This weekend in the Catskills: a panel on self-publishing, filmmaking workshops, painting classes, theater and puppet shows – difficult to choose where to be, and what to do!

To Be (Self-Published) or Not to Be (Self-Published): Panel Discussion

From Violet Snow, author and journalist: “It’s a tough decision for a writer. Do you bang your head against the wall of trying to get an agent and a traditional publisher? Do you self-publish, take 100 percent responsibility for editing and promotion, and risk falling into the void? Panelists will discuss the advantages and pitfalls of pursuing the various routes to publication and what to consider when making the big decision. This event is NOT a how-to-self-publish workshop but a sharing of experience about avenues to publication.”

The panel discussion, featuring editor Robert Wyatt, author Laurie Boris, thriller writer Jenny Milchman, and myself is organized by the Glaring Omissions Writers Group and the Golden Notebook Bookstore, and will be hosted by the Christian Science Church located at 85 Tinker Street in Woodstock. The event will take place this Sunday, November 9 at 4 pm. Everyone is welcomed.

Catskill Mountains Film Festival – Workshops  

Catskill Mountains Film Festival presents six filmmaking workshops this Saturday, November 8 at SUNY Delhi. The workshops, held some in the morning, and others in the afternoon, include: “Camera and Lighting for the Emerging Filmmaker” with Alan McPheely, “Make Your Own Indie Feature” with J. Christian Ingvordsen and Matthew Howe, “The Director’s Job” with Dorothy Lyman, “Screenwriting Basics” with Laura Kelber, “Mixing Sound for Movies” with Paul Geluso, and “Iphoneography” with David Kenny. Workshop leaders are all experienced, accomplished filmmakers. For more information, visit http://www.catskillmountainsfilmfestival.org/.

Shandaken Theatrical Society – Satire

Shandaken Theatrical Society (STS) presents “The Lady in Question” by Charles Busch this Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. From STS: “A free wheeling satire of patriotic 1940’s thrillers such as “Notorious” and “Escape”, “The Lady in Question” tells the suspenseful tale of Gertrude Garnet, the most glamorous concert pianist on the international stage.” More information at http://www.stsplayhouse.com/plays.html.

Woodstock School of Art – Painting

Woodstock School of Art presents “Color and Energy” workshop with Karen O’Neil this Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. From the class description: “Working from landscape or still life, students are encouraged to work with larger brushes and to simplify form. Focus is on the study of atmospheric effects of light on color.” More information at http://woodstockschoolofart.org/oneil_color_and_energy_workshop_november_2014.html

Also, the school will host an opening reception featuring new works by its students this Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm. For more information about the Woodstock School of Art, visit http://woodstockschoolofart.org/.

The National Museum of Dance – Puppet Show

The National Museum of Dance in Saratoga presents a puppet show this Sunday, November 9 at 11 am. The Puppet People will perform “The Wizard of Oz,” and a puppet making workshop will be offered at the end of the show. For more information, visit http://www.dancemuseum.org/events/.