Two February Online Workshops for Writers

Flash of Romance

The following two workshops are being offered through the Yosemite Romance Writers. Additional information and sign-up instructions can be found at YRW’s Workshop Page HERE.

POV: It’s Not Just a Point of View

• Dates: February 3-28
• Instructor: Shannon Donnelly
• PRICE: $20/$25

Third person, first person, multiple viewpoints, single—all of it can be confusing.  What works?  When to change viewpoint?  And how do you take POV so deep a reader feels everything a character feels?  This workshop covers some basic elements of POV control, including how to make better choices for which character’s viewpoint to use and how to write deep POV that compels a reader’s attention.  Exercises will be offered to sharpen POV control, one of the most fundamental, and strongest techniques in any writer’s tool box.

The workshop will cover:

1) Types of POV – advantages & disadvantages to each
2) Which character’s eyes to use
3) How…

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How To Write For The Market While Still Writing For You

Carly Watters, Literary Agent

Let me quickly say: I don’t believe any writer should be following trends. That’s not what this post is about. However, I do believe that writers who want to get published traditionally need to have their eyes open to what the market is doing.

Why You Don’t Follow Trends

• Trends are something that no one can predict–especially when they end and you don’t want to be on the tail end of something when the booksellers are no longer stocking that “thing.”
• Trends are established years before anyone knows about them. With the year(s) of writing, contract negotiation, and production, by the time a book comes out it’s either starting a trend or with a trend that you have no idea about until it’s on the market. Therefore, trends are started 2 years prior.
• Following a trend is a quick way to date yourself and risk unoriginality.
• Agents aren’t looking for trend…

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Which pitch has the most potential? Slush pile, in-person or online contest?

Carly Watters, Literary Agent

I get asked this question often. Writers want to make the most of their time and talent. Querying is a part in your writing career that is fraught with stress, expectation, and worry–oh wait, this sounds like the entire length of a writing career! Jokes aside, the decisions you make to start your career have a huge influence on the trajectory of it.

So what’s the best way to pitch an industry professional? In person at a conference? In the slush pile? Or in an online contest? 

All of these have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go over them.

Pitching At A Conference In Person

Advantage: We get to know a slice of your personality (even if it’s only for 10 minutes) and whether we could see ourselves working together. Establishing a personal connection is beneficial for both parties.

Disadvantage: We haven’t seen your material yet! It all depends on the writing…

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