Workshops for Writers

One of my favorite things to do is attend workshops.  I’m a lifelong learner, and hope to always be.  I attend workshops at conferences and events on a regular basis.  There is always something to be learned, a new way to view the world.  Below is a series of workshops that I have found particularly inspiring that I have personnally attended, either online or in person.  I’m sure there are others out there, but in one way or another, these speakers have help me look at my writing in a whole new way.  To them, I say a heartfelt, ‘thank you’.  To you, I hope you find this list useful.

If you have a workshop that you found particularly insightful, I would love to hear from you.  Please contact me and tell me all about it.

Laura has a unique gift of seeing a story for what it is and help authors really understand story’s key elements.  If you haven’t taken a class with her, you’re missing out.  She also offers critiquing and coaching.  Visit her website at www.fearlesswriter.com.

• The Purposeful Writer – Lift your writing to publishable through the power of your own storytelling strengths.  This amazing classes really helps writers understand why they write and how to apply that knowledge.  Great for any level of writer from unpublished to multi-published writers.  A must-go-to workshop.
• Laws of Motion – This class is unique. Laura gives you a new way of managing the dynamics of plot, character and conflict.  It’s packed with information.  Another must-attend workshop.
• Discovering Story Magic – Okay, so it might be a tad arrogant to include this workshop as I am part of it, but I’m always getting asked about DSM, as we call it.  Discovering Story Magic has been credited by numerous authors to helping them sell.  Laura and I are presenting this class a couple times in 2011, and I’m giving the 2-hour version at RWA National.  But, you can also visit the website for lesson packets.

• Break into Fiction provides some great insight and unique tools on character driven plotting.  I attended a day-long workshop from these two dynamic women, and had more than one ah-ha moment.  If you get a chance to see them in person, take advantage.  If not, I would suggest picking up their wonderful writing book, Break into Fiction.

• Goal, Motivation and Conflict is one of those books that everyone should have on their bookshelf.  The basic tenets are good for every writer and the movie examples are amazing.  If the book is great, Deb’s workshops are even better.  If you ever any an opportunity, definitely attend her workshops, whatever the subject matter.

• Empowering Characters’ Emotions – I have only done one intense course of Margie’s, but it really provided me with interesting approaches in ramping up the emotions in my books.  Given that many editors believe emotion is the last thing writers learn, this class is definitely worth the time.

• Writing the Breakout Novel – One of the first day-long classes I took, Donald Maass made me look at my writing differently.  His message of taking the conflict and story ideas to the next level hit home.  Worth the day-long if you can find it.  The writing exercises alone are worth the price of admission.