THE OREGON COAST CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS WORKSHOP, SUMMER 2009
This summer, July 13-17, 2009, we proudly will present the seventh Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshop in the exquisite Oregon coast town of Oceanside. The instructors will be five authors, David Greenberg, Eric Kimmel, Pamela Smith Hill, Tom Birdseye, and Margaret Anderson, one children's book agent, Susan Cohen (Writers House), and two children's book editors, Molly O'Neill (HarperCollins), and Jill Dembowski (Little, Brown).
Summer Workshop 2009 promises to be our best yet because:
1) The instructor-student ratio will be a maximum of one to six
2) We will have five author-instructors (specializing in novels, picture books, non-fiction, and poetry), one children's book agent-instructor, and two editor-instructors
3) Each day, you will meet with an instructor for at least one comprehensive consultation, and
4) You can have one-on-one informal meetings with instructors each day as well, and
5) We will offer at least twelve instructional lectures on various aspects of writing and publishing.
6) There will also be guest lecturers
If you are ambitious to publish a children's book (or simply adore children's books), this is the workshop for you. One of our 2003 students, Maureen Hoessle, has just had her first book published: Under Three Flags, Exploring Early St. Louis History. She credits our workshop for helping to make this happen. Another student, Anne Carrelli, gives us great credit for the imminent publication of her first picture book, Amina's New Friends. Three other authors from our past workshops have signed with Susan Cohen, our agent-instructor, who is actively representing their work (and who will be back with us next summer).
The course is available for graduate credit.
For complete information, including reviews from last summer's attendees, we welcome you to visit our website at www.occbww.com If you're interested in joining, there are only a handful of class slots left, so you should probably register fairly soon. www.occbww.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
November Meeting Notes: Christina Katz
Get Known Before the Book Deal: A Platform Development Checklist Presentation
In regards to platforms, there are two ideologies: People who do have a great platform and don’t own it and people who are confused about platforms and wonder how long it will take to get one.
People write for two reasons: (1) to have a professional career and (2) writing to make money. Regardless of which two you may fall into, writing needs to be treated like a business. Questions you should ask yourself are the following: Why this book, why this book right now, and why this book by you specifically.
Although this may appear as a very dry way to look at writing because, as writers, we fall in love with words and our ideas, but at some point writers need professional distance and to look at each other objectively. This is important because ultimately what we want when an agent/editor reads or hears our pitch is that we want them to look at the book.
What is a platform? A platform is how visible you are, the size of your readership (a readership can be composed of website, blog, newsletter, etc.), public speaking, and writing workshop leader/teacher. Essentially, a platform is anything that makes you visible to your future readers.
Ultimately, the goal of building a platform is to become increasingly known.
Platform Checklist:
1) Expertise: Have you clarified your expertise? If you are writing nonfiction, you are putting yourself out as an expert. Your expertise is the things you “do.” Personal experience can be good for expertise.
2) Your Niche: Carve out a distinct niche among other work already published. Make it different. Give it a unique twist. Find a way to make your topic specific and narrow, especially with nonfiction. If there are other books in that topic, set your work apart by fulfilling a specific niche. Anybody can create a niche.
3) Audience Needs/Wants: It’s important to know who your first readers will be in your specified niche market (ie. commercial fishing families). Don’t write without an audience in mind. Editors/agents will want to have that clear idea of who the audience will be and if it’s big enough.
The above are the first three criterions you will need to start developing a platform. If you don’t have them, you must continue to work on those before you move on.
4) Current Industry Realities: Communicate with industry professionals with professionalism and poise. They count. Conferences are helpful in helping you develop this.
5) Take the Point of View of the Seasoned Gatekeepers: Be passionate about your writing, but it is also beneficial to step outside yourself and assess your strengths and weakness’ from the viewpoint of agents and editors.
6) Take 100% Responsibility: Do not expect someone else to make or break your writing career. Your career is in your hands.
