The primary objective of the Sisters in Crime Grand Canyon Writers is emphasized in the chapter’s slogan: “Write ~ Publish ~ Sell”. We’re dedicated to helping our members achieve those three goals and develop their careers as published authors, to reach the highest possible levels of success.
An exclusive benefit for current chapter members is access to past chapter meeting videos. Since this is password protected and meant only for our current chapter members, please do not share these links with anyone who is not a member of Grand Canyon Writers. This is a valuable benefit and meant as an exclusive benefit for our members. Enjoy!
2023 MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGS
SATURDAY, November 11, 2023
“Where Do I Start? Five Keys to Achieving Your Author Dreams!”
Nicolette Lemmon, is an author and national award-winning marketing and promotion expert shares important information for all writers in all genres when she presents an eye-opening look at what really happens in today’s market, “Where Do I Start? Five Keys to Achieving Your Author Dreams!
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mtn Standard Tim
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
- What does it take to succeed, in today’s publishing world!?
- Which steps are essential to any author’s long term success?
- Learn what publishers will and won’t do for today’s authors!
- Why should you understand the keys to a successful career before your book is published?
- How can your book stand apart from the 4 million books that are published each year?
- Once your book launches, who will hear about it and how? (The answer will surprise you!)
- Find out why so many publishers cancel author’s contracts after the book debuts!
- What are the first TWO steps to attracting an agent, a publisher or readers? AND,
- Why do thousands of writers fail the second step?
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
The Writer’s Power Tool:
Activating Setting in Fiction
LINDA L. RICHARDS, award-winning author of fifteen books. The founder and publisher of January Magazine and a contributing editor to the crime fiction blog The Rap Sheet.
Join us when Linda shares information for authors in all genres:
- Why will compelling Settings elevate your work—in ALL genres—to higher levels?
- Learn the dramatic potential of Setting!
- How do you access the powerful conduit between author and reader?
- Find out how to use Setting to “show” instead of tell!
- Discover how to use your own senses to enhance your fiction.
- What is the best way to create believable settings in impossible places?
- Determine how to hone details: what to leave and what to cut.
- How do sensory details deepen and enhance your writing?
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
Forging a Path to Getting Published
and Beyond
YASMIN ANGOE is the Anthony-nominated author of the critically acclaimed Nena Knight series. Yasmin’s books have received rave reviews from numerous outlets, including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly and the Library Journal. Her novels have made numerous ‘Best of’ lists, including Amazon Best Book of the Month. The Nena Knight series has also been optioned for TV and is currently under development.
CHRISTINA ESTES, Emmy award-winning reporter Christina Estes’s debut novel, OFF THE AIR, received the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest. USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan says, “Estes’s ear for dialogue and understanding of human nature makes this a must read.” Set in Phoenix where Christina has spent more than twenty years covering crime, public policy, and business, OFF THE AIR will be published in March.
Don’t miss important information on:
- Perseverance is your friend
- Publishing lessons learned
- Best writing and publishing advice
- Creating your community
- Healthy writing and living
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023
How To Use the 4-Act Structure
To Craft A Great Story
KIMBERLY G. GIARRATANO, Award winner Silver Falchion Award for Best YA at Killer Nashville.
Kimberly Giarratano is an author of mysteries for teens and adults. Her debut novel, Grunge Gods and Graveyards, won the 2015 Silver Falchion Award for Best YA at Killer Nashville. A former librarian, she is currently an instructor at a SUNY Orange County Community College and a reviewer for BookPage. She is also the chapter liaison for Sisters in Crime.
Kim shares information on how to use the 4-Act Structure to achieve a great story.
- Plotting a sleuth-driven mystery in four acts.
- Great for traditional, historical, police procedurals and cozies.
- How to use excel/Scrivener to plot out the scenes.
- How to set up a 4-act Scrivener template.
- How pantsers can use this method after drafting.
SATURDAY, June 10, 2023
Write the Story that Keeps Your Butt in the Chair!
