Topics?

[maestrowork]

I wanted to make this a poll, then decided to make this an "open suggestion."

If you're going to a workshop/seminar on novel writing (about an hour or two), what kind of topics would you like to hear? Anything from techniques to the business of "how to get published" to special topics like "writing thrillers for children"...

Please only pick up to three topics that you feel you want to talk or learn more about.

[WerenCole]

I think I would approach the business side. How do I find the right agent, what kind of publisher is right for me. . . stuff like that. I would also be interested in hearing about who is accesible or not and what the reputation of certain agents/ publishers in terms of how they treat/promote/pay their clients.


I will also go to pick up chicks. :tongue (thats for you ray)

[Carrie in PA]

writing queries that get attention (in a good way)

Strong beginnings for your book

And solid advice on "show, don't tell"

[WriterInChains]

Hiya! :)

The workshops I'm most drawn to usually cover things I can use to take my ms to the next level. That said, the specifics are all over the place, from self-editing to techniques like creating more suspense (I took one given by a super mystery writer & designed for, yes, mystery writers & LOVED it!). I also took a class for screenplay writers that was great, about answering story questions and keeping the arc moving along smoothly without the reader noticing the scaffolding (my words, not the instructor's). I'd run to workshops like those again in a heartbeat -- both instructors were talking about the skills they used the most/were best at & I learned a lot.

On the business side, I'd be interested in how to find the right agent/publisher, how to better evaluate the info out there: search techniques, things to look for in guidelines/stated preferences, etc. -- I always feel like I'm missing something in this area, but haven't stumbled across the right question to ask to clear it up yet. :Shrug:

Where will you be speaking/teaching?

:)
C

[Jenny]

A lot of writers are research freaks and need a lot of reassurance (well, speaking for myself) so I'd quite like website recommendations - to places like this (not forgetting the bewares section, depressing though the need for it is) and other sites that give advice. Maybe let people know about Ms Snark?

[pdr]

Maestro, giving a successful workshop/lecture depends on you getting the right topic for the audience.

Are they readers only and dreamers of the 'one day I'll write' school?
Are they readers and hobby writers?
Are they new writers and hobby writers?
Are they serious writers?
Are they professionals and serious newbies?

Can you have them sign up for your workshop or are they yours en masse for 1-2 hours?

Your best workshop/lecture will be where you choose a topic and have people sign in

[maestrowork]

I'll be doing a workshop at Barnes & Noble as part of their writers' workshop program. I assume that there will be a mix of hobbyists and professional "newbies" but I also would want to believe that they're all serious about being writers (published or otherwise).

I think it's the other way around -- the topic is going to attract different sets of audience. If I am to talk about "how to get published" as a published author, I think I will get a different audience than with "how to jump start your first chapter" or "show vs. tell."

Thanks for the ideas. More please... :)

[pdr]

Never mind, Maestro, you'll soon learn that your 'serious writer', as in having a book published, is very different from their versions of 'serious writer'.

I'm a cynic, having dealt with new writers for a long time.

Do you know what the other writers are doing? Can you fit in with them?

If I can't avoid doing a generalised workshop/lecture with a motley crew then I choose a topic I enjoy and can make amusing. It keeps 'em happy and they don't bad mouth you to other writers and readers.

If you really want a good workshop/lecture with the real writers then choose a topic that is narrow in focus and quite specific to one aspect of writing a novel. Give it an abstruse title and you'll have a small but dedicated group arrive and have a great writerly time.

[maestrowork]

I believe, from past workshops at the store, that the topics are usually rather focused or specific, from "how to write a book proposal" to "how to do research" and not something fluffy like "you, too, can write a best seller."

That's why I am wondering: What would YOU want to know about at a workshop for an hour or two?

[smiley10000]

This is an open to anyone, walk off the street sort of thing or online at their "university"?

Play to your strengths. It is always the best option when teaching...
What do you enjoy most about the writing process? Explain different ways to approach that be it outlines, first drafts, or query letters.

Good luck!
:D10000

[maestrowork]

Thank you every one. We've decided on this topic:

Characters: Driving the first three chapters to hook and hold

It will touch on both craft- and business-related issues.

[MarkEsq]

D'oh! Too late to chime in, but I do think that is a most excellent topic. Good luck with it, Ray.