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DARA SpeakersBelow is a listing of DARA authors who are available to present workshops or speak at libraries or other venues. To arrange for a DARA author to speak to your group, you may contact the author directly or contact DARA and we will help you arrange a speaking engagement. Members are encouraged to add their listings to this page here.
Description - Do your main characters fall flat and fail or engage your reader? Are your characters 2-dimensional? Does your contest feedback suggest you need more substance for that well-rounded quality to endear your reader to your Hero and Heroine? Knowing and understanding the different traits of the 12 Astrological signs and how they do/don't work together can help give you insight into your characters to write them as fully fleshed-out individuals. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of each Astrological sign, their likes and dislikes, what makes them "tick," how they interact with other signs and the influences of the planets, sun and moon. Learn to create conflict through better believable motivations, and discover hidden facts about your characters you may not know.
1) So You'd Like To Sign With An Agent Before You Sell... Discusses the ways to market yourself to an agent as an unpublished writer, the unpub/agent relationship and how to screen agents to find the one that is right for you. 2) Secondary Characters – The Good, The Bad, and the Quirky Discussion of the importance of secondary characters and how they function in your story to support the H/h. 3) Breathing Life into a Scene How to add detail and depth to your scenes without slowing your pace. 4) RWA judge training- The judge training program developed by Jill Floyd and her RWA committee to help train judges for RWA chapter contests 5) Perfect People Are Boring! A Study in Character Growth Your character should grow and change over the course of your story, learning through the changing circumstances and trials about himself and his view of the world. 6)Getting Your Story Off To The Right Start- an overview of the elements and strategies needed to write a story opening with an interesting, well-paced hook that is sure to catch the attention of editors and readers. For more information visit my website or email me.
For more information contact tvscoop@sbcglobal.net or visit www.candacehavens.com
What to put in the first paragraph How to write an interesting back cover type blurb to describe your story and whet an editor's interest. What to include as credits and credentials 2. How to use viewpoint as a way to hook the reader into your character's life and feelings. Showing reaction Tailoring thoughts and metaphors to the character's interests and attitudes Making use of five senses 3. How to find time to write Putting writing first Writing smart (to the market) Curtailing time wasters too much research, not planning or thinking ahead before writing scene - okay, you pantsers, at least have some idea of the goal, motivation and conflict
(1) the myth of the "Hobby Loss" rule; (2) tax forms a writer may need to file and how to prepare the forms; (3) business expense deductions, including the options available and the pros and cons of each option; (4) self-employment taxes; (5) red flags to be aware of; and (6) record-keeping. Both newer writers and seasoned pros are sure to benefit from this seminar. And, as always, Diane adds a touch of her offbeat humor to bring some fun to the presentation. Contact Diane at Diane@dianeobrienkelly.com to schedule a talk or to request a presentation packet. For more information about Diane, check out her website www.dianeobrienkelly.com.
1) Confessions of a Craft Junkie: a guide to understanding your process and honing your craft 2) The First Five Pages: how to set the tone of your novel, tap into your readers’ fantasies and grab an editor’s attention 3) When Do I Get Secret Decoder Ring: a guide to understanding revisions before and after the sale 4) Finding Flow: maximizing your productivity and optimizing your writing experience She will also be more than happy to create a workshop on a requested topic. In addition, she’s available to present workshops with her speaking partner, Robyn DeHart. You may contact Emily at emily@emilymckay.com.
We want our antagonists to be worthy of our heroes, and many of our villains are violent, ruthless killers. But sometimes we don't want a murderous villain. We want someone bad in more subtle ways. This talk explores the psyches of sociopaths and psychopaths, most of whom are not violent, but all of whom are dangerous. Referencing up-to-date researchers in psychopathy, I'll define, differentiate, and explain the 4% of the population who are sociopaths. I have lots of examples, and I'll be ready for lots of questions about how to use these heartless people in our stories.