VALERIE (V. M.) BURNS, Agatha, Anthony, Edgar, and Next Generation Indie Award finalist.
Valerie is the author of the Mystery Bookshop Mystery, Dog Club Mystery, RJ Franklin Mystery, and Baker Street Mystery series. Valerie also writes the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series as Kallie E. Benjamin.
She is a member of Sisters in Crime (SinC), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Crime Writers of Color, International Thriller Writers (ITW), and The Crime Writers Association (CWA).
Valerie is an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction Program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Born and raised in northwestern Indiana, Valerie now lives in Northern Georgia with her two poodles.
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023
The Writers Law School
JODE MILLMAN, Attorney and Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author
Jodé has been an attorney for more than 40 years with practical experience in Intellectual Property Law and a law professor at University of Detroit Mercy Law School.
- How do you protect the legal rights to your work and how do you know who can help you?
- Learn the Anatomy of a Publishing Deal and Contract Basics, including the key provisions and how to
- What is Public Domain?
- Discover the differences between Copyright, Trademarks, Patents and Service Marks.
- What is the Fair Use Doctrine?
- Which Business Entity is best for your writing career?
- What are the Copyright Registration Process and the CASE law?
- Where do you find resources to help you protect your rights?
Learn What Every Author Should Know Before You Sign with an Agent, a Publisher or Anyone Else!
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2023
Boost Your Writing Skill, Income & Name Recognition—Crafting Short Stories That Sell!!
Art Taylor, the Multi Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, Edgar & Macavity Awards-Winning Author
- How will crafting short stories fine-tune your writing skills?
- Discover the critical elements you need, to create a clear narrative arc.
- How do you master the challenge of great short story endings?
- Learn the key qualities of solid short fiction: economy, efficiency, and focus.
- How do short stories boost your name recognition and attract new readers to your books?
- Why will writing short stories recharge your energy, creativity and skill?
Join fellow writers from around the world for this invaluable program!
Art Taylor is the author of two short story collections—The Adventure of the Castle Thief and Other Expeditions and Indiscretions and The Boy Detective & The Summer of ’74 and Other Tales of Suspense—and of the novel in stories On the Road with Del & Louise, winner of the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. He won the 2019 Edgar Award for Best Short Story for “English 398: Fiction Workshop,” originally published in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and he has won three additional Agatha Awards, an Anthony Award, four Macavity Awards, and four Derringer Awards for his short fiction.
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023
The Challenge and Joy of Self-Editing, To Polish Your Work Like A Pro!
Kelly Oliver is the award-winning author of The Jessica James Cowgirl Philosopher Mysteries, including Wolf, which won the 2016 IPPY Award, Gold Medal, Best Mystery eBook and Forward Award Finalist, Best Mystery; and Coyote, winner of the 2016 Reader’s Choice Silver Falchion Award, along with F.O.X. a 2017 Finalist for Killer Nashville Claymore Award and 2018 Finalist Silver Falchion Award), and Jackal.
- Why is excellent editing so critical to YOUR success—before you pitch or publish?
- What is the “Layering Approach to Writing and Editing” and How does it improve your work?
- When can editing be easier than you think?
- Why will planting clues and “red herrings” at the editing phase work well?
- How can authors develop theme through editing?
- Learn to LOVE editing…or at least not hate it!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023
Understanding Scene Structure –
How to Master the Art of Writing Great Scenes!
MELISSA BOURBON, national bestselling author of more than 30 Novels and four separate series.
A Cutting-Edge Workshop from Melissa Bourbon!
- Why is scene structure the backbone of a great story?
- What are the critical elements every great scene must include?
- Learn how focus impacts an effective scene.
- Which type of scene is best, to get the results you need in a chapter?
- How do you build scenes that effortlessly link to each other, moving the plotline forward?
- When should a writer use transitions, and when should they be avoided?
- How do writers balance action/reaction, goals/conflict to craft the best scenes—and story?
