Class descriptions
Read class descriptions. Listed in alphabetical order by class title.
4+ Ways to Outline Your Novel
Presenter: Loralee Evans
What is the best way to outline a novel? Whatever works best for you! Outlining can help authors get their ideas in order, and have an understanding of how their stories will go from beginning to end, before they even begin to write! Everybody’s brain is wired differently, and different outlining methods work best for different people. Since there is no one ‘best’ way to outline a story, this class will focus on four ways to outline a story, The Expanding Snowflake, The Skeletal Outline, Flashlight Outlining, and Pure Summary, and you can decide which method works best for you. We will also look briefly at two plot models, Freytag’s Pyramid, and The Hero’s Journey.
Presenter: Loralee Evans
What is the best way to outline a novel? Whatever works best for you! Outlining can help authors get their ideas in order, and have an understanding of how their stories will go from beginning to end, before they even begin to write! Everybody’s brain is wired differently, and different outlining methods work best for different people. Since there is no one ‘best’ way to outline a story, this class will focus on four ways to outline a story, The Expanding Snowflake, The Skeletal Outline, Flashlight Outlining, and Pure Summary, and you can decide which method works best for you. We will also look briefly at two plot models, Freytag’s Pyramid, and The Hero’s Journey.
Brainstorming for Better Stories
Presenter: Tristi Pinkston
What if everything exploded? You're writing along, life is great, but then all of a sudden, you have no idea what to write next. Learn how to brainstorm by yourself or with friends to get the creative juices flowing again.
Presenter: Tristi Pinkston
What if everything exploded? You're writing along, life is great, but then all of a sudden, you have no idea what to write next. Learn how to brainstorm by yourself or with friends to get the creative juices flowing again.
Create Book Trailers that Rock!
Presenters: Kathryn & Douglas Jones
Want your book trailer to sing, dance, even rock? Then you'll not want to miss this class. Learn how to create winning trailers for your book(s), with little or no out-of-pocket cash! Learn how to incorporate music, photos, video, text and more into your captivating book trailer. Learn what works and what doesn't when it comes to including your book's message for even greater book sales.
Presenters: Kathryn & Douglas Jones
Want your book trailer to sing, dance, even rock? Then you'll not want to miss this class. Learn how to create winning trailers for your book(s), with little or no out-of-pocket cash! Learn how to incorporate music, photos, video, text and more into your captivating book trailer. Learn what works and what doesn't when it comes to including your book's message for even greater book sales.
Critique Groups
Presenter: Rebecca Scott
Why are critique groups important? Because your roommates, relatives, and best-besties are too slow, too nice, and most importantly, too biased. Unless they are also writers, they simply won’t “get you” as an author, let alone understand what your book needs and how to fix it.
By the end of the class, you’ll know everything you need to start a group that will keep going! Come ready to learn…and don't be late! There will be quick games, door prizes, and food at the onset of the class.
Presenter: Rebecca Scott
Why are critique groups important? Because your roommates, relatives, and best-besties are too slow, too nice, and most importantly, too biased. Unless they are also writers, they simply won’t “get you” as an author, let alone understand what your book needs and how to fix it.
By the end of the class, you’ll know everything you need to start a group that will keep going! Come ready to learn…and don't be late! There will be quick games, door prizes, and food at the onset of the class.
Diving Into Deep Point of View
Presenter: Rebecca Blevins
What is it about some books that pull you in so far that before you know it, you hear birds chirping and discover you've been up all night? The answer lies in how to effectively use a deep point of view. We'll study examples of this technique from popular books, then we'll discuss varying levels of shallow (toe-dipping) to medium (wading) to deep (sitting in a hot tub) POV and apply them in a short workshop. Get ready for some hands-on fun!
Presenter: Rebecca Blevins
What is it about some books that pull you in so far that before you know it, you hear birds chirping and discover you've been up all night? The answer lies in how to effectively use a deep point of view. We'll study examples of this technique from popular books, then we'll discuss varying levels of shallow (toe-dipping) to medium (wading) to deep (sitting in a hot tub) POV and apply them in a short workshop. Get ready for some hands-on fun!
Editing Basics & Beyond
Presenter: Sabine Berlin (Eschler Editing)
From the first line to the last, the editors of Eschler Editing can give you tips for fine tuning your final draft to prepare for traditional or self publishing. We will talk about the most common mistakes writers make, getting your hook right, finding the right voice, fulfilling the promises you make to the reader, and everything in between.
