Workshops & Courses
"Barbara, I am amazed at your professional energy and dedication to teaching the craft. You're an inspiration!" Award winning author Wayson Choy
Master Class: Your Novel in Workshop
10 - 11 April 2010
Toronto Writers' Centre
Toronto, ON
Immerse yourself in two days of workshopping your novel-in-progress and the work of your peers. Part master class, part critique session, this intensive weekend will strengthen your writing with input from me and your fellow emerging writers.
"Your master class was a turning point. I experienced a shift that will allow me to move from good writing to great writing.” F. Vandenhoven
At this Master Class you’ll get:
· Workshop sessions in which Barbara and the group will critique the first 30 pages of your novel and the other participants' novels. Novels in all genres are welcome.
· Talks from Barbara on craft: how to create a compelling hook, polish your dialogue, maximize setting, and efficiently revise your work
· Q & A session on getting published
· A private one-on-one evaluation session with Barbara
“Barbara, you are a master. I came home exhilarated by two days of helpful critiques from you and my classmates.” Ann Birch, Writers’ Union of Canada member
Please note:
· Registration is limited to 10 participants
· To be accepted please submit 5 double-spaced pages of your work. (For details email: bkyle@barbarakyle.com)
· Registration at least two weeks in advance is recommended. This allows time for all participants to have read each other’s work when the Master Class begins.
"Not to be missed." Robert Rotenberg, author of 'Old City Hall'
DATE: 10 - 11 April 2010 TIME: 9:30 – 5:00 both days
LOCATION: Toronto Writers' Centre, 627 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6G1K8
COST: $250 covers both days
FOR INFO and/or TO REGISTER: call 416.435.3318 or email: bkyle@barbarakyle.com
Fiction Writer's Boot Camp
18 - 22 January 2010
University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
Toronto, ON
Enjoy five stimulating days of writing and learning. Whether you're a beginning writer or stuck in the middle of your novel, this intensive five-day course will inform you, inspire you, and sharpen your personal creative skills. Classes consist of lectures, writing exercises, and workshop sessions in which everyone's work is critiqued by me and the others in the class.
Click here for full details
Fiction Writer's Boot Camp
20-24 July 2009
Haliburton School of The Arts
Haliburton, ON
Full Details
Enjoy five stimulating days of writing and learning at the School's lakeside setting in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands.
My Fiction Writer's Boot Camp empowers you to get control of the writing process, from your story's premise to its potential publication. Sessions are packed with techniques to help you create the kind of fiction publishers want.
Topics include:
Inventing Lives: learn how to create unforgettable characters
Crafting Plot: master the seven essentials of compelling story structure
Your Story's Voice: learn how to write dynamic dialogue and how to master POV
Storylining: discover how this outline process can save you frustration and grief
Getting Published: learn how to find an agent, submit a manuscript, and how the publishing business works
Whether you're a new writer or experienced, this course will sharpen your personal creative writing skills. Through writing exercises, lectures, workshopping your work with fellow students, and my constructive critiques of your writing, you'll come away equipped to create unique and compelling fiction.
Cost: $263
Full Details
“I learned more in a condensed half-hour from this woman than I have in countless workshops and books… A riveting, energetic, and positive experience.” Trish Kerr, Writers & Editors Network Newsletter
Master Class: Your Novel in Workshop
8-9 November 2008
Toronto Writers' Centre
Full Details
Immerse yourself in two days of workshopping your novel-in-progress. Part master class, part critique session, this intensive weekend will strengthen your writing with input from me and from your peers.
At this Master Class you’ll get:
- Workshop sessions in which we'll critique your novel’s first 25 pages. Novels in all genres are welcome.
- Talks from me on craft: how to create a dynamic hook, use setting to enrich character, polish dialogue, and efficiently revise your work
- A private, one-on-one evaluation session with me
Please note:
- Registration is limited to 10 participants
- To be accepted you must submit 5 pages (double spaced) of your work
- You are urged to register at least 2 weeks in advance. This allows time to email the first 25 pages of your novel to the other participants so that everyone will have read each other’s work when the Master Class begins.
