Author Nancy Hartney is available for
Workshops, Author Readings, Small Group Meetings, and Conferences
In-Person or Virtual Formats
Contact Nancy to Request Workshops
Developing Story Through Art
A workshop, co-presented with author Nancy Hartney and a working acrylic or watercolor artist, uses images and writing prompts to jump-start creative writing endeavors. Three painting themes—Portraiture, Still Life, and Nature—are explored visually and within a historical context. From the visual endeavors, unedited, free-style writing exercises are generated with a focus on short, free-form poems, color lists, and creative prose. The alternating presentation between images and prose, allows the participant to hone writing tools and aesthetic appreciation. The dual format can be offered virtually or in-person.
Readings from Short Story Collections, Novel, or Poems
Readings via Zoom from Nancy’s two collections of short stories, Washed in the Water and If the Creek Don’t Rise, are available for library gatherings and conference presentations. These slice of life tales chronicle a time past that is poignant, vivid, and sometimes brutal. The reader stares into the eyes of people struggling with living, grasping for understanding, doing the best they know how. The hard-used characters, tangled relationships, family angst, and fortitude reflect lives and hardships, hopes and dreams of folk who have noting except grit–and sometimes love– to offer.
Nancy’s debut novel, If You Walk Long Enough, is a story of coming home from Vietnam to a place that is deeply changed. It is a tale of angst, reconciliation, and letting go. Poetry readings are available from her image poems, social comments work, or daily living thoughts. In-person or virtual formats can be offered.
Book Club Conversations and Discussions
Short story collections add variety and spice to book club discussions and conversations, a something for everyone in our too busy world. Washed in the Water and If the Creek Don’t Rise are available together or as a single volume for your group discussion on thematic issues and character motivations. Each tale reflects individuals doing the best they can, the best they know how. May be presented in-person or virtually.
Writing Short Stories: Five Essential Elements Workshop
Writing a short story is different from writing a novel. Length is a factor, but other elements also distinguish short fiction. In this craft workshop via virtual or in-person presentation, Nancy examines five criteria required of a short piece. She offers concrete tips for how to hone sentences and distill your work–fiction and non-fiction—into short pieces for magazines, anthologies, journals or a book length collection. Participants will complete exercises as well as deconstructing well-known examples of short work.
Developing Characters
Think Huck Finn, Captain Ahab, or Scarlett O’Hara— personalities that live on long after the story and plot fades. That’s the power of character. This craft workshop explores tools specific to character development using worksheets, discussion, writing exercises, and reading suggestions. Workshop available virtually or in-person.
Uniquely Southern Customs and Folklore Presentation
Nancy Hartney writes about the Deep South chronicling a time not quite past influencing society today. She discusses folkways and social mores in the South that find traction in today’s society. These customs, illustrated in her acclaimed books, introduce the regional newcomer to southern traditions while connecting home folks to past memories. The workshop is offered virtually or in-person.
Critique Groups: Power and Limitations Workshop
Friends think you have a gift for writing. Your spouse says your work is “fine.” Is it time to consider vetting your work with a larger audience? This workshop explores critique group pros and cons: meeting options, dos and don’ts of participation, how to critique the work of others, and submission guidelines. Finally, the most critical element of reviewing is your emotional preparation for constructive, honest feedback that strikes the best balance for your writerly growth. Interactive exercises, take home resources, reading lists, and how-to suggestions conclude this workshop. Virtual or in-person format available.
Nancy Hartney 
