Workshops, Courses, & More

Why are fairy tales (and their sibling, myth) and dreams important to a writer? How can a writer make use of them to create memorable and well-crafted stories?

The basic answer is that myth and fairy tale inform, organize, and supply structure for much of modern literature, and certainly for romance novels of all genres. Dreams are the myths and fairy tales of imagination let loose.
Exploring these realms awaken imagination and inspire storytelling.

Dreams are part of being human. They are also very much a part of being a writer. Writers have responded to and used their dreams for centuries, writers such as Sue Grafton, Stephen King, Isabel Allende, Amy Tan, and others. Learn how to remember, capture, record and mine dreams for inspired storytelling.

The basis of modern storytelling whether in print or on the screen, lies deeply rooted in the mythological tradition and in fairy tale.

Game of Thrones, Clash of the Titans, Thor, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Snow White and the Huntsman, Once Upon a Time, Grimm—all popular books, movies and TV series that have their roots in the realms of myth and fairy tale.

For writers, the realm of myth and fairy tale is one of unending storytelling possibilities. This workshop defines and describes the elements and characteristics, as well as the differences of myth and fairy tales and how you can use them for stories that capture your reader.

Well-known writers, like Nora Roberts and Stephen King, use the tarot for and in their work, and it’s gained popularity as a creative tool. The tarot is a visual, symbolic and metaphorical tool that offers a unique and fun way to approach character development, setting, conflict, and plot. In this workshop, even if they’ve never seen or used a tarot deck before, participants learn to use the tarot for:

• Blasting through frustrating writer’s blocks
• Uncovering character quirks and secrets
• Adding the sensory detail and the unexpected twist to any scene
• Discovering what you’re not seeing in the scene, chapter, or story

Thresholds are a mythic element of story, and are everywhere. They influence character, setting, and story structure, and there are thresholds that are important for the writing life.

The most familiar threshold is the wedding tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold of their abode. A threshold is that line, actual or implied, between one place and another, one state and another, one phase or age, or another, any point of entering.

Once across the threshold, there is no going back in most cases.

In this workshop, several types of thresholds that have to do with elements of story, story structure, and the creative process are explained so that the writer can use thresholds to enhance and strengthen their writing and their stories.

One of the prevailing myths about being a writer is that once the writer has typed, “The End,” at the end of her manuscript, her job is done.

But you also have to sell your manuscript—first to an agent and/or editor, and then to the reader. Even if you are self-publishing, you need what is essentially a pitch on the back cover of your book, and you need to be able to talk succinctly about your book to reviewers and readers and others.

Your first sales tools are hooks and pitches. If you are seeking an agent or editor, then you need a query.

If you’ve been intimidated by these important marketing tools, this workshop will provide you with the information, tips, and resources along with the feedback you need to craft compelling hooks, pitches and queries that will have editors and agents asking for more.