Prize is $500 for one winning poem. Winners will be published in the June issue of Kennesaw Review.

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Achieving Energy; June 2, 2008; This event will take place in Los Angeles, California. Learn how to create great fashion photographs by combining your energy with that of the model's and your assistants.

Impressionistic And Representational Watercolor; June 2-6, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Ron Ranson.

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Location Master Class; June 3-5, 2008; This event will take place in Los Angeles, California. "A unique opportunity for those looking to break into fashion photography, Smith's Master Classes will prepare you for everything on the horizon. You will shoot in a professional environment under Smith's personal guidance."

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Adobe Photoshop; June 6, 2008; This event will take place in Los Angeles, California. "Smith and an Adobe Expert will demonstrate how to overcome the specific challenges of retouching, color correcting and making montages for fashion shoots. From planning to processing, each workshop will give you the expertise to efficiently run your own shoots while producing high-caliber work that will set your portfolio apart."

Writing Fiction For Children; June 7-8, 2008; This event will take place at the Centerra Promenade, Loveland, Colorado. "CAB features two full exciting days of world-class instruction and exercises on writing fiction for children of all ages, with emphasis on character and plot development, dialogue, descriptive writing, point of view, writing strong beginnings, editing your own work and submitting manuscripts to publishers. If your dream of writing children's books needs a shot of adrenaline, this is the place to get it. Because it's a step-by-step program, CAB is great for beginners! No previous experience is needed to benefit from this workshop, and you'll leave on Sunday with everything you need to know to write your masterpiece!"

Exploring Expressive Florals In Watercolor; June 9-13, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Janet Walsh.

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Studio Master Class; June 9-12, 2008; This event will take place in Los Angeles, California. "A unique opportunity for those looking to break into fashion photography, Smith's Master Classes will prepare you for everything on the horizon. You will shoot in a professional environment under Smith's personal guidance."

Sedona Retreat With Paul McCarthy And Tom Bird; June 13-14, 2008; This event will take place in Sedona, Arizona. "Finally, finally, finally, I have gotten my old buddy, Paul McCarthy, the best editor in New York, who has been directly responsible for the success of nine #1 New York Times Best Selling Authors, including Clive Cussler, Nelson DeMille and Stephen Coonts, to agree to come to Sedona to host a retreat."

Fashion Photography With Bruce Smith - Adobe Photoshop; June 13, 2008; This event will take place in Los Angeles, California. "Smith and an Adobe Expert will demonstrate how to overcome the specific challenges of retouching, color correcting and making montages for fashion shoots. From planning to processing, each workshop will give you the expertise to efficiently run your own shoots while producing high-caliber work that will set your portfolio apart."

Abroad Writers' Conference In The South Of France; June 14-28, 2008; This event will take place in Seillans, Pay de Fayence, France. "Abroad Writers' Conference-Authors without Borders, where world voices are heard. Our top heavy conference is led by some of the worlds most talented authors, poets, screenwriters and literary agents."

Whole Novel Workshop; June 14-21, 2008; This event will take place in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. "A new program, founded and directed by Carolyn Coman and specifically designed for writers of middle-grade and young-adult novels, our Whole Novel Workshop offers the one-on-one attention to be found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a novel to the next level, in preparation for submission to agents or publishers."

Minnesota Northwoods Writer's Conference; June 15-20, 2008; This event will take place at Bemidji State University, Minnesota. "Participants wake each morning, gather their thoughts, notebooks, and writing utensils, and head off to three-hour workshops of no more than thirteen participants. In the small workshops the faculty member, a proven writer and teacher, and fellow participants provide honest feedback and encouragement. The excitement and inspiration of the workshop spills over into the rest of the day. After lunch, participants have the opportunity to attend an afternoon literary event for example, a conversation with the Distinguished Visiting Writer or seminar sponsored by the National Writers Union. Afternoons and early evenings are free for writing, reading, talking with new friends, exploring galleries and boutiques in downtown Bemidji or strolling tranquil trails of the nearby state park. More active participants can take advantage of the Outdoor Program Center kayak and canoe rentals or the University Recreation Center for a small fee. After dinner a faculty member reads, sharing his or her work and insight on writing with the entire conference. Afterwards participants often gather on their own for informal readings, workshops, and conversations that carry on into the night."