7) Incorporating Input: Invite and incorporate feedback from the most qualified sources, including readers.
8) Staying Competitive: Keep your finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving publishing industry and respond in a timely manner. There’s always something new.
9) Future Trends: Keep your eye on future trends, but don’t forget to stay grounded in the moment. Try to keep up with all the trends.
10) Platform Growth: Allow your platform to be an integrated, authentic and organic process. It will build momentum and take fruit as time goes on.
11) Good Things Happen: Success happens in cloisters. Even if you feel that all you’re doing is giving, keep in mind it all comes back around. However, don’t give so much that you neglect your own progress.
12) Trust your Gut: The best way to approach your personal writing growth is take experience from many types of writers as possible, but use your gut to determine what works for you.
****
Your One-pager:
This is your platform “at a glance.” Put everything on one piece of paper (visual on the left and bullet points on the right). Have your proposed statistics for your audience and don’t forget to include previous publications.
Make sure you communicate who you are whether it’s an online or print presence. What is your author name going to be? What will be your professional identity? People are going to know who you are as… what?
Some things to consider including:
Tagline: A tagline is a good way to plant who you are and what you are in people’s minds.
Mission Statement: Think about your values. Connect passion with what you do.
Client/student testimonials: If you have them, they are great to have your testimonials in writing and to share.
Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids. Christina teaches e-courses on platform development and writing nonfiction for publication.
In regards to platforms, there are two ideologies: People who do have a great platform and don’t own it and people who are confused about platforms and wonder how long it will take to get one.
People write for two reasons: (1) to have a professional career and (2) writing to make money. Regardless of which two you may fall into, writing needs to be treated like a business. Questions you should ask yourself are the following: Why this book, why this book right now, and why this book by you specifically.
Although this may appear as a very dry way to look at writing because, as writers, we fall in love with words and our ideas, but at some point writers need professional distance and to look at each other objectively. This is important because ultimately what we want when an agent/editor reads or hears our pitch is that we want them to look at the book.
What is a platform? A platform is how visible you are, the size of your readership (a readership can be composed of website, blog, newsletter, etc.), public speaking, and writing workshop leader/teacher. Essentially, a platform is anything that makes you visible to your future readers.
Ultimately, the goal of building a platform is to become increasingly known.
Platform Checklist:
1) Expertise: Have you clarified your expertise? If you are writing nonfiction, you are putting yourself out as an expert. Your expertise is the things you “do.” Personal experience can be good for expertise.
2) Your Niche: Carve out a distinct niche among other work already published. Make it different. Give it a unique twist. Find a way to make your topic specific and narrow, especially with nonfiction. If there are other books in that topic, set your work apart by fulfilling a specific niche. Anybody can create a niche.
3) Audience Needs/Wants: It’s important to know who your first readers will be in your specified niche market (ie. commercial fishing families). Don’t write without an audience in mind. Editors/agents will want to have that clear idea of who the audience will be and if it’s big enough.
The above are the first three criterions you will need to start developing a platform. If you don’t have them, you must continue to work on those before you move on.
4) Current Industry Realities: Communicate with industry professionals with professionalism and poise. They count. Conferences are helpful in helping you develop this.
5) Take the Point of View of the Seasoned Gatekeepers: Be passionate about your writing, but it is also beneficial to step outside yourself and assess your strengths and weakness’ from the viewpoint of agents and editors.
6) Take 100% Responsibility: Do not expect someone else to make or break your writing career. Your career is in your hands.
7) Incorporating Input: Invite and incorporate feedback from the most qualified sources, including readers.
8) Staying Competitive: Keep your finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving publishing industry and respond in a timely manner. There’s always something new.
9) Future Trends: Keep your eye on future trends, but don’t forget to stay grounded in the moment. Try to keep up with all the trends.
10) Platform Growth: Allow your platform to be an integrated, authentic and organic process. It will build momentum and take fruit as time goes on.
