Cayuga’s Cultural Speaker Series to Feature Local Author & Editor

Cayuga Community College’s Cultural Speaker Series will conclude its fall season next week with a feature presentation from local author and editor Heidi Nightengale.

An author of two children’s pictures books and two chapbooks of poetry, Nightengale’s “The Creative Writing Process” will highlight stages of the publication process, from idea generation and writing to proofs and contributions from illustrators. Nightengale is also an editor and partner with Clare Songbirds Publishing House, and serves as a Cayuga County legislator and trustee at Cayuga Community College.

Her presentation is scheduled for 4-5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, in Room M214 on Cayuga’s Auburn Campus. The discussion is free to attend.

“The writing and publication process can seem daunting, but having someone of Heidi’s expertise outline the steps to publishing your work and the creative process to make your work vibrant is a great opportunity for local writers,” said Emily Cameron, Cayuga’s Director of Community Education and Workforce Development. “We’re looking forward to hearing about her experience and tips for how others can find success in the publishing world.”

“I suspect many of us who enjoy reading and being read to as a child may have a children’s picture book inside of us,” said Nightengale. “I hope that this conversation about my experience and the lessons I’ve learned can inspire and guide attendees, and help them realize their goal of seeing their words and work successfully published.”

Nightengale’s presentation will primarily focus on writing picture books and the process behind having a children’s book published. Her presentation will include publisher proofs and a discussion of the role illustrators play in developing children’s books.

Her presentation will also include a discussion about possible pitfalls, including undue expenses or dead ends in the publication process.

Along with her experience in publishing, Nightengale spent 25 years developing and administering programs for at-risk youth and families in Auburn and Cayuga County. She also taught at SUNY Empire’s College of Human Services for 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Keuka College and a master’s degree from Cornell University.

Nightengale’s presentation is the third and final installment in this fall’s Cultural Speaker Series at Cayuga. Additional presentations will be scheduled for the Spring 2025 semester.

Registration is recommended for all Cultural Speaker Series events, and can be completed by calling the Office of Community Education and Workforce Development at 315-294-8841.