52nd Wesleyan Writer's Conference; June 15-20, 2008 ; This event will take place in Middletown, Connecticut. "The program includes classes, workshops, readings, panels, lectures, and (optional) manuscript consultations, all designed to give you new perspectives on your work and the company of other writers who share your interests. 2007 Faculty Included Ann Beattie, Robert Stone, Amy Bloom, Roxana Robinson, Josip Novakovich, Alexander Chee, Katha Pollitt, Honor Moore, Peter Gizzi, Victoria Redel, Jonathan Schell, Jennifer Gonnerman, William Finnegan, and others, including agents, editors, translators, and founders of new journals and multi-media collectives. Previous faculty includes Norman Rush, Joyce Carol Oates, Ha Jin, Dana Gioia, Philip Gourevitch, Elizabeth Willis, and Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket). (Faculty may change. See our website for updates.) Seminars: Each member of the Conference faculty leads a daily seminar, which usually includes a short lecture, discussion, and optional writing exercises. You are welcome to attend seminars in several genres. Seminar topics: Novel, Short Story, Fiction Techniques, Narrative in Fiction and Nonfiction, Poetry, Literary Journalism, Short and Long-Form Nonfiction, Memoir, and multi-media and online work. Manuscript Consultations: A faculty member or teaching fellow will meet with you privately to discuss your work. Publishing: You will have the chance to meet with editors and agents interested in meeting new writers. Previous participants have gone on to publishing success, and several have won major awards including the Pulitzer Prize. Wesleyan participants have been featured in the annual anthology, Best New American Voices."

The Writing Show First Chapter Of A Novel Contest; Deadline: June 20, 2008; Entry fee is $25 if received by May 20, 2008, and $32 between May 21 and June 20, 2008. "We want to find the world's best first chapter of an unpublished novel. Above all, you must tell a compelling story. That means that you have to grab us so quickly, so completely, that we can't stop reading, even if the house is burning down." First Prize is $1,000, an interview on The Writing Show, having the chapter posted on The Writing Show Web site and the eternal glory of victory! Other prizes range from $400 to $100. 10 lucky winners, chosen at random, will receive a 750 word feedback.

Cheap Joe's "Boone In June" Trade Show And Art Festival!; June 21, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Santa Barbara Writer's Summer Conference; June 21-26, 2008; This event will take place in Santa Barbara, California. "The intent of SBWC is to give all writers the opportunity to improve their craft, to associate with highly credentialed professionals and to mingle with other writers. We have 30 different instructional workshops each day on everything from fiction to non-fiction, to screenwriting, poetry, biography, autobiography and memoir, young adult, marketing and ways to get your creative juices flowing. In the late afternoons we schedule either a speaker or a panel and every evening we have a major author speaker. One day is dedicated to agents and editors and, for an additional fee, you can sign up to pitch a project. Three late-night "pirate" workshops are offered for those who desire in-depth critiquing. Then there are the opening barbecue, faculty and alumni book signing, midweek cocktail party and final awards banquet."

36th Annual Santa Barbara Writer's Conference; June 21-26, 2008; This event will take place in Santa Barbara, California. "This year featured speakers include Ray Bradbury, Joseph Wambaugh, Sue Grafton, Jane Heller and Luis Alberto Urrea. But the heart and soul of SBWC are the more than 30 daily workshops offered in every genre, including literary and commercial fiction, nonfiction like memoir and magazine writing, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, humor and marketing. The week also offers a chance for writers to meet with agents and editors, Master Classes, special panel discussions, and a Young Writers Program."

Travel Photography: Creating A Sense Of Place; June 21-27, 2008; This event will take place in San Francisco, California. "While experiencing the abundant personality of San Francisco, Brenda Tharp helps you capture images that effectively convey a sense of place. She discusses topics including depth of field, composition, and the use of light and color to highlight a location’s character. She also discusses photographing people while traveling, and the importance of gesture and body language in candid moments. While creating a comfortable environment in which you are encouraged to think outside the box, her “can-do” approach to teaching photography challenges you to adapt to tricky situations and less-than-perfect conditions. During daily critique sessions she inspires you to look beyond the snapshot and helps you develop an eye for images that capture a slice of life."

Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat And Literary Festival; June 22-27, 2008 ; This event will take place in Aspen, Colorado. "The Aspen Writers' Foundation, Colorado's oldest nonprofit literary organization, presents the 31st annual Aspen Summer Words, a pioneering writing retreat featuring hands-on instruction with some of today's most celebrated authors and educators. What sets this writers' conference apart is simple: we help writers develop their craft by providing a winning combination of inspiration, knowledge and opportunity. And we offer up this triple whammy in the world-class small town of Aspen - a backdrop that has all the beauty of a national park and, during Aspen Summer Words, all the charm of your favorite bookstore."

