MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA) will hold its 22nd Annual Conference on Saturday, June 1, in Marquette at the Peter White Public Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As always, this year’s conference will cover a variety of topics relevant to writing, publishing, and marketing, and it will be of interest to beginning writers as well as seasoned, published authors.

This year’s keynote speaker is Karen Dionne, author of the international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter, which is set in the U.P., was named a 2018 Michigan Notable book, and is currently being optioned for a major motion picture. Karen’s address is titled “What I Learned from Writing My Breakout Book,” which includes why her fourth novel succeeded and the six tips she’s learned for writing standout fiction.

Other sessions to be held are “Audiobook Adventures: New Media and Sales Channels for All Authors!” by Victor Volkman, “Indie Publishing Road Map: Details, Deadlines, and Directions for a Successful Publishing Journey” by Lloyd Wescoat and Aimée Bissonette, “The Art of Hawking” by Kenn Grimes, “Children’s Book Industry 201: Agents (vs. Schmagents), the Submission Process, and A Little Contract Stuff,” by Carrie Pearson, a novel writing panel titled “Fabricating Fabulous Fiction” featuring Deborah Frontiera, Terri Martin, and Naomi Rawlings, who will focus on setting, plot, and characters, and a “Marketing Magic Roundtable” featuring Victor Volkman, Charli Mills, and Naomi Rawlings who will discuss Amazon keywords, author platforms and media kits, and how to break into the ebook marketplace. All the speakers are members of UPPAA or authors who live in or write about Upper Michigan.

A business meeting will also be held, the highlight of which will be the presentation of the second annual Dandelion Cottage Awards for its student short story contest. First place will be awarded to Emma Locknane of Gwinn, who was last year’s second place winner, for her story “Trouble with Terrans.” The award includes a medallion, the winner’s name on a traveling school trophy, and a $250 cash prize. Second place will be awarded to Lucy Woods of Copper Country Christian Schools for her story “Stellae,” accompanied by a medallion and $100 prize. A medallion and prize money of $50 will go to third place winner Kaitlin Ambuehl of Republic-Michigamme Schools for her story “Free.” For more information about the annual Dandelion Cottage short story contest, visit www.DandelionCottage.org.

In addition, the release of the third volume of U.P. Reader, UPPAA’s own annual literary anthology featuring short stories, poetry, and essays by its members, will be celebrated. This successful publication has helped spread the word about the organization, raise money for it, and encourage people in the Upper Peninsula and beyond to read U.P. writers. For more information, visit www.UPReader.org.

A lunch buffet will be catered by Border Grill, a book collection will be taken up to support the Alger County Kiwanis’ annual auction, and networking opportunities will exist for anyone wishing to learn more about writing, publishing, and book marketing.

The general public may attend the meeting for a registration fee. UPPAA members attend free of charge. Space is limited, so advanced registration is recommended. Membership details, benefits, and registration are available online at www.uppaa.org. Lunch is available for a per person fee with advance reservations required. For questions, contact membership secretary Brandy Thomas at uppaa.membership@gmail.com or (509) 675-2487. To register by mail, send a check payable to UPPAA to Brandy Thomas, 140 Youngs Road, Gwinn, MI 49841. Registrations online or by mail must be received no later than May 25.

Established in 1998 to support authors and publishers who live in or write about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, UPPAA is a Michigan nonprofit association with more than 100 members, many of whose books are featured on the organization’s website at www.uppaa.org. UPPAA welcomes membership and participation from anyone with a UP connection who is interested in writing and publishing books.