Dana Gioia, Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture at USC, and Deborah Harkness, professor of history at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and author of the best-selling book A Discovery of Witches, will be featured speakers at the inaugural USC Writers Conference to be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 20 at Doheny Memorial Library.

“The Business and Craft of Storytelling” daylong conference will serve as a kick-off to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books taking place at USC April 21-22.

“This conference is designed to give writers an edge in today’s competitive, changing world of publishing,” said Eileen Kohan, associate provost and executive director for USC Continuing Education and Summer Programs. “You can sharpen your business skills and network with writing and publishing leaders on Friday, then continue learning about the craft of storytelling by attending Festival of Books events throughout the weekend.”

At 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Ivory Madison, CEO and editor in chief of redroom.com, will offer the keynote address “What It Takes to Be a Great Writer.”

At 2:30 p.m. on April 20, Gioia, who is affiliated with several schools at USC, including USC Dornsife, will conduct a session called “The Writer as Entrepreneur.” Harkness, whose second book in her All Souls triology is due this summer, will speak at 11:15 a.m. about “Resources for World-Makers: Finding Authenticity in the Library.”

Other sessions will delve into the promise and peril of self-publishing, the benefits of social networking and finding a community of writers.

The conference registration price includes the sessions, lunch and concluding reception. Registration is $100 for the public and $75 for USC alumni.

Register and learn more about the program at continuingeducation.usc.edu/course.php?course_id=1049

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