DATE: 8 & 9 November 2008 TIME: 9:30 – 5:00 both days
LOCATION: Toronto Writers’ Centre, 627 Bloor Street West, Toronto
COST: $249 + GST (covers both days)
For full details click here
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The Writer's Boot Camp
19-23 January 2009
University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
Whether you're a beginning writer or stuck in the middle of your novel, this intensive one week course will inform you, inspire you, and sharpen your personal creative skills. Classes consist of lectures and workshop sessions in which every student's work is critiqued by me and the class. My lectures are packed with techniques to help you create the kind of fiction publishers want. The final session is devoted to a personal interview and evaluation with me for each student.
For information click here
Can't make it to my workshops or courses? Get my series of workshops on video: "Writing Fiction That Sells." These four DVDs have over ten hours of instruction from me -- and you can watch them on your own TV.
Read more ...
Past Workshops and Courses:
Ontario Writers’ Conference
2 – 3 May, 2008
Scarborough, Ontario
I’ll present three workshops at this weekend event.
www.wcdr.org
Fiction Writers Boot Camp
June 7-8, 2008
Toronto Writers’ Centre
My 2-day “Fiction Writers Boot Camp” is an intensive weekend workshop that empowers you to get control of the writing process, from your story's premise to its potential publication. The two day-long sessions are packed with techniques to help you create the kind of fiction publishers want.
- Discover the 5 essential elements of dynamic story structure and the 12 steps of the classic “hero’s journey”
- Examine the 7 universal mythic archetypes and learn to use them to create unique and vibrant characters
- Learn how to build powerful scenes and how to create character-specific dialogue
- Apply these principles in interactive writing exercises during the workshop
- In the “Getting Published” segment learn how to submit your manuscript, find an agent, and how the publishing business really works
DATE: June 7-8
TIME: 9:00 – 5:00
LOCATION: Toronto Writers’ Centre, 627 Bloor Street West, Toronto
COST: $135 + GST
TO REGISTER: phone: 416.975.5172
or email: md@writerscentre.ca
Fiction Writers Boot Camp
7 – 11 July, 2008
Haliburton, Ontario
Haliburton School of The Arts
The third year for my 5-day Boot Camp. This course always fills up fast, so register early.
www.haliburtonschoolofthearts.ca
Fiction Writers Boot Camp, Advanced
4- 8 August, 2008
Haliburton, Ontario
Haliburton School of The Arts
An intensive week of workshopping and revising your novel-in-progress.
www.haliburtonschoolofthearts.ca
FICTION WRITER’S
BOOT CAMP
13 & 14 October, 2007
Toronto
Toronto Writers’ Centre
My “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” is an intensive 2-day weekend workshop that empowers you to get control of the writing process, from your story's premise to its potential publication. The two, day-long sessions are packed with techniques to help you create the kind of fiction publishers want. In topic-focused workshop segments you will:
- Discover the 5 essential elements of dynamic story structure
- See how the 12 steps of the classic “hero’s journey” can reinvigorate your storytelling
- Examine the 7 universal mythic archetypes and learn to use them to create unique, vibrant characters
- Discover the secret of building powerful scenes
- Learn how to write character-specific dialogue that makes scenes spring to life
- Apply all these principles in interactive writing exercises
- In the final segment, “Getting Published,” learn how to submit your manuscript, find an agent, and how the publishing business really works.
From the workshop:
Your instincts and talent will supply about half of what’s needed in the writing process. Most people stop there. But for the many times when instinct falls short and talent gets stuck, structural analysis shows you how to get moving. If something you’ve written seems flat or lifeless or poorly focused and you wonder how to fix it, go through your toolbox of techniques. Is my inciting incident powerful enough to make my protagonist take action? Have I built this scene around a reversal? Does the climax bring my characters into direct confrontation? And so on. The parameters of story structure guide you. The artistic paradox is this: total freedom inhibits creativity; strategic limits generate creativity.
Date: Saturday October 13 and Sunday October 14, 2007
Time: Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Writers’ Centre, Suite 200, 101 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
Admission: $135 + GST
Please register by phone: 416.975.5172 or email: md@writerscentre.ca
SPECIAL OFFER! Attend the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp”and get $10 off the $85 purchase price of my 4-DVD set of workshops, “Writing Fiction That Sells.”