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mntn Standard Time
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mntn Standard Time
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
CRAFTING SECONDARY CHARACTERS: BEYOND FRIENDS, FOILS, AND FOES!
Karen Odden is a multi award-winning novelist and popular speaker.
Her first novel, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller and A Dangerous Duet and A Trace of Deceit have won awards for historical mystery and historical fiction. Under a Veiled Moon, her fifth mystery and the second book in the Inspector Corravan series, was released on October 11, 2022.
2022 MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
Tricks & Tips For Engaging
The Writing Muse!
Raquel V. Reyes, writes the award-winning Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series.
Her 2021 debut novel, MANGO, MAMBO, AND MURDER, won the Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery. It was also nominated for an Agatha Award and optioned for film.
Raquel’s short stories appear in various anthologies, including The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2022.
Her second novel, CALYPSO, CORPSES, AND COOKING launched in October 2022.
Don’t miss this amazing presentation with a dynamic, breakout author, when she shares her tips for writing a great story and getting published!
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mntn Standard Time
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mntn Standard Time
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022
BREAKING THROUGH CREATIVE BARRIERS!
Dennis Palumbo, Licensed Psychotherapist, Award-winning Screenwriter and Bestselling Author
Authors often face creative challenges during their careers. Writer’s block…interruptions…confidence issues…distractions…negative feedback…productivity lulls…feeling isolated… stifled creativity…fear of failure or success…deadline anxiety…finding time to write…lack of support from friends or family…waning motivation and other common trials may impact writers at some time.
Internationally acclaimed author, Dennis Palumbo, is a licensed therapist who specializes in creative issues. Whether working with authors worldwide or Hollywood pros, Dennis’s insight consistently helps break down barriers to success. His work has been profiled in The New York Times, Premiere Magazine, Fade In, GQ, The Los Angeles Times and other esteemed publications, as well as on NPR and CNN.
OCTOBER 2022 CHAPTER MEETING
DEVELOPING DIVERSE CHARACTERS, NOT CARICATURES
Cheryl A. Head, Award-winning Author, Television Producer and Broadcast Executive
Great characters—protagonists, antagonists, secondary roles—are critical to the success of a book!
That means avoiding stereotypes and creating well-rounded, three-dimensional, diverse individuals that
readers relate to and love…or love to hate. Realistic characters come from all walks of life.
* How do writers develop cultural competence and why is it key to characterization?
* What does it mean to have cultural humility?
* Learn to develop personas on the page that fascinate readers and keep them reading, book after book.
Don’t miss Cheryl’s invaluable presentation on creating memorable and realistic characters!
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
Outside the Box –
Innovative Avenues for Today’s Authors!
Laurie Fagen, Author, Producer, Former News Anchor and Newspaper Publisher
How can “thinking outside the box,” increase your
success as an author?
Find out how to make and post a great video, simply using your smart phone.
How to appear as a guest on a podcast, and be invited back?
When should you create a podcast and why is it easier than you may think?
Discover how to adapt your books to audio and get higher royalties, too!
What should every author have, to maximize your appeal and your sales?
Learn the easy way to make Facebook, Booktok, YouTube, Reels and your website work in sync, to boost your sales and profile with less time and effort.
Why you need to promote your books and yourself, regardless who publishes your work.
An Innovative and Informative Presentation for ALL Writers!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022
WRITE GREAT STORIES and BUILD YOUR SUCCESS, in TODAY’S MARKETPLACE!
Patricia Sargeant, national best-selling, award-winning author. Author of more than 20 novels!
Which 25 things have to happen” in a manuscript?
How do you write an attention-grabbing “logline” and why is it critical?
Learn guidelines for plotting the best possible story.
Discover how the publishing business changed in recent years.
Get tips on finding an agent.
What should writers know about publishers’ contracts?
Find out what Patricia does to “stay in the chair and finish a great manuscript”.
How do authors successfully write multiple genres?