11) Good Things Happen: Success happens in cloisters. Even if you feel that all you’re doing is giving, keep in mind it all comes back around. However, don’t give so much that you neglect your own progress.
12) Trust your Gut: The best way to approach your personal writing growth is take experience from many types of writers as possible, but use your gut to determine what works for you.
****
Your One-pager:
This is your platform “at a glance.” Put everything on one piece of paper (visual on the left and bullet points on the right). Have your proposed statistics for your audience and don’t forget to include previous publications.
Make sure you communicate who you are whether it’s an online or print presence. What is your author name going to be? What will be your professional identity? People are going to know who you are as… what?
Some things to consider including:
Tagline: A tagline is a good way to plant who you are and what you are in people’s minds.
Mission Statement: Think about your values. Connect passion with what you do.
Client/student testimonials: If you have them, they are great to have your testimonials in writing and to share.
Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids. Christina teaches e-courses on platform development and writing nonfiction for publication.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Upcoming Writing Class by Eric Witchey
Writing Short Stories for Fun and Profit -- Not Just Fiction Anymore
Join us to write short fiction for fun, for money, or to learn to write novels.
This hands-on, five-session class on short story writing will include discussion, exploration, and exercises in story structure, character development, theme development, language use, and marketing. The class is appropriate for students of all levels. The class will meet five times over seven weeks on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 at The Tea Party Bookshop.
Class dates appear below. It will be taught by award-winning author Eric Witchey.
For additional details or to sign up, contact The Tea Party Bookshop or Eric Witchey at:
http://www.teapartybookshop.com/ PH: 503.990.6471
http://www.ericwitchey.com/ PH: 503.581.0458
Cost for five, three-hour sessions over a seven-week period: $200.00. Class size limited to 15. Non-refundable deposit of $50.00 required. Balance due before the beginning of the first session.
Class Dates:
Feb. 15th and 22nd
Mar. 8th, 22nd, and 29th
About The Instructor, Eric Witchey:
Eric M. Witchey has sold over 50 short stories and a novel into national and international markets. His stories have appeared in multiple genres under several names. His How-to articles have appeared in The Writer Magazine, Writer's Digest Magazine, and other print and on-line magazines. He has won awards and recognition from a number of organizations, including Writers of the Future, Writer's Digest, New Century Writers, and ralan.com. When not writing or teaching, he restores antique, model locomotives or tosses small bits of feather and pointy wire at laughing trout.
Currently Available Articles and Stories from Eric Witchey:
· Article: The Writer Magazine: "How To Obtain Sharp, Useful Critiques." Jan. 2009
· Article: The Writer Magazine Web Site: "The Care and Feeding of High-functioning Critique Groups." December, 2008
· Fiction: "Can You See Me Now?" Available online at www.Clarkesworld.com, Issue 24.
· Fiction: "Mirages," http:\\www.wheatlandPress.com. Soon to appear nationally in print in the Polyphony 7 anthology.
· Teaching: Willamette Writers. Five Minutes on Fiction. June, 2008 on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzJlg2tQf3M
Upcoming Events, Articles, and Fiction:
· Speaking: Willamette Writers Meeting January 6th, Portland's Old Church. (details at www.ericwitchey.com)
· Speaking: Willamette Writers Meeting January 8th, Salem. (details at www.ericwitchey.com)
· Fiction: "Mirages." Polyphony 7. On-line December, 2008. Print volume February, 2009
· Teaching: TripleTree Press Seminars. March 13-15, 2009 (details at http://www.ericwitchey.com/)
Additional Awards, Credits, and Credentials:
http://www.ericwitchey.com/
Join us to write short fiction for fun, for money, or to learn to write novels.
This hands-on, five-session class on short story writing will include discussion, exploration, and exercises in story structure, character development, theme development, language use, and marketing. The class is appropriate for students of all levels. The class will meet five times over seven weeks on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 at The Tea Party Bookshop.
