Writers today do more than just write. As they promote their work and build platform, they also might present at conferences, appear on podcasts and radio shows, give live readings, participate in story slams, host webinars, and other events and activities that require them to speak in front of others.
That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled Margaret Montet is joining us for a pre-conference workshop called Speaking for Writers. Thanks to Margaret for participating in our Q&A!
Tell us a little about your involvement this year at HippoCamp.
I’ll be leading a master-class-style pre-conference workshop in which we’ll practice reading from our own work, delivering effective elevator speeches, and we’ll explore other kinds of speaking writers may be called upon to do. I’ll share tips, techniques, and exercises from the college public speaking course I love teaching. Best of all, it’ll be FUN!
Our motto is “memorable creative nonfiction.” Tell us about one of the more recent memoirs, essay collections, or individual essays you’ve read and why it was memorable.
Alexander Chee’s “How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays” is a phenomenal collection of essays which plunges into a writer’s life. Chee plunges through to the deep stuff, the motivational stuff, and what makes writers tick. I want to read it again now that I’m thinking about it. I also finished HippoCamp keynote Beverly Donofrio’s “Astonished,” the third in her memoir trilogy. I love her honest writing and I’ll always be grateful to HippoCamp for introducing me to her writing.
What made you decide to participate in HippoCamp this year as a speaker? If you’re a returning speaker, how did your past experiences encourage you to want to come back?
I presented my “The Charms of Travel Writing” workshop a few years ago at HippoCamp, and it was a rewarding experience. The attendees showered me with meaningful, positive feedback and I felt a part of a community of writers. I’m thrilled to speak at HippoCamp again this year!
What’s going to keep you busy between now and HippoCamp?
That’s easy: my collection of travel essays, “Nerd Traveler,” is coming out in July, so I’ll be promoting that and setting up some readings. I’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach, working on a collection of essays about music and a bibliomemoir about trees.
Since you’ll also be attending the conference, when you’re not wearing your “speaker hat,” what are you most looking forward to learning or doing?
I always get inspired at HippoCamp. I’m looking forward to new ideas, catching up with old friends, and connecting with some new ones. I’m really hoping those mashed potato sundaes show up at some point.
We love introducing Lancaster to attendees. Since you have been here before, what would you recommend to other attendees?
I enjoy the whole county of Lancaster. I love shopping in the Intercourse area for fabric and gifts, hitting the outlets, and driving around on the scenic rural roads.
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Thank you again, Margaret! And we echo Intercourse; Kitchen Kettle Village is one of our favorite places to visit in that area!
To learn more about HippoCamp: A Conference for Creative Nonfiction Writers and see our full list of speakers and sessions, visit the official conference website.
