Critical Connection Fiction Workshops is a 501(c)(3) organization devoted promoting new and emerging writers through the publication of our journal Orchid: A Literary Review and through ongoing writing instruction and workshops to enhance the writing skills of beginning writers. We are now proud to be assisting 826michiganwith the organization of adult writing programs to finance the 826michigan mission.

826michigan is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Their services are structured around the belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

All of 826michigan's services are provided without charge (yes, that means everything is FREE). One means of funding these programs are workshops for adults for which we accept a set donation. All donations are fully tax-deductible. On October 29, 2005 we held a successful day-long writers' camp with workshops taught by Barb Shoup and Julie Orringer.

Orchid: A Literary Review presents new publishing workshops, short story workshops, novel writing workshops.

Are you interesting in seeing your writing published? Are you trying to learn how to write successful short fiction? Do you have a completed novel that needs editing or reader input? If the answer is yes, you may be interested in scheduling a visit from Orchid's editors for a workshop in your area. We are now offering two-day weekend workshops or five day workshops running from Wednesday through Sunday. For more info pleas e-mail us at keith AT Critical Connection DOT orgAll of the writing workshop include Basics of the Publishing World, taught by Keith Hood or Amy Sumerton. In this seminar, the editors of Ann Arbor-based literary journal Orchid demystify the process of submission, acceptance, and (of course) rejection. Topics covered include: writing a cover letter that won't drive an editor crazy, the importance of a strong first paragraph, and an overview of the publishing world's current climate.

“Keith Hood and Amy Sumerton have an amazing gift for explaining the complicated processes of the publishing world of literary journals in a way that makes this information accessible to writers of all experience levels. Challenged with a class that had a variety of levels of sophistication concerning the writing world, they delivered an excellent presentation that left the students with a realistic and hopeful view of publishing their work.” -Dr. Michelle Brooks, Director of Creative Writing, Macomb Community College.