An unprecedented event for writers of all genres of fiction and creative nonfiction, featuring THREE masters of writing instruction: James Scott Bell,
Christopher Vogler, and Donald Maass!
This intensive four-day event brings together the talents of three industry professionals whose acclaimed instruction and books on writing craft have
helped thousands of writers to succeed in a competitive industry.
Through their combined expertise, you’ll be fully immersed in your novel in progress, engaged in practical, hands-on work while learning advanced
writing techniques.
Most of all, you’ll learn the skills you need to succeed in today’s publishing environment—how to create a book that editors and agents will love and
readers will embrace.
We also have limited opportunities for one-on-one sessions with editing professionals Lorin Oberweger, Brenda Windberg, Jason Sitzes, and others (see
below for details).
Houston, TX
November 3-6, 2011
Doubletree Hilton Intercontinental Hotel
Upcoming Offerings:
Seattle, WA
November 8-11, 2012
Venue details to come!
This workshop is best for:
Unpublished writers with a novel-in-progress or a work of creative nonfiction
Published authors wanting to rise from the mid-list
Anyone with an idea for a novel and a desire to bring that idea to fruition!
Tentative Schedule:
Thursday-Friday:
Class: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:15 PM (included in price)
Optional one-on-one appointments: 4:15-8:15 (thirty minutes each)
Saturday:
Class: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:15 PM (included in price)
Book-signing/reception: 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
Sunday:
Class: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Optional one-on-one appointments: 1:15-5:15 (thirty minutes each)
Topics:
Thursday: Christopher Vogler
THE WISDOM OF THE BODY: How the Hero's Journey Triggers the Emotions of the Audience
If you've ever wondered where stories come from, or why they have so much power over our imaginations, prepare to explore these fascinating questions
in depth with one of Hollywood's top story doctors.
Christopher Vogler, author of THE WRITER'S JOURNEY: Mythic Structure
for Writers and co-author of MEMO FROM THE STORY DEPARTMENT, has
helped major filmmakers and studios find the mythic dimension in their
work, and he can do the same for your screenplay or novel manuscript.
Inspired by sources as varied as classical drama, ancient myth, and the lore of vaudeville, Vogler will lead us through the labyrinth of story to find
what triggers strong emotions in our readers and audiences.
Intriguing theory will be balanced with solid practical tips and guidelines Vogler has developed over decades in the Hollywood story game. You will
explore the 12-stage Hero's Journey, a universal story pattern derived from the patterns of mythology, the concept of Archetypes as a tool for creating
believable characters, the powerful story engine of polarity that creates strong conflicts and reversals, and many other useful story devices.
Vogler inspires with his passion for story in all its forms, and will leave you with a new vision of what's possible in your writing.
For more on Chris Vogler, see: TheWritersJourney
Further details to come!
Friday: Donald Maass
21st Century Story:
How is fiction evolving in the 21st Century?
How can novelists write with high impact in an age of low attention spans?
The most successful novels of the early 21st Century combine fine writing and great stories. Both effects can be achieved by every fiction writer.
Literary novelists can create great story events. Commercial storytellers can heighten their tales with powerful literary tools.
In this hands-on, immersive workshop, Mr. Maass demonstrates advanced methods for creating strong story events, plot layers, parallels, reversals,
symbols and gripping themes. Coupled with those are techniques for constructing depth of character and sweeping character arcs.
In addition, this workshop shows how to break free from genre boundaries, go beyond "brand," shed outdated techniques and elevate what is both unique
and universal in one's stories. The best of 21st Century fiction technique is available now. This workshop hands you the tools.
For more on Don Maass, see: MaassAgency
Saturday: James Scott Bell
Beyond Nuts and Bolts:
In this workshop you'll learn the essentials of bestselling fiction, what agents, editors and readers are looking for – and how you can give it to
them.
Using instruction and interactive exercises, you'll come away with a grasp of the techniques that can get you to the "next level."
You'll learn:
The LOCK System for your novel
What makes for a compelling lead character
How to get reader emotions involved
The one essential secret to a high stakes Objective
How to create the strongest Confrontation possible
What it means to knock Out the reader at the end
A deeper understanding of structure
The Disturbance
The Doorways of No Return
No dull parts
Scene structure
One key concept that will supercharge any scene
Finishing touches
A system for revision so you don't miss a trick
The final polish
For more on Jim Bell, see: http://www.jamesscottbell.com/
Sunday:
Panel discussion with all three Story Masters, with a special analysis of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, plus Q&A!
One-on-one sessions with industry experts:
Available to a limited number of students—first come, first served—are opportunities for afternoon/evening meetings with story experts/long-time
independent editors Lorin Oberweger, Brenda Windberg, Jason Sitzes, and others.
These industry experts will review your novel’s first fifteen pages, along with a two-page (single-spaced) synopsis, and meet for a thirty-minute
discussion of your novel’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall marketability.
Students will be assigned an editor at the discretion of Free Expressions. Cost: $125
Please make sure to enroll for your individual meeting during registration. Instructions for submitting work will be provided with registration
materials
Accommodations and meals:
Registration fee includes:
Lunch Thursday-Saturday (included)
Saturday evening reception with light hors d’oeuvres
Coffee/tea/water in classroom each day
All handout materials, and more!
Stay tuned for venue information, including details on receiving a discounted room rate at the host hotel.
Registration:
$399 early registration by July 30
$459 by September 30
$499 full rate after October 1
For more information, please call 813–391–8980
Questions? Email Lorin Oberweger, Program Director at
lorin@free-expressions.com