Class dates appear below. It will be taught by award-winning author Eric Witchey.
For additional details or to sign up, contact The Tea Party Bookshop or Eric Witchey at:
http://www.teapartybookshop.com/ PH: 503.990.6471
http://www.ericwitchey.com/ PH: 503.581.0458
Cost for five, three-hour sessions over a seven-week period: $200.00. Class size limited to 15. Non-refundable deposit of $50.00 required. Balance due before the beginning of the first session.
Class Dates:
Feb. 15th and 22nd
Mar. 8th, 22nd, and 29th
About The Instructor, Eric Witchey:
Eric M. Witchey has sold over 50 short stories and a novel into national and international markets. His stories have appeared in multiple genres under several names. His How-to articles have appeared in The Writer Magazine, Writer's Digest Magazine, and other print and on-line magazines. He has won awards and recognition from a number of organizations, including Writers of the Future, Writer's Digest, New Century Writers, and ralan.com. When not writing or teaching, he restores antique, model locomotives or tosses small bits of feather and pointy wire at laughing trout.
Currently Available Articles and Stories from Eric Witchey:
· Article: The Writer Magazine: "How To Obtain Sharp, Useful Critiques." Jan. 2009
· Article: The Writer Magazine Web Site: "The Care and Feeding of High-functioning Critique Groups." December, 2008
· Fiction: "Can You See Me Now?" Available online at www.Clarkesworld.com, Issue 24.
· Fiction: "Mirages," http:\\www.wheatlandPress.com. Soon to appear nationally in print in the Polyphony 7 anthology.
· Teaching: Willamette Writers. Five Minutes on Fiction. June, 2008 on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzJlg2tQf3M
Upcoming Events, Articles, and Fiction:
· Speaking: Willamette Writers Meeting January 6th, Portland's Old Church. (details at www.ericwitchey.com)
· Speaking: Willamette Writers Meeting January 8th, Salem. (details at www.ericwitchey.com)
· Fiction: "Mirages." Polyphony 7. On-line December, 2008. Print volume February, 2009
· Teaching: TripleTree Press Seminars. March 13-15, 2009 (details at http://www.ericwitchey.com/)
Additional Awards, Credits, and Credentials:
http://www.ericwitchey.com/
Upcoming Workshops by Sara Wiseman
Journal Writing for Spiritual Growth
Choose from two sessions: Sunday, March 15 • 11 am to 1 pm OR Sunday, May 3 • 11 am to 1 pm
At this intensive, experiential workshop, you’ll learn new ways to use your journal to delve deep into the heart of your soul. We’ll write, laugh, cry and use our whole bodies in this soul-immersion session, focusing on:
• How to write deeply, without fear
• How to find clarity through your writing
• How to use meditation to enhance your process
• How to use music to access emotions
• An overview of how to manifest in writing, and
• A brief introduction to channeled writing
WHAT TO BRING: dress comfortably as we will be moving our bodies. Also, bring a notebook and pen (or plan to purchase one at the store), plus anything you need or would like to share. Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
Writing with the Muse
Choose from two, 2-class sessions: Fridays, February 27 & March 13 OR
Fridays, April 10 & 24
Do you want to write, but can’t seem to find the time? Are you being held hostage by a project you can’t seem to more forward? Wish there was a way to make the writing process easier? This uber popular class includes TWO intensive classes filled with exercises, aha! moments, lots of laughter and an insanely supportive environment.
Join us and learn:
• how to find your writing voice
• how to get “unstuck” fast
• techniques to help your creativity flow
• the four essential steps of the creative process
• why using this process will help open your writing in ways you never dreamed!
Come prepared have fun and be completely surprised by the writing you produce!
BRING: Bring a notebook and pen (or buy one at the store). Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
How to Market Your Work
One session only!