Crossing the Mystery and the Romance with Success Preparing the Tax Return for Writers You can contact her at speaker@janadeleon.com
Jane has presented workshops and programs at RWA chapter meetings, regional conferences and the RWA national conference. After selling sixteen books spanning four subgenres to five different editors at three Harlequin lines and two single-title houses, she knows what it takes to get an editor's attention. In light of that, she's offering the following program to writers' groups: THE SPARK THAT MAKES THE SALE Are you getting positive responses to your writing, but you still haven't made that first sale? Are you a published author who wants to move to the next level, but you just can't seem to make the leap? Are you told by editors and agents that your writing is competent, but it just doesn''t grab them? This workshop will show you some specific tips, tricks and techniques that will give your writing that elusive spark that will make it stand out in the crowd. * * * Jane is also eager to speak at libraries, bookstores and civic organizations and offers the following program: ROMANCE WRITING: THE INSIDE STORY In this fun, interactive program that includes a PowerPoint presentation, Jane Graves takes a humorous and irreverent look at the romance novel industry from the point of view of a multipublished romance author. Dispelling the myths that surround the romance industry, she'll give you the straight story on what romance novels are all about and explain why romance is the number one selling genre in all of fiction. The program includes a laugh-out-loud trip around the world of foreign romance novel covers. Speaker fees are negotiable. For more information, contact Jane at jane@janegraves.com, or visit Jane''s website at http://janegraves.com.
1) Crafting The Winning Series Proposal—Are you on the cusp of publication, so close you can taste success? Are you published, but temporarily stalled? What does it take to get the green light with a publisher, from the editor(s) to the marketing department? With many publishers, the selling point lies far beyond the query and that first shiny chapter. This workshop will take you through the process of crafting a tight proposal, including the inception of your high-concept series idea, the series outline, the synopsis of Book 1, and hooking those first few chapters with fast-paced, can’t-put-down action. 2) The Road To Publication: Ditch The Map—This motivational, anecdotal workshop focuses on the various personal “potholes” a writer faces on the road to success and how to survive when we hit them. For libraries and civic groups, this workshop is offered as The Road To Success: Ditch The Map. 3) Beyond The Serial Killer: Crafting Sexy, Heart-Pounding Romantic Suspense— Does your story offer the creepiest bad guy ever conceived, yet the manuscript is languishing in Rejection Hell? This workshop will explore how to inject common themes and tired plot devices with a fresh twist, how to build your plot based on the characters’ fears and desires, deciding on the perfect level of sensuality, and how to keep your reader flipping the pages with fast-paced action and dialogue. 4) Deep POV Demystified—Do your paragraphs describe your characters’ thoughts and actions with all the zing of a grocery list? Want to add sparkle? This interactive workshop focuses on using deep point of view that will pull your reader headfirst into your story and never let go. *Materials for this workshop*: bring a scene or chapter from your current work in progress, a pen or pencil, and a highlighter. 5) Taming The Man-Eating Synopsis—Do you shiver in dread at the mere thought of sitting down to tackle writing the synopsis for your finished manuscript? Or worse, creating a synopsis from a premise, for a book you haven’t yet written? In this workshop, Jo will show you how to use main idea mapping and cause-effect flowcharts to provide a framework for your story. Speaking fees are negotiable. Travel expenses waived for groups within the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Contact Jo at Jo@JoDavis.net .
1) Isn't That Book Finished Yet? Defeating Procrastination, Writer's Block and Burn-out. 2) Romance Novel Gestalt Learning how to blend various elements such as plot, setting, characterization and dialogue into a seamless whole that will keep readers turning the page. 3) The Synopsis Queen Tells All Learn what information to include in a synopsis and how to present it so an editor cannot resist reading your manuscript. From a writer who has sold several books on synopsis alone. 4) Aim High, Shoot Straight Goal Setting (and achieving!) techniques aimed specifically at writers. 5) Three-Act Structure for Writers Learn screenwriting techniques for structuring and streamlining your plot. 6) Pitfalls and Potholes on the Road to Plotting A down-and-dirty workshop for the plot-impaired that details common missteps and how to avoid them. 7)Agents: How to find one, hire one, work with one, fire one Learn from a veteran who has for many years swum in agent-infested waters how to deal with these publishing professionals while best-serving your career. 8)Yes, You Can Quit Your Day Job Practical considerations for anyone considering making the leap to fulltime writer, including advice on preparing for the change, how to quit, how to handle finances, setting boundaries, tax considerations. Speaking fees are negotiable. For more information visit my website or email me.Thanks for your interest!
