My historical novel of Tudor England, THE QUEEN’S LADY, will be published in July, 2008. Readers love historical fiction. As other genres wax and wane, historicals keep solidly selling, year after year, decade after decade. What makes tales of the past so perennially fresh, so consistently enticing? Come and explore the deep satisfactions of writing the historical novel.

• Discover how to research efficiently, to separate life dynamics from deadwood detail
• Examine ways to graft the historical novel onto a bestselling modern genre: mystery, romance, thriller, horror
• Explore how using the 12 steps of the classic “hero’s journey” to challenge your hero or heroine can create a timeless story
• Learn how to create era-specific dialogue that still keeps your characters sounding real
• To help get your novel published, learn how publishers “position” historicals
  

DATE: Sunday April 27
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Toronto Writers’ Centre, 627 Bloor Street West, Toronto
COST: $45 + GST
TO REGISTER: phone: 416.975.5172
or email: md@writerscentre.ca

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.

“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

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.”

31 March, 2007
Toronto

Toronto Writers' Centre

Spring Workshop-“Story Structure: Seven Essentials of a Great Plot”

Join me on Saturday March 31, 2007 at the Toronto Writers’ Centre for a workshop on “Story Structure: Seven Essentials of a Great Plot.”

Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced one, you know that creating a novel takes a lot of planning. Successful authors know that to plan effectively takes an understanding of story structure.

In this half-day workshop you’ll learn how to create a powerful story by mastering seven crucial elements:

• inciting incident
• escalating conflict
• reversals and revelations
• dramatic question
• turning points
• controlling idea
• story climax

You’ll leave this workshop a big step closer to writing a novel that publishers will buy.

• Date: Saturday, March 31
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Toronto Writers’ Center, Suite 200, 101 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
• Cost: $35

To Register: contract the Toronto Writers’ Centre at 416.975.5172 or md@writerscentre.ca (See www.writerscentre.ca)

SPECIAL OFFER! Print this page and bring it to the workshop on March 31 and get 10% off the $85 purchase price of my 4-DVD set “Writing Fiction That Sells.”

6 February, 2007 – 10 April, 2007
Toronto

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies:

Course: "WRITING THE NOVEL: INTRODUCTION"
10 evening sessions of 2 hours each

For more info: www.learn.utoronto.ca

11 April, 2007 – 30 May, 2007
Toronto

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies:

Course: "WRITING THE POPULAR NOVEL"
8 evening sessions of 2.5 hours each

Whether it's through a poignant love story or nail-biting suspense, popular novels deliver an emotional experience, explore important themes, and reach millions of readers. This course introduces the bestselling genres – romance, mystery, thriller, science fiction/fantasy, and horror – and examines their essential elements, including strong plot and pro-active characters. Through writing assignments, you'll advance in the genre of your choice, receive helpful critiques, and learn about breaking into the U.S. market.

For more info: www.learn.utoronto.ca

June, 2007
Haliburton, Ontario

Haliburton School of The Arts

The short story kindles enlightenment about the human condition in a small but fiery flash. It’s an exciting way for new writers to master the craft of writing. In June I’ll teach this literary art form in three separate 5-day courses at the Haliburton School of The Arts. Through lectures, daily writing sessions, workshopping your work with fellow students, and instructor critiques of your writing, you’ll come away from this course well on your way to writing a concise and compelling short story. Come for one course, two, or all three:

4 June, 2007 – 8 June, 2007
“ WRITING THE SHORT STORY: ESSENTIALS OF STORY STRUCTURE”

You’ll learn about the five crucial elements of story structure, the vital role of conflict in crafting structure, the importance of reversals and revelations, and the fundamental nature of a story climax.

For info: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca Tel: 1.705.457.1680

11 June, 2007 – 15 June, 2007
“ WRITING THE SHORT STORY: ESSENTIALS OF CREATING CHARACTERS”

You’ll discover how to create an empathetic protagonist, use a character arc, understand the role of classic archetypes, and find out how to enrich your characters through conflict and close relationships. You'll also gain an understanding of the "3 C's" of deep character: choice, change, and contrast.

For info: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca Tel: 1.705.457.1680

18 June, 2007 – 22 June, 2007
“ WRITING THE SHORT STORY: ESSENTIALS OF STYLE”

You’ll discover how to create worlds with words. You’ll learn to apply imagery, master POV (point-of-view), use setting to enhance mood, craft dynamic dialogue, and understand when to “show” and when to “tell.”

For info: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca Tel: 1.705.457.1680

30 July, 2007 – 3 August, 2007
Haliburton, Ontario

Haliburton School of The Arts

Join my “FICTION WRITER’S BOOT CAMP” for five 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

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 sessions that include lectures, writing exercises, readings, workshopping your work with other writers, and instructor critiques, you’ll come away from the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” equipped to create concise, compelling, and marketable fiction.

For more info: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca.

9 July, 2007 – 13 July, 2007
North Bay, Ontario

Canadore College

Join my “FICTION WRITER’S BOOT CAMP” for five 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

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 sessions that include lectures, writing exercises, readings, workshopping your work with other writers, and instructor critiques, you’ll come away from the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” equipped to create concise, compelling, and marketable fiction.