Presenter: Sabine Berlin (Eschler Editing)
From the first line to the last, the editors of Eschler Editing can give you tips for fine tuning your final draft to prepare for traditional or self publishing. We will talk about the most common mistakes writers make, getting your hook right, finding the right voice, fulfilling the promises you make to the reader, and everything in between.
Finding an Agent
Presenter: Christopher Loke
Finding an agent can seem like a daunting task—it’s a research process and decision that’s different for every person. This presentation will take you from step one—where’s the best place to find and research agents?—through all the different ways an agent can read your work: from a cold query, to a conference pitch, to online contests and Twitter parties. We’ll also discuss the best ways you can stand out from the deluge of other queries and pitches.
Presenter: Christopher Loke
Finding an agent can seem like a daunting task—it’s a research process and decision that’s different for every person. This presentation will take you from step one—where’s the best place to find and research agents?—through all the different ways an agent can read your work: from a cold query, to a conference pitch, to online contests and Twitter parties. We’ll also discuss the best ways you can stand out from the deluge of other queries and pitches.
First Page Shred
Presenters: Christopher Loke (Jolly Fish Press), Sabine Berlin and Heidi Brockbank (Eschler Editing), Keani Gifford (Netherfield Publishing)
Bring the first page of your WIP (work in progress) for a chance to be drawn for public reading and comments on what works and what doesn't. No names will be read, only the writing. It's also informative to hear other people's work "shredded!" Attendees are encouraged to bring an anonymous first page of their work-in-progress for random selection for this panel.
Presenters: Christopher Loke (Jolly Fish Press), Sabine Berlin and Heidi Brockbank (Eschler Editing), Keani Gifford (Netherfield Publishing)
Bring the first page of your WIP (work in progress) for a chance to be drawn for public reading and comments on what works and what doesn't. No names will be read, only the writing. It's also informative to hear other people's work "shredded!" Attendees are encouraged to bring an anonymous first page of their work-in-progress for random selection for this panel.
Guidepost and Reverse Outlining
Presenter: Kate Palmer
You enjoy reading. You understand stories have structure. You like surprises. Outlining takes the fun out of writing. If this is you, then Guidepost & Reverse Outlining will help you keep your story fresh and surprising as you write it. Learn how to mesh story structure with your love of writing into the dark so you end up with a publishable story.
Presenter: Kate Palmer
You enjoy reading. You understand stories have structure. You like surprises. Outlining takes the fun out of writing. If this is you, then Guidepost & Reverse Outlining will help you keep your story fresh and surprising as you write it. Learn how to mesh story structure with your love of writing into the dark so you end up with a publishable story.
Increasing Your Online Presence
Presenter: Karlene Browning
A successful author finds ways to be where their readers are. But how do you know how to find them? We will cover: finding your readers; their top four questions; how to create and manage a consistent online image and message (your brand); what you must have on your website; a quick review of social media; and the various author profiles you really need (and why.)
Presenter: Karlene Browning
A successful author finds ways to be where their readers are. But how do you know how to find them? We will cover: finding your readers; their top four questions; how to create and manage a consistent online image and message (your brand); what you must have on your website; a quick review of social media; and the various author profiles you really need (and why.)
Making It Better the Second Time
Presenter: Tristi Pinkston
Rewriting. Er, Revising. No, Rewriting… You know your story has potential, but you also know it needs some work. Or a lot of work. Learn how to take the draft you have now and rewrite it into something amazing.
Presenter: Tristi Pinkston
Rewriting. Er, Revising. No, Rewriting… You know your story has potential, but you also know it needs some work. Or a lot of work. Learn how to take the draft you have now and rewrite it into something amazing.
Marketing 101
Presenter: Steven J. Clark
You’ve written the great American novel—then what? The reality is that regardless of how good your book is, it’s not going to sell itself. Whether traditionally published or self-published, every author will most likely be their own marketing department. Award-winning novelist, Steven J. Clark, who has 35 years + experience in marketing and sales, talks about what comes after you’ve written the last word of the last page. This class will teach you how to prepare to market your book, what your expectations should be, common pitfalls and publishers to avoid, and marketing ‘must dos’ for every author.
Presenter: Steven J. Clark
You’ve written the great American novel—then what? The reality is that regardless of how good your book is, it’s not going to sell itself. Whether traditionally published or self-published, every author will most likely be their own marketing department. Award-winning novelist, Steven J. Clark, who has 35 years + experience in marketing and sales, talks about what comes after you’ve written the last word of the last page. This class will teach you how to prepare to market your book, what your expectations should be, common pitfalls and publishers to avoid, and marketing ‘must dos’ for every author.
