'Publicizing Your Dream' Workshop Set for July 28 in Nashville

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2012) -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process by attending the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop on July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village in Nashville, Tenn.

            The communication workshop, which will be led by publicist, educator and composer Chuck Whiting, will occur from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. in O Gallery's studio at 1305 Clinton St. near downtown Nashville.  Attendees will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing news hooks; writing, editing and distributing press releases; adapting press releases for the Internet; and preparing for a news media interview. 

            Whiting founded Whiting Publicity & Promotions and is a former reporter for The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register. He will walk attendees through the publicity process step by step with feedback and professional critiques.  PR case studies will feature insights from professionals in business, literature, music, the news media, songwriting and visual art.  The day will end with an artist/entrepreneur-sharing event called "Arts on the Row".

            Highlights of the workshop are

            *  Educational sessions covering all aspects of the public relations process, including the writing of a press release in Associated Press style.

            * PR case studies (Q&A) with several professional artists/entrepreneurs who have used publicity to land news stories on local, regional and national levels.  Participants include filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, author/songwriter Candy Paull, and songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers.

            *  A tour of a news media operation (TBA) on July 27 (Friday) with insights from a leading editor or producer.

            * A tour of a Music Row business or organization on July 27 (Friday) with insights from a leading marketing professional. 

            * An artist/entrepreneur show-and-tell event called "Arts on the Row" featuring professional artists in comedy, film, literature, music, songwriting and visual art. 

            Tuition for all sessions of the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop is $95 (for registration by July 20) and $120 (for registration from July 21-27).  Artists can attend individual two-hour sessions for $30 each. Participation in "Arts on the Row" is included with registration.   Complimentary tours of the news media operation and Music Row business/organization are limited to the first 10 people who register.  Employees of non-profit organizations are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required.

            "My goal will be to teach artists and entrepreneurs how to handle their own publicity, including the writing and distribution of a professionally written press release," said Whiting, who founded Whiting Publicity & Promotions in 1993.  "We're adding several PR case studies with business and arts professionals to give attendees true-life examples of the communication process.  'Arts on the Row' is a wonderful way for artists to share their visions and receive feedback."

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting has served the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries for more than 25 years.  He started his career as a reporter for The Birmingham (Ala.) News and The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register.  He served as the PR representative for the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for more than seven years.  His PR firm currently represents clients such as visual artist/instructor Gail McDaniel, former Harlem Globetrotter "Jumpin' Johnny" Kline, National Vocabulary Championship Coach of the Year Debbie Watts ("Word Woman"), recording artist/songwriter Joyce Rouse ("Earth Mama"), film composer/music producer Greg Sims, award-winning visual artist Charlotte Terrell, two-time Grammy winner Dennis Scott and The WannaBeatles, music producer/songwriter Jerry Michael, visual artist Camille Engel, and speakers/food and beverage educators The Saucy Sisters (Barbara Nowak and Beverly Wichman).

            Whiting also teaches journalism and public speaking courses as an adjunct professor for Middle Tennessee State University, Motlow State Community College, and Volunteer State Community College.  He is the co-author and co-songwriter of the children's book and CD, "The Littlest Star: a musical story"; editor of the arts newsletter Music City Arts Update; and founder/emcee of the monthly songwriters show, "Tunesmithing Off Music Row".

            For more information or to register for the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 242-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit http://www.PublicizingYourDream.com.