Speaker fees are negotiable. For more information email Kathy@katherinegarbera.com.
For Writers: ~No Banana Peels Please! Writing Humor with Style and Finesse~ Learn the SECRET INGREDIENT underneath humor, and how to develop a comedic characters. Figure out what type of humor comes most naturally to you. Incorporate genuine humor into your story--humor that readers will remember long after they’ve finished reading your book. ~The Great Critique Group Experiment.~ Critique is one of the most powerful forces for good or evil in our industry. What really works? What doesn’t? What are the danger signs? Identify the earmarks of successful groups. Build the best crit-group ever! ~Never Lose Your Muse Again! ~ Tame The Depression Beast! Many writers struggle with the manic nature of the creative ego; our muses hibernate, rejection notices wound, deadlines overwhelm... YET, some writers manage the emotional ups and downs and live happy lives despite the tendency toward depression and insecurity. What are their secrets? Ten simple techniques that make the writing life happier and more successful. AND various creativity tools including: Kathleen’s Magic Idea Jump-Starter Kathleen also speaks on a number of General Interest topics, including: Woman Lost--the Untapped Powers of Womankind * Education Reform * How Reading Romance affects Your Marriage
For more information contact me at leharris@swbell.net. Speaker fees are negotiable.
Author Takes a Back Seat Moving from the ABA to the CBA was a difficult road to travel but worth it. Leanna gives tips and tools for determining if you’re ready for that journey and helping you along the way. Taking Care of Business Is writing a career or a hobby for you? Leanna gives you tools and interview questions to determine what you need to work on to make your career a success and get you ready for the next sale. Me, Myself and I Moving from 3rd person to 1st person can be challenging. Leanna helps writers to consider the consequences and ways to make the change more successful. If you are interested in one of these workshops (or would like her to work up a workshop specifically for your group), please contact her at Leanna@leannaellis.com.
I. Got High Concept? Course Description Do you want to razzle-dazzle editors? Earn a bigger advance? Create media buzz for your book? Inspire Hollywood to come knocking? The way to achieve these goals is to come up with a dynamic high concept pitch that will knock the socks of editors and agents alike. This workshop is designed to provide you with the tools you’ll need to mold your story idea into an intriguing one sentence pitch that can magically unlock closed doors. It’s simply the most effective way to capture a publisher’s interest. This workshop will cover the following topics: 1. A step-by-step method for creating a high concept. 2. First aid for low concept books 3. Ways to make a high concept even better 4. Where to find high concept ideas 5. How to think like a high concept writer 6. Creativity and brainstorming exercises 7. Hints and tips from top industry insiders II. Layering Your Scenes For Maximum Impact Course Description You’re a competent writer. You’re close to selling or you might even have sold a book or two. You get nice reviews. But you’re still get more rejections letters than contracts. What’s wrong? What’s missing? Why can’t you snag those contracts, collect sparkling reviews, hit bestseller lists and win lots of contests? This course seeks to answer those questions. Layering Your Scenes For Maximum Impact will illustrate exactly what’s holding you back and keeping you from being the writer you’re truly meant to be. It’s designed to teach you how to find the hidden excellence in your work. What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you shot to the next level? Topics covered include: 1. The importance of identifying your theme 2. The secret to fresh fiction 3. The power of the concrete symbol 4. Motifs and marketing 5. The delight of surprise 6. How to evoke more emotion 7. A character’s true blue worldview III. Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Scream Course Description We, as authors, are in the emotion delivery business. Honing your craft means learning how to evoke emotions. It means learning to use language to create a sleight of hand that causes your readers to respond on a gut level. It means getting in touch with what you feel, hope, or fear for every one of your main characters at every moment of the story. There’s no such thing as art by accident. Truly great writers are in charge of their readers’ emotion from the first page to the last. Topics covered include: 1) Writer emotions versus Character emotions versus Reader emotions. 2) Emotional honesty. 