Marketing Your Book On A Budget
Presenters: Kathryn & Douglas Jones
Have a book out but no clue how to market it? Whether the book is your first or your seventh, learn the ins and outs of book marketing. Get a clue about blogs, interviews, and that thing called book trailers. What about reviews, social media, advertising, contests and book signings? Find out what free and low cost marketing can really do for your latest book in this fun, informative class.
Presenters: Kathryn & Douglas Jones
Have a book out but no clue how to market it? Whether the book is your first or your seventh, learn the ins and outs of book marketing. Get a clue about blogs, interviews, and that thing called book trailers. What about reviews, social media, advertising, contests and book signings? Find out what free and low cost marketing can really do for your latest book in this fun, informative class.
Pantsing/Discovery Writing
Presenter: Cheree Alsop
Pantsing: The act or practice of pulling someone’s pants down. How does this relate to writing? It takes skill, precision, and guts, as well as a good pair of sneakers. Learn how to write in this all-in, pants-to-the-ground fashion. Cheree Alsop has written 33 books in the last four years. Come learn about her tight writing craft makes having 6 year old twins, a 13 year old daughter, two dogs, and a whirlwind household a formula for success in publishing a book every 2 ½ months.
Presenter: Cheree Alsop
Pantsing: The act or practice of pulling someone’s pants down. How does this relate to writing? It takes skill, precision, and guts, as well as a good pair of sneakers. Learn how to write in this all-in, pants-to-the-ground fashion. Cheree Alsop has written 33 books in the last four years. Come learn about her tight writing craft makes having 6 year old twins, a 13 year old daughter, two dogs, and a whirlwind household a formula for success in publishing a book every 2 ½ months.
Planning and Structure
Presenter: Meg Jensen
Too many times a new writer, someone who has a really good idea nesting in his or her mind, will finally take the plunge and start writing. As I have mentored writers through their first novels to actual publication, I've discovered that unless those writers take the time to lay the foundation for that entire 300 page story, they hit a wall somewhere between page 150 and page 200 in their first draft. What's the antidote for this common malaise? It's easy, it's comprehensive, and it just makes sense.
Presenter: Meg Jensen
Too many times a new writer, someone who has a really good idea nesting in his or her mind, will finally take the plunge and start writing. As I have mentored writers through their first novels to actual publication, I've discovered that unless those writers take the time to lay the foundation for that entire 300 page story, they hit a wall somewhere between page 150 and page 200 in their first draft. What's the antidote for this common malaise? It's easy, it's comprehensive, and it just makes sense.
Playing Cupid
Presenter: Kate Palmer
Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy gets girl back. That’s a good start, but how do you write fifty thousand words with only three beats? We’ll study fifteen to twenty more beats to help you flesh out your manuscript and the hero and heroine’s relationship.
Presenter: Kate Palmer
Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy gets girl back. That’s a good start, but how do you write fifty thousand words with only three beats? We’ll study fifteen to twenty more beats to help you flesh out your manuscript and the hero and heroine’s relationship.
Poetry Techniques: Learning from the Masters
Presenter: Ellen Walker
Learn a potpourri of classical techniques for structuring your poems in ways that will push you to come up with more creative ways of writing and revising your poems. Students will test out at least two techniques. After examining select work from well-known poets, Ellen will share her journey to poem publication before leading students in a writing exercise that will create a meaningful draft of poems from their own experiences.
Presenter: Ellen Walker
Learn a potpourri of classical techniques for structuring your poems in ways that will push you to come up with more creative ways of writing and revising your poems. Students will test out at least two techniques. After examining select work from well-known poets, Ellen will share her journey to poem publication before leading students in a writing exercise that will create a meaningful draft of poems from their own experiences.
Query Letters
Presenter: Rebecca Scott
A query letter is an agent or publisher's first glimpse of your writing. Learn how to make the people in the book world sit up and take notice.
Presenter: Rebecca Scott
A query letter is an agent or publisher's first glimpse of your writing. Learn how to make the people in the book world sit up and take notice.
Realities of Self-Publishing
Presenter: Steven J. Clark
In today’s market, many fiction writers are bypassing traditional publishing houses and publishing their work themselves. Just do it for free and watch the money roll in, right?
