As a stay-at-home mom to a toddler and a new writer, I’m struggling to learn two new jobs at once.  In these times of recession and renewal, writing has helped me de-stress after long days filled with, ‘No, you can’t play with Mommie’s blackberry’ and trying to sneak in much sought after naps in the afternoon.  Yet, I fear I still need to hone my passion into a better craft.  If you’re an aspiring scribe, or even a seasoned veteran who wants to freshen up, below are a few workshops and conferences that might pique your  interest:

Gotham Workshops and Conferences - Ongoing

The classes are always small and they cater to people who are just learning up to professional writers and teachers.  Gotham provides extensive class time in their 10 week workshops for both the basic and advanced student-of all writing genres to ensure everyone gets their chance to ask questions and have work reviewed.  They also offer online classes, which include: private instruction, and a mentoring program.  If you have questions – Call 1-877-974-837 (toll-free)

Backspace Writers Conference – May 28-29 2010

This two day writer’s conference will be located at the Radisson Martinique-New York City at the end of this month and will focus on intensely concentrated instruction. There will be two keynote speakers: Lorenzo Carcaterra, who is a #1N NYTimes bestselling author, and Neil S Nyren, Sr. VP, Publishing and Editor in Chief of GP Putnam’s Sons who will discuss how to prepare your work for publication by reading your submission pages and stopping when the content no longer works.  Attendees are allowed a critique period to determine why the piece ‘failed.’   The workshops are divided up by genre and you can select your preference.  Several top literary agents will also speak including, Paul Cirone (Molly Friedrich agency) and Elizabeth Evans (Jean Naggar agency). Click here for Registration.

For those of you too busy beach bumming or going on wild vacations for source material, here are some other literary launching pads to consider:

Algonkian Writer Conferences – June to October 2010

If you’re an aspiring writer and in need of knowledge about pitching to agents or publishers, then you may like these upcoming workshops: Algonkian Park Workshop (June 16-20), and NYC Pitch and Shop (spots still available for June 24-27.)  These conferences are short, edgy, and full of tips and advice for anyone striving for publication.

International Women’s Writing Guild “Remember the Magic” – July 30 – August 6, 2010

For the first time in 33 years, the IWWG conference will be held at Brown University in Providence, RI!  This is a once a year opportunity to learn from the best in writing.  There will be 50 daily, 90 minute workshops in a week-long session.  To obtain the perfect balance of classes, tailored to your wants and desires, the conference also offers a 5-day or 2.5 day option.  This is perfect for writers juggling day jobs or deadlines.  Register for all or part of the conference by clicking here.

SouthHampton Writer’s Conference – July 14-25, 2010

This is the 35th year of the conference and it will be held at Stony Brook, South Hampton.  The conference welcomes any and all who desire instruction in a friendly, but professional format.  If you fancy yourself a playwright, or you are writing your memoir, but need to hone in on your passion, this provides you with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best including: Alan Alda, who wrote many of the M*A*S*H episodes, and Lou Ann Walker, who’s memoir, ‘A Loss for Words, won a Christopher Award.

Some of these conferences and workshops offer their instruction at little to no cost; however, some of the more intensive programs require a fee, so please review the information within the links provided to ensure that you register for the workshop that best fits your needs financially, and professionally.