Manhattanville Summer Writers' Week; June 23-27, 2008; This event will take place at Manhattanville College, New York. "Writers from across the country gather at Manhattanville College each summer for the school's annual week-long writing conference. Manhattanville, which offers a 32-credit Master of Arts in Writing degree program, publishes the literary magazine Inkwell, and hosts a lively series of workshops and other literary events throughout the year, is home to a respected literary community. During Writer's Week, participants spend the mornings in workshops with well-known, published authors, focusing on fiction, short fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, children's/young adult literature, and the art of the profile. The 2007 faculty includes Elizabeth Strout, Frederic Tuten, Suji Kwock Kim, and Patricia Gauch. The program includes sessions with editors and agents, faculty readings, and a special guest lecture. Overnight accommodations on Manhattanville's beautiful 100-acre campus are available if needed. The program can be taken for credit toward a master's degree or on a non-credit basis. Applicants are asked to submit writing samples along with an application by June 3rd."

The Oil Color Experience (Water-Soluble Oils); June 23-27, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Sean Dye.

Margaret Reid Poetry Contest For Traditional Verse; Deadline: June 30, 2008; "Fifth year. Fourteen cash prizes totaling $5,250. Top prize $2,000. Submit poems in traditional verse forms, such as sonnets and free verse. Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Entry fee is $6 for every 25 lines, payable to Winning Writers. Judges: J.H. Reid, D.C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. More information on the website."

July

Craft Of Composition; July 5-11, 2008; This event will take place in Missoula, Montana. "During the week, you learn to create stronger images through the use of effective composition. Capitalizing on years of experience and a unique approach that emphasizes light and shadow as well as other important compositional elements, David Wells introduces you to the different building blocks of composition. While in critique sessions, he provides honest and constructive feedback of images, allowing you to learn from the strengths and weaknesses of everyone in the class. You emerge from this workshop with the ability to approach your subjects with more forethought and to produce images that better connect with the viewer."

Beginning To Intermediate Acrylic Painting; July 7-11, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Cathy Cranford Futral.

Antioch Writers' Workshop; July 12-18, 2008; This event will take place in Yellow Springs, Ohio. "Keynote speaker and fiction teacher: Myla Golberg, author of Bee Season and Wickett's Remedy. Poetry seminar: John Drury. Guest agent: Susan Schulman. More faculty to be announced! Morning Lectures: During three consecutive lectures - fiction, poetry and narrative nonfiction - noted authors tell you how to hone your craft and keep your writing fresh. Afternoon Sessions: Professionals speak on the business side of writing and the First Book Talk features workshop alumni who've gone on to publish their work. During optional Afternoon Intensives participants 'workshop' their manuscripts. Private manuscript consultations are available at an additional charge. Evening Activities: Lively readings, stimulating panel discussions and dramatic presentations feature faculty and special guests. Coffee House Readings provide an opportunity for participants to listen to the work of fellow writers and read from their own work."

Highlights Foundation Writer's Workshop; July 12-19, 2008; This event will take place in New York, New York. "The conference includes seminars, small-group workshops, and one-on-one sessions with some of the most accomplished and prominent authors, illustrators, editors, critics, and publishers in the world of children's literature."

Mixed Media Collage; July 14-18, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Cathy Taylor.

Sewanee Writers' Conference And Young Writers' Conference; July 15-27, 2008; This event will take place in South Sewanee, Tennessee. "This July, 135 high school students of writing will gather on Sewanee's stately mountaintop campus. During an intense twelve-day period, participants will read and critique each other's manuscripts under the leadership of some of our country's finest fiction writers, poets, and playwrights. All faculty members and fellows give scheduled readings; senior faculty members offer craft lectures; open-mic readings accommodate many others. Additional writers, along with a host of writing professionals, visit to give readings, participate in panel discussions, and entertain questions from the audience. Receptions and mealtimes offer opportunities for informal exchange. Workshops form the backbone of the Conference experience; these meet for five two-and-one-half-hour sessions. In one-on-one meetings with distinguished faculty members, participants have further opportunity to hone their manuscripts, benefiting from the experience of established writers who identify strengths and weaknesses and make suggestions for revisions."

Working With Colors And Shapes In Watercolor; July 21-25, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Joseph Fettingis.

Watercolor: Beyond The Basics; July 28 - August 1, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Sue Archer.

August

The Photography Of People; August 1-7, 2008; This event will take place in Missoula, Montana. "With their enthusiastic approach to teaching, Jeremy Lurgio and Tony Rizzuto draw on their individual experiences while helping you become more comfortable photographing and interacting with people. They provide lectures and assignments on topics including composition, exposure, using fill flash to make your subject stand out, what equipment to carry, and how to incorporate your creative touch while shooting on the fly. Honest and constructive critiques of your images allow you to leave this workshop a more confident and knowledgeable photographer of people."

Joe Miller's Watercolor; August 4-8, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Joe Miller.