Wrong! There are many pitfalls and predators out there that can turn your self-publishing dream into a nightmare. Award-winning author Steven J. Clark, (Wages of Greed and All The Pretty Dresses) will give you the cold, hard facts about what you should do, and more important, what you should not do, who you should avoid, and tell you the real costs involved in self-publishing your masterpiece.
Presenter: Steven J. Clark
In today’s market, many fiction writers are bypassing traditional publishing houses and publishing their work themselves. Just do it for free and watch the money roll in, right?
Wrong! There are many pitfalls and predators out there that can turn your self-publishing dream into a nightmare. Award-winning author Steven J. Clark, (Wages of Greed and All The Pretty Dresses) will give you the cold, hard facts about what you should do, and more important, what you should not do, who you should avoid, and tell you the real costs involved in self-publishing your masterpiece.
Research to Make Your Writing Real
Presenter: Jenni James
You don't have to know everything about what you write about, but you need to know enough that readers who are familiar with your topic will accept your story or descriptions. How do you do that? Research!
Presenter: Jenni James
You don't have to know everything about what you write about, but you need to know enough that readers who are familiar with your topic will accept your story or descriptions. How do you do that? Research!
Romantical Moments in Clean Fiction
Presenter: Jenni James
How do you write the passion of true love without crossing the line from sweet and clean to naughty and suggestive? Learn tips and techniques for building romantic tension without making your mother blush!
Presenter: Jenni James
How do you write the passion of true love without crossing the line from sweet and clean to naughty and suggestive? Learn tips and techniques for building romantic tension without making your mother blush!
Self-Publishing Tips
Presenter: Cheree Alsop
From the first word you write to holding your book in the palm of your hand, learn the ins and outs of self-publishing from Cheree Alsop, an award-winning, best-selling hybrid author who has self-published 28 books along with two book series through Stonehouse Ink. Bring your questions about formatting, price points, book covers, editors, etc, and learn the insight gained by years of working in the craft. Handout included!
Presenter: Cheree Alsop
From the first word you write to holding your book in the palm of your hand, learn the ins and outs of self-publishing from Cheree Alsop, an award-winning, best-selling hybrid author who has self-published 28 books along with two book series through Stonehouse Ink. Bring your questions about formatting, price points, book covers, editors, etc, and learn the insight gained by years of working in the craft. Handout included!
Sellable Ideas
Presenter: Christopher Loke
If you want to write a book that's going to sell to both publishers and readers, you need to know how to produce a marketable work and help it become successful. The ability to evaluate a book idea for marketability remains an essential step for both traditionally published and indie published authors. No matter how you plan to publish, it behooves you to see your work, and even yourself, through the lens used by publishing professionals. From the view of an acquisitions editor, this is how you evaluate if you have a marketable book idea.
Presenter: Christopher Loke
If you want to write a book that's going to sell to both publishers and readers, you need to know how to produce a marketable work and help it become successful. The ability to evaluate a book idea for marketability remains an essential step for both traditionally published and indie published authors. No matter how you plan to publish, it behooves you to see your work, and even yourself, through the lens used by publishing professionals. From the view of an acquisitions editor, this is how you evaluate if you have a marketable book idea.
Swords & Spears & Axes! (Medieval Weaponry)
Presenter: C. David Belt
How can you write believable historical fiction or fantasy that includes swordplay if you’ve never wielded an actual sword? Do you know the difference between a long sword and a great sword? A saber and a rapier? How about the difference between a thrusting spear, a throwing spear, and a hewing spear? How heavy is a mace or a war hammer, and how hard is it to swing one? Why is the butt-cap one of the greatest military inventions of all time? Did you know that a flail (think spiked ball on the end of a chain and handle) is actually a farming implement? Why is the idea of a three-foot long bronze sword wielded by an eleven year-old (e.g., “Riptide” in the “Percy Jackson” series) laughable? How heavy is a suit of chain vs. plate, and how hard is it to move, much less fight wearing armor?
This is a HANDS-ON demonstration of various types of swords, axes, spears, and other weapons and armor, ranging from the Bronze Age to the 19th Century, from copper to bronze to high-carbon steel. Participants will have the opportunity to handle and heft actual weapons, don armor, and learn how such items were employed.
Presenter: C. David Belt
How can you write believable historical fiction or fantasy that includes swordplay if you’ve never wielded an actual sword? Do you know the difference between a long sword and a great sword? A saber and a rapier? How about the difference between a thrusting spear, a throwing spear, and a hewing spear? How heavy is a mace or a war hammer, and how hard is it to swing one? Why is the butt-cap one of the greatest military inventions of all time? Did you know that a flail (think spiked ball on the end of a chain and handle) is actually a farming implement? Why is the idea of a three-foot long bronze sword wielded by an eleven year-old (e.g., “Riptide” in the “Percy Jackson” series) laughable? How heavy is a suit of chain vs. plate, and how hard is it to move, much less fight wearing armor?