3) Pumping up the emotional pay-off 4) Conflict and emotions 5) Change and emotions 6) Evoking emotional tension through subtext 7) Symbolism and emotion IV. Dialogue That Dazzles Course Description: Dialogue that dazzles is about creating the most exciting, compelling conversations you’ve ever written. Stellar dialogue can make you story leap to life the way nothing else can. If you’ve gotten comments from editors and agents that your dialogue is trite or stilted or dull, we’ve got the cure for you. This workshop is designed to teach you how to write fresh, natural dialogue that dazzles. You’ll learn new techniques for rewriting any lines of dialogue and improving them spectacularly. You’ll uncover secrets of incorporating these methods into your writing style. Learn how to make your dialogue stand out and dramatically increase your chances of selling your book! Topics covered include: 1. What is great dialogue? 2. Using dialogue to breathe life into your characters 3. Creating expressive language 4. People rarely say what they mean--subtext 5. Subtext part 2 6. Structuring dialogue to match real conversations 7. Dusting your book with dazzling dialogue 8. And much more V. Guerilla Tactics for Writers in a Slump Workshop Description Have you been writing a long time and while you’ve received some recognition for your work you’re just not getting the attention you deserve? Or, were you published once, then found yourself without a publisher and now you can’t get break back in? Or are you currently published but your career seems to be barely bumping along? This workshop is designed provide answers to those questions and catapult you onto the publishing fast track. Guerilla Tactics for Writers in a Slump will illustrate exactly what’s holding you back and keeping you from being the writer you’re truly meant to be. Topics covered include 1. Identifying What’s Holding You Back 3. Shifting Your Writing into High Gear 4. Toughing the Mind of the Writer Warrior 5. Toughing the Body of the Writer Warrior 6. Honing Your Battle Plan 7. Your Marching Orders VI. Plotting from Theme Course Description Theme will enrich a book faster than any other single element. Theme is a tool that drives a story on a deeper level. Think of theme as like the love in a marriage. It’s the core reason your story exists. Implications of theme colors and shapes everything in the story. It permeates character and the plot. Theme speculates on a possible truth. It is not an answer or law, but a supposition, a questioning, an exploration of potential. This course seeks to teach you how to plot your story from the standpoint of theme first, story events second to produce a cohesive blueprint that will make building the backbone of your book easier. Topics covered include. 1)The tyranny of theme. 2) Theme defined 3)Characters and Theme 4)Plot and Theme 5)Props, Symbols and Motifs 6)Closed themes versus open themes 7)Make your story sing through theme VII. Creating Compelling Characters Course Description For a novel to be successful it must be peopled with compelling characters. A character can be three dimensional and yet still be too passive or indecisive to create a satisfying reading experience. Active characters make for active stories. Think about the memorable characters you remember. More than likely they came alive through great passion and strong emotions: lust, envy, pride, greed, love, hate, fear, joy, vanity, hope, doubt. This course strives to teach you everything you’ll need to know about creating compelling characters that leap off the page and live on in the minds of your readers. Topics Covered: 1)Building the bones 2)Through the characters eyes 3)The character arc 4)Fleshing out characters 5)Characters in action 6)Heroes, villains, allies and enemies 7)Character transformation VIII. Disaster! Beyond Goal, Motivation and Conflict. Or the Key to Hooking Your Readers and Keeping Them Turning the Pages. Course Description You’ve probably heard of Goal, Motivation and Conflict, but what about the most neglected, yet all-important aspect of the Disaster? Learn how to build on goal, motivation and conflict to effectively use your scene outcome to hook your readers and keep them turning those pages. The single most common failing in the manuscripts of newer authors is the inability to understand and successfully execute goal, motivation, conflict and disaster to create a gripping read. And yet it’s the most teachable element of fiction. Whether you’re a plotter or a seat-of-the-pants writer, this workshop will give your story the strong foundation it needs to grab readers by their emotions and keep them turning those pages. Topics covered include 1. Stimulus and Response 2. Author Goals 3. Story Goals 4. Scene Goals 5. Motivation, Motivation, Motivation 6. External Conflict versus Internal Conflict 7. Disaster! Raising the story stakes. Contact Lori @ loriwilde@aol.com. Speaking fees $150.00 an hour, plus travel expenses. Special rates for libraries or charity events. Travel expenses waived for groups in the DFW area.