Don’t miss this eye-opening event with Patricia Sargeant, author of more than twenty (20) novels in multiple genres. Whether writing suspense, contemporary romance, cozies, humor, or classic mysteries—including those under her pen names, Olivia Matthews and Regina Hart—Patricia consistently delivers a “great read”. Find out how she writes multiple genres, earns critical praise, and captivates readers!
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022
HOW TO WRITE an AWARD-WINNING STORY!
John Copenhaver, Macavity Award-Winning Author, Columnist and Nominee for the Anthony, Strand Critics, Barry, Left Coast Crime, and Lambda Literary Awards
What are the essential qualities any winning manuscript must have?
How does a dynamic voice make a book stand apart?
Learn the best way to approach characters to avoid rehashing well-trod territory.
Find out how to “energize voice” through vivid detail.
Why will a fresh perspective springboard a story to the forefront?
How can you give texture to a narrative voice?
Discover the concrete methods writers can use to escape cliches.
Join John Copenhaver, judge of national award competitions—including the Edgars and the Sisters in Crime Pride Award—for eye-opening information!
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022
KEEP YOUR READERS ENGAGED and TURNING PAGES: TOOLS TO INCREASE SUSPENSE
Stephanie Gayle, Pushcart Nominated Author and 2022 President of Sisters in Crime Inc.
Why is the element of suspense a critical tool, regardless of the genre?
Without tension and suspense, most stories are stale and lifeless—how do writers know how much suspense a plot needs?
Learn to holdback the right information and raise key questions to intrigue readers.
When will adding “unstable allies” to the storyline ramp up suspense?
How can authors use “time” to imperil a protagonist?
Discover multiple methods for building suspense, and the tips to weave those into a mesmerizing story.
Which old tricks for suspense should authors avoid?
Suspense keeps your readers enthralled far into the night!
Don’t miss this amazing presentation when Stephanie explains how and why!
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022
THE POWER OF SETTING!
Connie Berry, IPPY Gold Medal Award-Winning Author, Finalist for the Agatha Award and the Silver Falchion Award
Why do award-winning authors make Setting one of the stars of their stories?
Is Setting a Backdrop or Integral? Visual or Visceral?
How will integrating Setting and Plot ramp up conflict?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each category of Setting?
Why and When will Setting trigger emotional responses in readers?
Discover how to use Setting to foreshadow, reveal clues and unveil red herrings!
How can you avoid the most common mistakes made with Setting?
Learn how to Unleash the Power of Setting!
Don’t Miss This Informative and Eye-Opening Presentation!
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mntn Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
10:30 AM to 12 Noon in Arizona
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Central Standard Time
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Mntn Standard Time
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2022
Think Like a Journalist to Write Powerful Fiction!
Amber Royer, Multi-Series Author, Instructor and Writing Coach
Why does breaking down “who, what, why, where, when, and how” help you craft a memorable novel?
How will a journalistic approach make your novel’s theme resonate?
Which steps ensure that your story has the kind of momentum agents and editors are looking for?
How can you use journalistic techniques to connect with readers and develop multiple plot layers?
Why will looking at a story through a journalistic lens create a more complete world and a more profound, logical storyline?
Discover which details you should include or eliminate—whether your setting is real or imaginary?
How do you craft absorbing descriptions that draw readers in?
Learn new keys to captivating readers.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022
UNDERSTANDING THE ALL IMPORTANT and SOMETIMES ILLUSIVE POV
Simon Wood
The USA Today bestselling author and Anthony Award winning novelist
How do you decide which character is the best choice to tell your story?
Learn to identify the worst mistakes authors make with point of view—and avoid them.
When should an author pen a story with multiple points of view?
How do you create the best hierarchy for point of view characters?
Why would the omniscient point of view be the right choice in some narratives?
Find out which point of view elements are critical for a stronger, tighter story—and a much more enjoyable experience for the reader.