I teach Creative Writing Courses for the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, and Fleming College’s Haliburton School of the Arts. I have presented workshops for many writers organizations and groups, including the following organizations:
- Canadian Authors Association Toronto Branch
- Canadian Authors Association 2005 National Conference
- Toronto Romance Writers
- Haliburton Highlands Writers & Editors Network
- Canadian Authors Association Niagara Branch
- Writers & Editors Network, Toronto
- Ottawa Romance Writers
- Canadian Authors Association Niagara Branch “Mini-Conference”
- Toronto East End Writers Group
I’d be pleased to present a workshop for your writers' group. Choose from the following eight– my most popular – ranging from a two-day weekend, to a full-day or half-day event, to an hour-long talk. For inquiries about workshops, fees, and scheduling please call me at 705-549-4438 or e-mail me at bkyle@barbarakyle.com.
1. “FICTION WRITER’S BOOT CAMP” A two-day weekend workshop.
The “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” offers two stimulating days of writing and learning. Each day focuses on essential elements of the craft, including:
- Characters: Inventing Lives
- Story Structure: Seven Essentials of a Great Plot
- Style: Your Story’s Voice
- Storylining: Building Your Book
- The Business: Getting Published
- Staying the Course: Tales of a First Draft Survivor
Whether you’re a new writer or experienced, the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” will inform you, inspire you, and sharpen your personal creative skills. Through discussion, writing exercises, workshopping your work with other writers, and instructor critiques, you’ll come away from my “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” equipped to create compelling and marketable fiction.
"Hands-on exceptionally useful workshop. All meat, no filler. I took away insights, tools and methodologies that will serve me well for years to come."
Thomas Reizoff, Hamilton
"Thank you again for sharing your tremendous knowledge and passion for writing. I was so inspired."
Anne Snieckus, Elora
2. “WRITING NOVELS THAT SELL” A one day workshop.
This day-long workshop is packed with information and techniques to help the writer create the kind of page-turner publishers want. Whether you're a beginning writer, or stuck in the middle of your novel, or ready to approach publishers with your manuscript, this workshop will inform you and inspire you.
- Learn what makes a novel marketable
- Discover how “Storylining” can save you frustration and grief
- Examine the five crucial elements of compelling story structure
- Find out how to create unforgettable, multi-dimensional characters
- Learn how to find an agent, submit a manuscript, and how the publishing business really works
"One of the best workshops I’ve ever attended … Thanks!"
Dorothea Helms, Sunderland
"I loved all your personal tips and tricks what works and what doesn't - excellent! Your presentation style was superb - very enjoyable to listen to. Thanks for the experience and valuable information."
Nora Savage, Acton
3. “STORY STRUCTURE: SEVEN ESSENTIALS OF A GREAT PLOT” A half-day workshop.
A novel does not tumble, fully formed, out of the writer’s mind. Creating a book takes a lot of planning and design, and to design effectively you need to know structure. “Story Structure: Seven Essentials of a Great Plot” tells how to build a powerful story by mastering these crucial elements: the inciting incident, escalating conflict, reversals and revelations, turning points, the overarching dramatic question, the controlling idea, and the story climax.
"Inspirational and instructive: you shared your experiences which I grabbed gladly."
Ian S. Clarke, Pickering
"I was so excited about writing again, I was up half the night! The workshop provided a lot of insightful and practical approaches. You've made the prospect of writing a new novel a lot less daunting."
Marnie Maquire, Toronto.
4. “CHARACTERS: INVENTING LIVES” A half-day workshop.
Readers love stories with characters they care deeply about, especially the all-important protagonist. In this intense half-day workshop you'll learn eight essential techniques for creating unforgettable characters. You'll also learn how to enrich your characters through conflict and close relationships. And you'll gain an understanding of the "3 C's" of deep character: choice, change, and contrast. When you use these techniques, your story will spring to life with the kind of living, breathing people that readers remember long after the book ends.
"Practical, informative and fun!"