An inspirational session recounts Haddock's 20 plus year journey to selling, and offers encouragement and pitfalls to avoid. THE ONE SENTENCE PLOT This hands-on exercise demonstates how to develop a plot from a single declarative sentence. The method can be applied to current WIPs and revs up the creative flow.
Workshop #1 Death Scene Investigations: Facts and What to Expect. From the Coroner’s Investigator point of view - I will give an interactive workshop on what to expect from the scene and how to handle it – from working with the police, family and pathologists. How does a Medical Examiner / Coroner handle the body at the scene? Find out in this fun and sometimes ‘gross’ workshop! Workshop #2 Fingerprints: Fact or Fiction I will explain the correct terms and preferred procedure information on fingerprint evidence from crime scene to lab. I will then guide us on how to take the facts we''ve been given and work them into your fictional masterpieces. You won''t want to miss this workshop! Workshop #3 Crime Scene Investigations: Okay, you got the call -- Now, what? What to expect at a crime scene. This will be an interactive workshop giving scenarios of crimes and how you would / should/ could handle it. I plan to make this fun and answer plenty of questions along the way to help your story read like the real thing. From the cop’s point of view to the writers, be sure to join in Speaker fees are negotible. Checkout her website at www.mycreativepassions.com. You can email her at phyllismiddleton@yahoo.com
Workshop on adding authentic action and fighting to stories. Identify common problems, brainstorm solutions, and demonstrate different techniques that would actually work, that provide high viceral impact, and that can be described in a narrative. ePublishing/small Publishing Workshop on opportunities and issues in working with ePublishers and small publishers. Discussion of industry directions, niche opportunities, differences in terms and conditions standard in the worlds of ePublishing and traditional publishing, and where these markets are going
For writers: 1.)MAKING YOUR READERS REALLY CARE: Methods for creating the deepest POV possible, for crafting the most memorable characterizations and scenes possible. 2.) THE ABCs of Solid Storytelling: Like the wooden building blocks children have, this program outlines--A-Z--the blocks needed to write a compelling and marketable story. 3.) PLOTTING ON THE FLY: For the Pantser! Do you find plotting graphs and story boards intimidating? Have you ever interviewed characters, worked on character profiles for hours only to learn halfway through the book that they lied to you? Welcome to my world. Yes, I plot by the seat of my sweatpants. Let''s talk about why graphs and such don''t work for us and how plotting on the fly can still produce a compelling, marketable story. 4.)I DINNA KEN: how to successfully incorporate dialect, archaic and foreign language and research into manuscripts. 5.)IRELAND: THE MYTHS, separating fact for fantasy through the centuries. 6.)MEDIEVAL CASTLES: they weren’t palaces. Their evolution and life within. 7.)BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE: Whether to hire a publicist or not. Advantages and disadvantages of both. What you can do yourself and what is better left to the pros. 8.)WRITING A SELLING QUERY AND SYNOPSIS: Tips and examples 9)HAVE MUSE, WILL TRAVEL: tips for turning every trip into a tax deductible research project. For libraries and general public: 1.)GETTING PUBLISHED 101: focuses on preparing a manuscript, critique groups, contests, finding an editor/ agent. 2.) A FUNNY THING HAPPENDED ON THE WAY TO THE PUBLISHERS, anecdotes from the path to the publisher's. For more information contact Sandy@sandyblair.net or visit www.Sandyblair.net
Writing Love Scenes with Emotional Punch provides instruction making love scenes more relevant to plot, character and relationship. Discussions include hints and tips to keep sexual tension high, both before and after sex. Available in both in-person and online formats, the latter in 8 lessons with applicable homework. Internal Conflict discusses the structure of internal conflict, how to make it work in tandem with character development and an external conflict to create an emotionally-gripping book. 10 Publishing Myths is a great program, particularly for writers poised on the brink of publication. It discusses some of the crazy expectations and pitfalls of being a published author. For more information, visit www.shelleybradley.com