Mastering point of view is strategic to building your writing career as a successful, published author!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022
CRAFTING A PAGE TURNER
Hallie Ephron,
New York Times bestselling author Hallie Ephron, Edgar Award finalist and five-time finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award
How do you create a main character with a goal the reader will care about?
Learn to structure a novel and its scenes for forward momentum.
What and Why—your genre and subgenre considerations.
Where should you begin your book? (And, where NOT to begin it!)
Why you must always know and understand your audience.
Learn how to analyze your own work for these key issues!
Discover the Secrets to writing a novel that captivates readers, keeps them turning pages until the very end, and catapults your future book sales!
2021 MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGS
Power Writing:
Using Layered, Resonant and Potent Language to Craft Compelling Stories!
Jessica Page Morrell,
top tier developmental editor and author
Which writer’s habits lead to potent writing?
What does resonance mean for writers and how do you use it?
How does “show, don’t tell” begin with word choices?
Why do forceful, precise words make stories of all types immersive?
What are the 10 mistakes of writing style and how do you identify yours?
Why are high-energy verbs the V-8 engines for our sentences?
How do you create provocative openings and endings that linger?
Why is tension propulsive and how does it start with language?
When should word grenades, sound bursts, and wake-up images be used for punchier prose? Discover how to add music, imagery, and nuance!
Learn how to weight endings of sentences, paragraphs, scenes, and chapters with emphasis and so much more!
Saturday, December 11, 2021
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021
Settings & Descriptions That Transport Readers!
Delia C. Pitts Acclaimed Noir Author, Named “A Fresh New Voice in American Literature”
*How do successful authors craft vivid and captivating settings for their stories?
*Why is the setting considered an additional (and vital) “character” in a story?
*Which elements are critical to create a wonderful setting?
*When does setting establish the mood or tone of a story?
*Why are both the geographical location and immediate surroundings important?
*What is the difference between an integral setting and a backdrop setting?
*How does setting provide context for your main characters’ actions?
*Why is “time” so important in setting and how can it trigger ‘life or death’ stakes, explain a character’s conduct, or foreshadow key events?
*How much description is powerful…and where does description detract from the story?
Settings reveal the world as your characters see it and build intriguing storylines. Learn how to weave settings and descriptions that transport readers!
Great Beginnings: Writing a Great First Line, First Paragraph and First Page
Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author, winner of five Agatha Awards and Mary Higgins Clark Award Winner.
Why is the first line of your book critical to its success?
What are the keys to writing a great first line?
How does the first paragraph make or break a rader’s first impression of your book?
Why is the first line of your book critical to it’s success?
What are the keys to writing a great first line?
How does the first paragraph make or break a reader’s first impression of your book?
Which first lines “hook” readers and why do others fall flat?
Should an author write the first line before or after finishing the first draft of a book?
Learn why few novels survive a bad first chapter and fewer survive a bad first page.
What should the first page of every book accomplish?
How do you know if you’ve written a compelling first line, paragraph and page?
Great first lines have the power to entice readers. Great first paragraphs intrigue them. Great first pages trigger book sales! Find out How and Why!
Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask a Literary Agent (and more!)
Paula Munier, writer, editor, teacher and agent. Paula is a Senior Agent and Content Strategist with Talcott Notch Literary Services.
How does an author find the right agent?
What are the keys to creating an intriquing “elevator” pitch
Which query letters “hook” an agent (or publisher) immediately, and why?
How do successful writers jumpstart a storyline that has stalled?
What are the critical steps to writing a mesmerizing plot?
Learn what bestselling authors do to keep a book series fresh and exciting.
Why would an agent reject your query or your book—immediately?
What should every author know before pitching a book?
Don’t miss agent, editor and bestselling author, Paula Munier, and her tips on writing a great story, finding an agent and building a long-term career!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021
Join Paula for this extraordinary and essential workshop!
Mastering Pace—A Critical Key to Captivating Readers
Robin Burcell, Internationally Bestselling Author
Two Time Anthony-Award Winner, Barry-Award Winner and Macavity-Award Nominee
Do you want to keep readers enthralled and turning pages late into the night?