Get ready for the Willamette Writers’ Conference! 2-class workshop on Fridays, June 12 and 26 • 6 to 8 pm
This concentrated, 2-class workshop will teach you the step-by-step process to marketing your fiction, including:
• determining your market
• researching your competition
• locating and attracting an agent
• where to send materials
• how to package/brand your materials
• live pitch practices
• and much more.
Session is spaced two weeks apart to allow for time to get your materials prepared. Caution: the workload for this class is intense! However, if you do the work, you’ll end up with everything you need to • start sending out your fiction work or • pitch an agent at a summer conference.
This course is designed for FICTION; non-fiction folks, check with me first to see if this workshop is right for you. Already taken this class but want to hone your work? Take it again—the benefits will be just as great!
BRING: A notebook/journal to write in (or buy one at the store). Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
Manifesting via Writing
Choose from three sessions: Saturday, February 21 • 10:30 am to 1:30 pm OR Sunday, April 5 • 11 am to 1 pm OR Sunday, June 14 • 11 am to 1 pm
Manifesting is incredibly simple—you just have to know how. The wildly popular The Secret and Law of Attraction teach a style of manifesting. But actually—there are easier ways.
Come to this fun, hands-on workshop, and learn how to…
• Clarify what you want
• Receive Divine guidance on what you actually need
• Manifest everything your heart longs for, from the ineffable (spiritual awakening) to the specific (a new job).
• Learn how to manifest specifically and correctly using writing.
• Learn the second and third stages of manifesting
• Learn how to follow Divine clues and strands.
This class is suitable for adults who are ready to experience immediate changes in their lives, and for those who are beginning to wonder if perhaps there is MORE to this life than they are currently experiencing (answer: there is!).
BRING: A notebook/journal to write in (or buy one at the store). Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
About the facilitator: Sara Wiseman is an author, intuitive, singer and consultant. Her book, WRITING THE DIVINE will be published by Llewellyn in Fall 2009. Sara works extensively with channeled writing, and offers private readings and creative consults. For information on any of the above workshops, contact sara@sarawiseman or visit http://www.sarawiseman.com/.
Choose from two sessions: Sunday, March 15 • 11 am to 1 pm OR Sunday, May 3 • 11 am to 1 pm
At this intensive, experiential workshop, you’ll learn new ways to use your journal to delve deep into the heart of your soul. We’ll write, laugh, cry and use our whole bodies in this soul-immersion session, focusing on:
• How to write deeply, without fear
• How to find clarity through your writing
• How to use meditation to enhance your process
• How to use music to access emotions
• An overview of how to manifest in writing, and
• A brief introduction to channeled writing
WHAT TO BRING: dress comfortably as we will be moving our bodies. Also, bring a notebook and pen (or plan to purchase one at the store), plus anything you need or would like to share. Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
Writing with the Muse
Choose from two, 2-class sessions: Fridays, February 27 & March 13 OR
Fridays, April 10 & 24
Do you want to write, but can’t seem to find the time? Are you being held hostage by a project you can’t seem to more forward? Wish there was a way to make the writing process easier? This uber popular class includes TWO intensive classes filled with exercises, aha! moments, lots of laughter and an insanely supportive environment.
Join us and learn:
• how to find your writing voice
• how to get “unstuck” fast
• techniques to help your creativity flow
• the four essential steps of the creative process
• why using this process will help open your writing in ways you never dreamed!
Come prepared have fun and be completely surprised by the writing you produce!
BRING: Bring a notebook and pen (or buy one at the store). Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
How to Market Your Work
One session only!
Get ready for the Willamette Writers’ Conference! 2-class workshop on Fridays, June 12 and 26 • 6 to 8 pm
This concentrated, 2-class workshop will teach you the step-by-step process to marketing your fiction, including:
• determining your market
• researching your competition
• locating and attracting an agent
• where to send materials
• how to package/brand your materials
• live pitch practices
• and much more.