For info: www.Canadorecollege.on.ca

19 September, 2007
St. Catharines, Ontario

Canadian Authors Association, Niagara Branch

Workshop: "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. Based on the work of Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler, this workshop will inspire you to apply mythic structure and timeless archetypes to reinvigorate your storytelling.

For info contact Evan at tweed@allstream.net

PAST APPEARANCES AND COURSES

July 24 – 28, 2006
Haliburton, Ontario

I will conduct a week-long creative writing course called the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” for the Haliburton School of the Arts.

Join the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” for five 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 sessions that include lectures, writing exercises, readings, workshopping your work with other writers, and instructor critiques, you’ll come away from the “Fiction Writer’s Boot Camp” equipped to create concise, compelling, and marketable fiction.

For more info: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca.or contact@HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca

October 2, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

I will present “The Heartbeat of the Compelling Heroine,” a workshop for the Ottawa Romance Writers Association. For information please see www.ottawaromancewriters.com

October 15, 2005
Toronto, Ontario

I will present a “Writing Novels That Sell” workshop for the Canadian Authors Association Toronto Branch. This full-day event delivers techniques to help you create the kind of page-turner publishers want.

Learn what makes a novel marketable. Discover the five essential elements of compelling story structure and the heartbeat of multi-dimensional characters. Understand and beware of three crippling myths about writing. Learn how to find an agent, submit a manuscript, and how the publishing business really works.

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 and inspire you.

• Location: Northern District Library, 40 Orchard Blvd (one block north of Yonge & Eglinton), Toronto.

• Workshop Cost: $50 for CAA members and $65 for non-members. Early Bird Special until September 1, 2005: $35 for CAA members and $50 for non-members

• Information: This event is sponsored by the Canadian Authors Association Toronto Branch. For information, and to download a registration form, click here: http://www.canauthorstoronto.org /events/htm. Or contact Dawn Nelson at nelantd@yahoo.com

October 22, 2005
Haliburton, Ontario

I will present two-half day workshops – “The Heartbeat of Character” and “Storylining: Building Your Book” – for the Haliburton Highlands Writers and Editors Network. For information please see www.hhwen.org or download workshop poster in PDF format.

October 6 – December 8, 2005
Orangeville, Ontario

For the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies I’ll teach “Creative Writing: Introduction” for 10 Wednesday evenings this fall.

From the U of T website: “This introductory course offers students the opportunity to explore various forms, genres and approaches to creative writing. Topics include plot, character, prose techniques, dialogue and appropriate levels of style, as well as how to outline a piece of writing, logical development, balance and pacing, textual maximization (getting the most out of what you write) and the various forms available to writers.”

For info see www.learn.utoronto.ca or phone the U of T School of Continuing Studies at 416-978-6714.

June 23-26, 2005
Kitchener, Ontario

I’ll be a speaker at the Canadian Authors Association national conference “CanWrite” – three days of seminars, writing workshops, panels, and speakers at the Walper House Hotel in Kitchener. For info see www.author.ca/caawaterwell

April 6 – June 8, 2005
Orangeville, Ontario

For the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies I’ll teach “Creative Writing: Introduction” for 10 Wednesday evenings this spring. From the U of T website: “This introductory course offers students the opportunity to explore various forms, genres and approaches to creative writing. Topics include plot, character, prose techniques, dialogue and appropriate levels of style, as well as how to outline a piece of writing, logical development, balance and pacing, textual maximization (getting the most out of what you write) and the various forms available to writers.” For info see www.learn.utoronto.ca or phone the U of T School of Continuing Studies at 416-978-6714.

May 21, 2005
Toronto, Ontario

I’ll speak to the Writers and Editors Network (WEN) about “Deep Genre: taking the thriller beyond cheap thrills.” Thrillers are about high stakes and countdowns, but I use the thriller to explore important themes as well. Call it the Super-thriller or 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, 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, confronting 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. For info contact Karen Alison at karmik@rogers.com or info@wenetwork.org.

May 19, 2005
Toronto, Ontario

I’ll speak to the Canadian Authors Association Toronto branch about “Deep Genre: taking the thriller beyond cheap thrills.” 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 more: a means to carry serious issues to the widest possible audience. In Beyond Recall, 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, confronting 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. For info see www.canauthorstoronto.org.

May 14, 2005
Toronto, Ontario

For the Toronto Romance Writers I’ll speak about “Storylining: Building Your Book.” 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 five-page framework, then expand and enrich that to fifteen pages, then to thirty. 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 gets done. The storyline's brevity allows you to be bold and flexible with ideas. After storylining, writing your book becomes easier and goes far more quickly. It’s a paradox, but true: limits liberate your creativity; freedom constrains.

November 13, 2004
St. Catharines, Ontario

The Canadian Authors Association Niagara branch hosts a mini-conference at which I conduct a workshop on “The Heartbeat of Character.” Readers come to a book for the plot but they stay for the people. In this intense half-day workshop you'll discover the eight essentials of unforgettable characters. You'll 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 writing will spring to life with the kind of living, breathing people that readers care about and remember.