When does a fast pace improve a story, and how will a slow pace enrich it?
Why does pace impact every element of a story?
How can balanced pacing help develop ideas and themes?
What effect does pace have on the mood of a book?
Why will skillful pacing spark a reader’s connection to characters—and the events that surround them?
Learn how to analyze your own novel for proper pacing!
Pace is more than non-stop action, cliffhangers or a wild, rollercoaster ride.
Discover the Secrets to pacing that draw readers into the story and keep them mesmerized!
THEN, the next email you receive just might say: “I finished your novel at 3 AM this morning, and now I have to go to work. When’s your next book coming out?”
Join Robin for this dynamic and essential workshop!
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Don’t Miss an Outstanding Seminar on a Challenging Topic!
The Inside Outline ~ Keys to Exceptional Story Development that “Pantsers” and “Plotters” Love!
Mia P. Manansala, Award-Winning Author, “Pitch Wars” Mentor and
Certified Book Coach
What makes one novel stand apart from thousands of others that agents receive?
Why do readers eagerly recommend a book to their friends and family?
How can you intertwine character and plot, so readers are captivated by both?
When is cause-and-effect important?
Why is knowing your theme and your audience crucial?
How does the quote “Art is fire plus algebra,” relate to the Inside Outline…and your success?
Learn to create the ideal balance of fascinating plot and emotional depth in stories—to attract agents, publishers and devoted fans.
Whether you are a “pantser” or a “plotter”, a published or an aspiring author, don’t miss this extraordinary morning with Mia!
Saturday, June 12, 2021
The Secret to Writing Great Dialogue
Susan Pohlman, Award-winning Author, Editor and Writing Coach
Great dialogue captures the reader’s attention and holds it. It must be dynamic, realistic and reflect the character speaking. Join Susan when she shares how to illuminate characters and bring them to life through dialogue, and how to avoid the pitfalls that weaken the story. Effective dialogue controls pacing and moves the plot forward. Character voice is key to unforgettable protagonists, villains and secondary personalities—and must be fully developed. Learn the secret to writing dialogue that rings true, transfixes the reader and enhances the entire story. An Exceptional Workshop!
Saturday, May 8, 2021
What is the Why: Building A Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict
Karen Odden, USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning Author
A riveting character is shaped by a meaningful, substantial past. Developing your character’s backstory takes time, but it pays huge dividends. Backstory provides the quirky, unique elements of personalities that make them come alive on the page, and the events that cause characters trouble—with others and for themselves. Don’t miss this dynamic and essential workshop!
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Elevating Your Work: The Art of Active Writing and the Key to Showing, Not Telling
Sally J. Smith, USA Today Bestselling Author and Editor
How do stories burst to life for readers? Active writing is crucial for any book, regardless of genre, but how do we consistently craft it? Why does passive writing weaken the plot? What are the keys to an engrossing tale? Join Sally for a publishing industry pro’s tips to writing engaging stories, “showing-not-telling” made simple and seducing your readers’ imaginations for their ultimate reading experience!
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Creating Captivating Characters
Susan Pohlman, Award-winning Author, Editor and Writing Coach
What makes a character jump off the page and keep an agent, publisher or reader hooked all the way to the end of the book? Understanding characterization is crucial to effective storytelling. In this workshop Susan will share the most important techniques for creating characters that your readers won’t forget!
Saturday, February 13, 2021
How to Plot a Crime
Dianne Freeman, Agatha Award and Lefty Award-winning Author
Why are some novels intriguing page-turners? A mesmerizing mystery revolves around a cleverly calculated crime. Add plot twists and red herrings, skillfully weave in clues and conflict for a fascinating tale. How do you interlace all of these, offer evidence of the real solution and still obscure it? Join Dianne as she shares her secrets to plotting a crime (and its solution) so effectively that readers can’t wait for your next book!
Saturday, January 9, 2021