She offers online presentations for four weeks, 3 lessons a week, practical exercises, and discussion. www.terryspear.com 1--Happy Hookers!Engaging the Reader from Start to Finish Slow starts and sleepy endings to scenes and chapters can ruin a manuscript''s chance of being published. Conversely, solid hooks can make the sale - as workshop instructor Terry Spear demonstrates, with six publishers currently hooked for six manuscripts. Setting such practical matters aside, what author wouldn''t be thrilled to hear someone say, "I couldn''t put the book down"? Strong hooks are a vital ingredient in strong writing. In this online class, which features lectures, discussion, practical exercises, and handouts, she''ll teach students how to captivate readers with great openings, scene hooks, chapter cliff hangers, and intriguing back cover blurbs. Participants will master the hook in all its environments, from the query letter through the novel. 2--What a Character!!! Jump from Cookie Cutter to Great 3-Dimensional Characters in Your Writing! How many times have you heard how important it is to have 3-dimensional characters? That the publisher wants character-driven stories, not plot-driven? To show, not tell? But how easy is it to really write characters that come alive on the page? Some writers have a natural ability to concoct terrific characters who are full of life. Then there are the rest of us who need some help. In this workshop, Terry Spear will show the difference between average characterizations and those that will get noticed! In this online class, which features lectures, discussion, practical exercises, and handouts, she''ll teach students how to captivate readers with engaging characters. 3--Structuring Your Manuscript for More Impact! Have you just started your mss and you''re at a loss already? Have you finished the mss and need help structuring it so that it has the kind of impact that will compel readers, agents, and editors to keep reading? Whether you''re a plotter who sets up the whole mss from start to finish, or a pantser who writes from the seat-of-the-pants, from the writer who is just beginning, to the one who has finished a mss and needs some help, this workshop is for you! We''ll discuss the major components of a mss-the Scene and Sequel, what makes them work and how to make they better. I''ll give examples and work with you on how to improve your own mss. Afterward, you should be able to identify what makes your story catch the reader''s interest and what needs to be reworked to do a better job.
When a writer receives a rejection, the toughest thing to do is step back from the mss, take an objective look, and try to see what the editor/agent/contest judge saw. You have to decide: ignore them, take their word and fix it--or toss it under the bed and move on to something else. [Presentation or Online class (10 days)] THE EIGHT YEAR JOURNEY TO MY OVERNIGHT SUCCESS: A CAREER IN THREE ACTS A humorous look at the climb to publication. THE TEXAS RANGERS: WARRANT OF AUTHORITY From one man protecting the Texas frontier to the elite of modern law enforcement, the history of the Texas Rangers is as colorful as the land and people they protect. Tracy Garrett looks at the myths and realities of the legend called the Texas Rangers. Speaker fees are negotiable. For more information on these workshops, please contact me: tracy@tracygarrett.com www.tracygarrett.com
Writing a Synopsis That Sells (45 minute presentation) Category versus Single Title; What Are The Differences? (45 minutes to 1 hour using various examples of contemporary romance & the author's work) Analyzing a Favorite Book ... and Your Own (1.5 to 2 hour presentation using a RITA award-winning book as an example & providing a useful form) Setting as Character (30 to 45 minute presentation on creating a fictional world) Creating Heroic Characters (30 to 45 minute presentation) Creating Believable Characters (45 minute presentation) Writing for Fun & Profit (Beginners guide. 30 - 45 minutes)
"Eyewitness: The How and Why of Mistaken Identity" "Beneath Their Robes: A Crash Course on Judges and Judging" "From 1L to Law Review: How to Survive Law School With Your Soul and Sanity Intact" "Write Naked: How to Uncover Your Authentic Voice"
For more information, contact Winnie at winnie@winniegriggs.com
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