Session is spaced two weeks apart to allow for time to get your materials prepared. Caution: the workload for this class is intense! However, if you do the work, you’ll end up with everything you need to • start sending out your fiction work or • pitch an agent at a summer conference.
This course is designed for FICTION; non-fiction folks, check with me first to see if this workshop is right for you. Already taken this class but want to hone your work? Take it again—the benefits will be just as great!
BRING: A notebook/journal to write in (or buy one at the store). Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
Manifesting via Writing
Choose from three sessions: Saturday, February 21 • 10:30 am to 1:30 pm OR Sunday, April 5 • 11 am to 1 pm OR Sunday, June 14 • 11 am to 1 pm
Manifesting is incredibly simple—you just have to know how. The wildly popular The Secret and Law of Attraction teach a style of manifesting. But actually—there are easier ways.
Come to this fun, hands-on workshop, and learn how to…
• Clarify what you want
• Receive Divine guidance on what you actually need
• Manifest everything your heart longs for, from the ineffable (spiritual awakening) to the specific (a new job).
• Learn how to manifest specifically and correctly using writing.
• Learn the second and third stages of manifesting
• Learn how to follow Divine clues and strands.
This class is suitable for adults who are ready to experience immediate changes in their lives, and for those who are beginning to wonder if perhaps there is MORE to this life than they are currently experiencing (answer: there is!).
BRING: A notebook/journal to write in (or buy one at the store). Snacks provided.
COST: Tickets $60 advance, $70 day of event at Tea Party Bookshop, 420 Ferry St. SE. Event held at Tea Party Bookshop, in the upstairs workshop room.
About the facilitator: Sara Wiseman is an author, intuitive, singer and consultant. Her book, WRITING THE DIVINE will be published by Llewellyn in Fall 2009. Sara works extensively with channeled writing, and offers private readings and creative consults. For information on any of the above workshops, contact sara@sarawiseman or visit http://www.sarawiseman.com/.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Play Well with Words Workshop
"Plays Well With Words"
Thursday Night series (6 weeks) in Salem
Dates: January 29 – March 5
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm (light refreshments provided)
Location: Woodland Chapel Library (582 High Street SE, Salem).
Cost: $115 (sliding fee or payment plan available, paypal accepted)
*The workshop has a maximum of 10 participants so please register in advance. No payment is expected until after the first night, so you are welcome to attend to see if the workshop is a fit for you before choosing to participate in the full 6-week workshop.
All Writing Matters workshops use the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method (www.amherstwriters.com) and are led by Joanne Scharer, an AWA certified workshop leader/coach and affiliate.
These workshops are unique experiences providing a safe place to experiment, create, work on an existing writing project, learn more about yourself, heal, or reflect in a supportive and affirming atmosphere.
The workshops are open to all writers (and yes, everyone is a writer...) regardless of writing experience, age, ethnicity, educational background, or genre interest.
Contact Joanne Scharer at 503-409-9910 or joanne@allwritingmatters.com
http://www.allwritingmatters.com/
Thursday Night series (6 weeks) in Salem
Dates: January 29 – March 5
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm (light refreshments provided)
Location: Woodland Chapel Library (582 High Street SE, Salem).
Cost: $115 (sliding fee or payment plan available, paypal accepted)
*The workshop has a maximum of 10 participants so please register in advance. No payment is expected until after the first night, so you are welcome to attend to see if the workshop is a fit for you before choosing to participate in the full 6-week workshop.
All Writing Matters workshops use the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method (www.amherstwriters.com) and are led by Joanne Scharer, an AWA certified workshop leader/coach and affiliate.
These workshops are unique experiences providing a safe place to experiment, create, work on an existing writing project, learn more about yourself, heal, or reflect in a supportive and affirming atmosphere.
The workshops are open to all writers (and yes, everyone is a writer...) regardless of writing experience, age, ethnicity, educational background, or genre interest.
Contact Joanne Scharer at 503-409-9910 or joanne@allwritingmatters.com
http://www.allwritingmatters.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)