I am a junkie for workshops, classes, seminars and anything
remotely academic. There are two that
have been particularly important for me as I learn the craft of writing.
In Person Workshop: Saturday, May 12, the Calgary
Association of RWA presented Michael Hauge in an all day workshop Story Mastery.
My head is still spinning from all the information. My brain feels like I’m hungover but it’s
from the influx of new terms and ideas.
Michael has a well developed story structure that he
explains using video clips and anecdotes from his experience in Hollywood. He also used examples from some of the novels
in the room as well as some of the authors he has collaborated with. Best of
all, he spoke knowledgeably and intelligibly about romance novels - a feat that
some consultants haven’t mastered.
For me there were two aha’s that will make my prep work for
the next novel easier. First let me say
that I am a pantser - I really have no idea of what is going to happen before i
write. But I always know the backstory and my characters really well. After yesterday I have some new terms
(essence and identity) to use in figuring out those characters and their
character arc.
The second thing that was key for me will be used in editing
the first draft: a story structure that is totally logical and easy for me to
understand. I’ve taken many workshops
and sometimes the story structure given is so complicated I can’t work through
it. Sometimes it’s not intellectually right for me (which means I can’t get my
head around it). And sometimes it’s so far from my experience that it makes me
yawn.
Not this one. And
everyone at our table agreed - this method of approaching a story made it a lot
easier to get it right the first time.
Well done, Calgary RWA and Michael Hauge. Saturday was an interesting and informative
day and I can’t recomment this workshop enough.
Online Workshop: In August of last year I took 21
Steps to Fog Free Writing from Don McNair.
Don taught us more about ‘writing tight’ in that workshop than any other
editing class or program I’ve taken. It
was succinct, direct and full of examples and worksheets to practice what we’d
learned. He was available and answered
questions promptly. Best of all, with all the worksheets he provided, we can go
back to review and hone our skills.
Don is teach a Master Class June 11-22, "Editor-Proof
That First Chapter"at www.WriterUniv.com.
Based on my experience with his first class I’m going to be there. I’m sure it will be excellent.
I am an academic at
heart. I love classes and educational
opportunities. I am often frustrated at conferences because a one hour session
does not allow instructors to get into the depth of any topic. But if you’re looking for information on how
to structure a story for major impact, spend the money and hear Michael
Hauge. If you’re looking for an
improvement in your ability to write
clearly, watch for Don McNair. Both
experts in their field and both very nice men.
Louise Behiel
My blog is http://louisebehiel.com
Twitter is www.twitter.com/louisebehiel
Facebook is www.facebook.com/weezyb7881
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