Deborah Garland, Pickering
"Very inspiring. Looks do-able. Love your dramatic flare."
Vicki Pinkerton, Whitby
5. “STORYLINING: BUILDING YOUR BOOK” A half-day workshop.
No writer, however experienced, gets a whole novel right in one attempt. The result is usually a monolithic draft that needs extensive reworking, and a demoralized author clinging to mediocre material. Instead, learn how to take your one-paragraph basic premise to a three-page framework, then expand and enrich that to ten pages, then to twenty. Result? A distilled, dramatic, manageable blueprint for a compelling novel. "Storylining" is my term for this invaluable technique. It’s where the heavy lifting of creation really gets done. After storylining, writing your book becomes easier and goes far more quickly.
"Your workshop was great – really well presented and packed with information. I especially appreciated your recommendations about storylining and taking sufficient time for it."
Karen Alison, Toronto
"Your ideas and suggestions will help tremendously!"
Jennifer Doucet, Welland
6. “STYLE: YOUR STORY’S VOICE” A half-day workshop.
Writers create worlds. We do it with words. “Style: Your Story’s Voice” highlights the strategic choices the writer can make to create a story that’s vibrant and powerful. Find out which POV (point-of-view) is most effective for your story. Learn when to “show” and when to “tell.” Discover the secrets of writing dialogue to bring your characters to life, and techniques on how to construct “big” scenes, those memorable story events that enthrall and move readers.
"I went with several specific expectations which I hoped would be addressed … to my delight you covered every one of them. I was looking for some specific do's and don'ts about plot and character development. Your workshop has given me many of the answers. Thank you very much!"
John Jeneroux, London
"Thanks, Barbara … I've been inspired to re-visit my goals."
Linda Fitzgerald, Shelburne
7. "DEEP GENRE: TAKING THE THRILLER BEYOND CHEAP THRILLS" An hour-long talk.
Thrillers are about high stakes and countdowns, but I use the thriller to explore important themes as well. Call it the Thriller Plus. In all popular fiction, exciting stories are a must, but in my books the thriller is even more: a means to carry serious issues to the widest possible audience. In Beyond Recall it’s environmental degradation exacerbated by overpopulation. In After Shock, the abuse of science by the American military-industrial complex. In The Experiment, our god-like powers of biotechnology. And always, my characters, as they confront moral conflicts, are people to care deeply about. Do readers want high message mixed with thrills? Do publishers “get it?” Hear my take on the challenges and rewards of writing the Thriller Plus.
"Your ideas and suggestions will help tremendously!"
Jennifer Doucet, Welland
8. "MYTHIC STRUCTURE IN THE POPULAR NOVEL: 12 Stages in Your Hero or Heroine's Journey"
At heart, a hero or heroine's story is always a journey. They leave an ordinary way of life and set out into a challenging and unfamiliar world. It may be an outward journey to a strange city or a new country, or it may be an inward journey, one of the mind, the heart, the spirit. Based on the work of Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler, who identified universally recurring elements in myths and fairy tales, this workshop examines the 12 stages of the "Hero's Journey." You'll learn how these stages constitute the emotional map of all compelling stories, from classic novels to today's films – stages like The Call To Adventure, Crossing the First Threshold, Ordeal, and The Road Back. The workshop also examines 7 essential archetypes, characters who help and hinder the hero or heroine on their journey, including The Mentor, Threshold Guardians, and The Shadow. You'll leave this workshop inspired by how to apply mythic structure and timeless archetypes to reinvigorate your storytelling.
“From the moment Barbara Kyle stood to speak until the moment she sat down, there were no wasted words or gestures. It was as if Barbara was taking us on a thriller adventure – without the casualties … The information was delivered with an excitement and drive that immediately filled the room. She worked through the concepts of…character development and conflict with the poise and ease of a master. And a master she is … I learned more in a condensed half-hour from this woman than I have in countless workshops and books. And she knows how to deliver information without the fat – just like any good thriller author should … Watching Barbara in action was a riveting, energetic, and positive experience. There were also enough basic writing truths passed on to allow everyone in that room to take something away with them.”
Trish Kerr, Writers & Editors Network
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