WORKSHOPS PART OF HEARTLAND WRITER'S CONFERENCE AUG. 16

Writing workshops conducted by noted publishing professionals from New York and across the country will highlight the third annual Heartland Writer's Conference Aug. 16 at the Holiday Inn in Cape Girardeau.

Eighteen seminars on writing and selling stories to publishers and the mass market will be held. Sessions include writing for children's and young adult markets, selling to magazines, writing romance, dealing with agents, developing a plot, and writing poetry.

Featured speakers are New York agents Alice Orr and Evan Marshall, Berkley Publishing Group editor Melinda Metz, Zebra editor Paul Dinas, Book Creations editor Pamela Pease and Avon Children's/YA editor Ellen Krieger.

Scheduled to conduct workshops are area writers Constance Bennett, Patricia Bill, poet Louis Daniel Brodsky, Eileen Dryer, William W. Johnstone, Elizabeth Kary, Joe Keene, Constance O'Banyon, Jory Sherman, Bobbi Smith, Dan and Lynda Trent, Robert Vaughan and Frank Watson.

The conference begins with an Aug. 14 evening autograph signing session at Waldenbooks in West Park Mall, and continues with seminars beginning at 8 a.m. Aug. 15.

Agents and editors will conduct group appointments with the public. Groups will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

The conference fee is $75 and includes workshops, the group appointment, hospitality room, a buffet luncheon and a banquet. Deadline for registration is Aug. 7. For more information, write Shirleen Sando, 813 Michael Street, Kennett, Mo. 63857.