Painting Color And Light In Watercolor; August 11-15, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Steve Rogers.

Flowers And Portraits In Watercolor; August 18-22, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Ta Janet Rogers.

Plein Air Watercolor; August 25-29, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Tony van Hasselt.

September

Raving Dove Contest; Deadline: September 1, 2008; "Raving Dove is an online literary journal dedicated to sharing thought-provoking writing, photography, and art that opposes the use of violence as conflict resolution, and embraces the intrinsic themes of peace and human rights. First Prize is $1,000 U.S., publication at Raving Dove and publicity. Three Honorable Mentions will receive publication at Raving Dove. Nonfiction essays between 600 and 800 words max will be eligible with sentiments that reflect one or more of the following themes: Anti-war, anti-violence, human rights, peace. Your essay can either depict the tragedy of violence and war, or the hope that one day we can evolve beyond it." Entry fee is $15, and includes membership.

Watercolor: Synthesizing East And West; September 1-5, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Cheng-Khee Chee.

British Science Fiction Association Short Story Competition; Deadline: September 5, 2008; "The competition is open to any writer resident in the UK or Ireland. The maximum length of stories is 8,000 words. The winner will receive a cash prize of £500, the short listed runners up will receive £50, and the winning and short listed entries will be published in a special issue of FOCUS the BSFA's magazine for writers. The winner will be announced at the BSFA 50th Anniversary Birthday Party, 26 November 2008." Entry fee is £10.

Watercolor: Synthesizing East And West; September 8-12, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Cheng-Khee Chee.

Painting In Layers For Expressive Meaning And Personal Style, Intermediate - Advanced ; September 15-19, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Skip Lawrence.

Neil van Niekerk Lighting Workshop; September 16, 2008; This event will take place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Learn practical, how-to advice for achieving the best results when using on-camera flash, both indoors and outdoors. The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations and hand-on practice.

Neil van Niekerk Lighting Workshop; September 17, 2008; This event will take place in Chicago, Illinois. Learn practical, how-to advice for achieving the best results when using on-camera flash, both indoors and outdoors. The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations and hand-on practice.

Francese Watercolor Workshop; September 22-26, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Frank Francese.

Acrylics The Watercolor Way; September 29 - October 3, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Charles Harrington.

Asham Award Contest; Deadline: September 30, 2008; "The foremost short story prize for unpublished women writers. Prizes are £1,000, £500 and £300. Runners up receive £100 each, and have their stories published in a collection by Bloomsbury. There is a 4,000-word limit. Entrants must be female and can be of any nationality and from any country providing that they are over 18 and currently resident in the United Kingdom. They should not have had a novel or book of short stories for adults previously published." No entry fee.

October

Firswriters.com Poetry Competition; Deadline: October 1, 2008; "Seventh International Poetry Competition open to poems in any style and on any subject under 30 lines long. Enter online. First place is £500 (over $750), with $150 for the best runner-up from the United States and £100 for the best runner-up from the United Kingdom. Ten special commendations will also be awarded and all the winners will be published in firstwriter.magazine and receive a free year's subscription to the site. Reading fee of $4.50 / £3.00 per poem. Alternatively you can enter three poems for just $3.75 / £2.50 each, five poems for only $3.00 / £2.00 each, or ten poems for only $2.25 / £1.50 per poem."

Kubota Image Tool Creative Photography Workshop; October 5-11, 2008; This event will take place in Italy. This event will include several photo excursions, classroom instruction, photography critiquing and more.

Seeing The Light In Watercolor; October 6-10, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Betty Carr.

Producing Quality Watercolors; October 13-17, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Joseph Bohler.

What If? Mixed Watermedia And Collage, Intermediate - Advanced; October 20-24, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Mary Alice Braukman.

Watercolor Fun And Free; October 27-31, 2008; This event will take place at Cheap Joe's, Charlotte, North Carolina. The instructor will be Karlyn Holman.

November

Finding Your Focus In Sedona, Arizona; November 10-15, 2008; This event will take place in Sedona, Arizona. "During this advanced class, Elizabeth Stone and Tim Cooper mentor you in the field as well as the classroom as you work toward defining your personal style. Along with being educators and photographers, Elizabeth and Tim are also exceptional motivators. Throughout the week, they constantly encourage you to find ways to improve your photography, whether by trying a new technique, experimenting with different camera settings or by helping you think through a new photo project. Classroom topics include creating a digital workflow that works for you, organizing and cataloging your images, and presenting your work to the world (whether in a book, as prints or in a gallery). Written assignments are intended to help you recognize and affirm your goals and to help generate ideas. During field shoots, portfolio reviews and in-depth critiques, Elizabeth and Tim do what they do best: inspire."