This is a HANDS-ON demonstration of various types of swords, axes, spears, and other weapons and armor, ranging from the Bronze Age to the 19th Century, from copper to bronze to high-carbon steel. Participants will have the opportunity to handle and heft actual weapons, don armor, and learn how such items were employed.
Symbolism in Fiction
Presenter: Angie Lofthouse
Symbolism is all around us. Using it in your writing can be a powerful way to engage the reader and make your stories more meaningful and memorable. And I promise this won't turn into high school English class!
Presenter: Angie Lofthouse
Symbolism is all around us. Using it in your writing can be a powerful way to engage the reader and make your stories more meaningful and memorable. And I promise this won't turn into high school English class!
Tortoise & Hare Productivity for Creativity on Demand
Presenter: Kate Palmer
Could the rabbit’s method actually produce more words? Without the tortoise’s persistence, he never would have finished or won the race. Come find out how to use methods from the tortoise and the hare to increase your productivity. We’ll also learn how to find your creative voice on demand. No more waiting for the muse to strike. Write more, write better, and finish what you write. Bring your laptop, notebook, and pen. You will be trying out the methods in class.
Presenter: Kate Palmer
Could the rabbit’s method actually produce more words? Without the tortoise’s persistence, he never would have finished or won the race. Come find out how to use methods from the tortoise and the hare to increase your productivity. We’ll also learn how to find your creative voice on demand. No more waiting for the muse to strike. Write more, write better, and finish what you write. Bring your laptop, notebook, and pen. You will be trying out the methods in class.
Villains and Anti-Heroes
Presenter: Ann Hunter
Learn how to write compelling Villains and Anti-Heroes. Your hero needs a worthy foe. Your reader needs to know what drives that villain? What are their hopes and fears? Their strengths and weaknesses? What inner demons do they fight?
Presenter: Ann Hunter
Learn how to write compelling Villains and Anti-Heroes. Your hero needs a worthy foe. Your reader needs to know what drives that villain? What are their hopes and fears? Their strengths and weaknesses? What inner demons do they fight?
Where Cowboys and Poetry Meet
Presenter: Rod Miller
What is cowboy poetry and how is it made? Poetic tools and techniques will be demonstrated, illustrated with examples of poetry by classic and contemporary poets who write about cowboys and the West. Beyond relevance to the popular folk and literary art of cowboys and the American West, the principles presented in this workshop apply to all kinds of poetry, and are applicable to improving the composition of prose as well.
Presenter: Rod Miller
What is cowboy poetry and how is it made? Poetic tools and techniques will be demonstrated, illustrated with examples of poetry by classic and contemporary poets who write about cowboys and the West. Beyond relevance to the popular folk and literary art of cowboys and the American West, the principles presented in this workshop apply to all kinds of poetry, and are applicable to improving the composition of prose as well.
Writing the West in the 21st Century
Presenter: Rod Miller
The American West is as wide open as the broadest landscape and biggest sky, and Western writing is much the same. Today’s authors capture the spirit of the West in every genre imaginable, using the defining aspects of American history and geography to entertain and inform. This workshop explores the depth and breadth of today’s Western writing and opportunities for publication.
Presenter: Rod Miller
The American West is as wide open as the broadest landscape and biggest sky, and Western writing is much the same. Today’s authors capture the spirit of the West in every genre imaginable, using the defining aspects of American history and geography to entertain and inform. This workshop explores the depth and breadth of today’s Western writing and opportunities for publication.
Writing to the Finish Line
Presenter: James Duckett
Writing, like a marathon, is a long process. Like a 26.2 mile race, it has its ups and downs, highlights, frustrations, unknowns, co-participants, cheering spectators, detractors, and many moments where the temptation to quit becomes overwhelming. Come listen to tips on staying on track, going the distance, and pushing yourself past the finish line... or THE END line."
Presenter: James Duckett
Writing, like a marathon, is a long process. Like a 26.2 mile race, it has its ups and downs, highlights, frustrations, unknowns, co-participants, cheering spectators, detractors, and many moments where the temptation to quit becomes overwhelming. Come listen to tips on staying on track, going the distance, and pushing yourself past the finish line... or THE END line."