“Write by the River”

Writer’s Retreat

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Garden Valley, Idaho

Writers are encouraged to register now for limited spaces available at the fifth annual “Write by the River” Writer’s Retreat in Garden Valley, only one hour north of Boise.

This Year’s Theme:

“How to Write and Market a Blog”

Featuring International Bloggers Stephanie Worrell, Ken Rodgers, and Elaine Ambrose

Cost: $60.00

Sponsored by

Mill Park Publishing

Eagle, ID

You Can be a National Blogger

Guest speakers Stephanie Worrell, Ken Rodgers, and Elaine Ambrose will explain the joys, challenges, and potential success associated with writing a blog. Key topics will include:

• How you can write a regular blog
• Identify your audience
• Focus on your subject and platform
• Attract readers
• Attract paying sponsors
• Increase exposure through speaking
• Promote your blog through social media
• Convert the blog into a web site and book

Saturday, October 5, 2013

9:30 am – Registration and Welcome

9:45 – “Your Blog as Witty Diary”

            Speaker: Stephanie Worrell

Stephanie Worrell has enjoyed a successful 25-year career as both a freelance writer and a public relations professional. A highlight of Stephanie’s career is starting Red Sky Public Relations in 2008. Red Sky is one of the top public firms in the country and recently established an office in San Francisco.

One of the many services offered to Red Sky clients is blog content creation that resonates with their target audiences, along with guiding clients with regard to the “ins and outs” of blog development with the goal of amassing followers in alignment with their brands. Stephanie has attended a wide-variety of blogging conferences, is a regular blogger and social media lover. In conjunction with releasing a new novel this winter, she will be launching a new blog entitled, Skunk River Living.

11:30 Lunch and Networking

1:00 pm – “Your Blog as Worldwide Forum”

Speaker: Ken Rodgers

Ken Rodgers is a writer, teacher and filmmaker who lives in Boise, Idaho. He has published three books of poetry and recently published an e-book of short stories available on Kindle.

Ken Rodgers writes and manages two blogs, one at www.kennethrodgers.com and one at www.bravotheproject.com. In addition he has guest blogged at a variety of sites.

With his wife Betty, Ken is in the final stages of producing and distributing a documentary film about his company of United States Marines at the Siege of Khe Sanh, Vietnam, in 1968. To find out more about the film, titled Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor, visit www.bravotheproject.com.

2:30 - BREAK – Network and Write

2:45 – “Your Blog as Your Identity”

Speaker: Elaine Ambrose

Elaine owns Mill Park Publishing and is an author of nine books including Menopause Sucks and Drinking with Dead Women Writers. She writes a blog titled “The Midlife Sage” for Annie Jennings PR and a blog titled “Midlife Cabernet” for her web site at www.elaineambrose.com

4:00 – Networking and Book Signing

5:00 – Retreat Ends

Retreat activities will be at the cabin of Elaine Ambrose in Southfork Landing next to the river in Garden Valley. Directions: Drive north of Boise on Highway 55. Turn right at Banks onto State Highway 21. Go about 12 miles, turn right at Alder Creek Road and go over the bridge. Turn right on Freedom Ranch Road into Southfork Landing. Turn right on Southfork Lane.

“Write by the River”

Registration Form Due Sept. 5

Space is Limited

Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State and Zip _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Email________________________________________

Vegetarian meals preferred? Circle Yes or No

Complete, copy and send with $60 check payable to Mill Park Publishing to:

Mill Park Publishing

PO Box 1931

Eagle, ID 83616

Cost of $60 covers speakers, materials, lunch, and snacks. No refunds after Sept. 10.

Questions? Need to use a credit card? Call Elaine at (208) 890-8122 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Past speakers have included acclaimed writers Tony Doerr, Gretchen Anderson, Alan Heathcock, Jennifer Basye Sander, Lance Olsen, Stacy Dymalski, and Amanda Turner.