Judith E. Harper

Judith E. Harper is a freelance historian and author, veteran blogger, seasoned internet researcher, and, as she says, "a novelist who wishes that one day soon her fiction writing will become more than a hobby." She has written two adult works of history as well as six children's bios and histories. Her latest book, Women during the Civil War: An Encyclopedia (Routledge, 2004) was designated an "Outstanding Academic Title of 2004" by the American Library Association publication, /Choice/ magazine, a publication for college and university librarians. It was also nominated for an award by the Pennsylvania School Library Association.

At the Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat and Story Workshops Judith presented a two- to three-hour hands-on class dubbed "The Brave New World of Fiction Blogging." About her topic Judith says,

Although political and news blogs have been around for years, the fiction blogging universe is just coming into its own. In this workshop, we'll explore and sample the many different kinds of blogs written by novelists, short story writers, poets, and playwrights. We'll also investigate the blogs of literary agents, editors, publicists, and publishers. And we'll discover how the practice of regular blogging can be the fitness exercise your creative self needs for optimum health, and exactly how you can use your blog to keep writer's block at bay. We'll learn how to create a blog (so incredibly easy!) and discuss the various blogging services available, both free and not. And we'll discuss how as a fiction blogger, you will become part of a global writing community that will boost your productivity and showcase your work to a huge audience.

This workshop was held at a location with wireless internet availability. Participants were urged to bring a computer (preferably laptop) with wireless capability. The more computers available, the more experience participants can obtain, and the more all will learn.

Judith is also a New York State licensed guide and owner of Adirondack Safaris. Learn more about Judith at http://www.adirondacksafaris.com & http://www.juditheharper.com.