Track/Presenter Workshop Description

Beginner Writing

Nadine Nettmann

Staying Motivated: Essential Rules and Tips for Starting, Continuing, and Finishing Your Book

 Make this the year you write your book, even if you only have 15 minutes a day. We’ll review techniques to help you focus, the art of the writing sprint, and tips to overcome daunting obstacles, like when the end seems too far away.

Writing for Screen

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman

Mastering the Dreaded Rewrite

  When screenwriters finish a first draft, the desire to get their baby "out there" is tremendous. But putting a script into the market prematurely is an immediate death sentence, not only for the script, but also potentially for a writer's career. You have one shot at a first impression. Learn tips to improve every scene, cut unnecessary pages from your script, find a good script consultant and more. This class will explore the best techniques to tackle the dreaded rewrite like a pro.

Writing for Screen

Doug Richardson

Action Speaks: How To Write A Thrilling Action Scene

 During this workshop, Doug will class-source both the situation and the action as he builds the sequence and puts it on the page for all to see. This class will discuss the importance of situation, weighing options, intentions, and commitment required to making the scene work to maximum effect.

Poetry

John Mulhall

Challenges of Putting Together a Collection

 Looking to release a collection of stories or poems? Let’s explore the challenges and pitfalls of putting together a collection, including curating and editing content, as well as making it accessible and appealing to your core reader.

Memoir/Novels

Chantelle Aimée Osman

I've Finished the First Draft of a Novel... Now What?

 A professional editor covers the next steps and options for your book, from finding an agent, to editing and publication options.

Historical and Non-Fiction

Mark Arnold

What We Can Learn About Persistence Through Knowing Mary Shelley

 An examination of Mary Shelley’s life as an inspiration for viewing our challenges. Mary Shelley faced many obstacles when she wrote Frankenstein, yet she never gave up. Frankenstein has never been out of print in the 200 years since first publication.

Business

Lisa Abellera

Getting More Out of Social Media: New Ways to Query and Pitch Your Book

  I introduce authors to other strategies for social media, including new ways to pitch and query their books using social media, providing in-depth information about online query contests and Twitter pitch parties, including the essentials to a successful 280-character pitch.

Marketing

Brendan P. Kelso

Creating Your Brand and Message

 This 1-hour class will walk through identifying what you and your book’s brand are and your consistent and appropriate message for your audience. As well, we will start to create your book elevator pitch.

Technique

Carly Gelsinger

Even Hemingway Had an Editor (And You Need One Too)

Authors are constantly bombarded by messages to “Publish Your Book in 90 Days,” and “Publish Your Book in Three Easy Steps.” In the age of Amazon, self-publishing is easier than ever, and many incredible authors are bypassing the gatekeepers of traditional publishing and taking their success in their own hands. But in the rush to get published, too often self-pub authors skip professional editing. Get secrets on how to make sure your book doesn’t end up as one of “those” self-pub books (we all know the ones) and gain tips on how to choose an editor, how to work with them for maximum success, and how to leverage that relationship to make sure your book can be the best it can be.