ELECTIVE WORKSHOPS

As part of your conference registration options, you will be given the choice of one workshop from each of the following sessions, for a total of three Elective Workshop choices. Please review the options below and have your selections in mind prior to completing the Conference Registration Form.

As you review the agenda you will see that each class is marked with a Level. These Levels are a tool to help you determine which classes will be most beneficial FOR YOU. So read the definitions below, and then grab your highlighter to mark the workshops and sessions you most want to attend. Also notice that Level E classes have requirements the presenters have set for attending those classes. All other classes are open to anyone; the tracks are merely to help you determine the type of instruction to expect.

Level Definitions

Level A: Writers who are starting out, who have attended 1-3 conferences, have completed 0-3 manuscripts, and are getting a handle on the publishing industry would benefit most from these classes. Classes will cover the basics elements of novel and proposal writing as well as how to submit finished manuscripts, and meet agents and editors.

Level B: Writers who have been studying the craft for a while and have become strong writers, are receiving some requests for full manuscripts, but are getting rejected and haven't acquired an agent will benefit from this track. Classes will delve deeper into strengthening the elements of a good manuscript and proposal as well as help identify the areas a writer needs to improve to help advance his/her career.

Level C: Writers who have gotten requests for complete manuscripts with revisions from agents and editors, and have possibly made it to committee but are still receiving rejections will benefit from these classes. Your writing is strong, you're ready for publication, editors and agents are watching you, but that elusive contract has not yet been offered. In these classes you will learn the next step to publication as well as continue to strengthen your prose and publishing knowledge.

Level D: Writers who are published or recently contracted will get the most from these classes. You're still struggling with balancing your life with your new writing career and trying not to be stressed while meeting deadlines. Classes will also cover organization, marketing, public relations and speaking, and the business side of writing.

Level E: Published authors with several books will benefit most from the community of writers gathered in these classes. While the main goal of these workshops is to learn about craft or marketing in a new or improved way, it will also be a gathering place for published writers to exchange ideas.

Friday - Elective Workshops - 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm - Track A - (you may choose one of the following)

Workshop Title: Understanding the Publishing Process  (WS1)

Level: A-B Hosted By: Jeff Gerke Prerequisite: none Description: Audience participation class in which the entire publishing process at Christian houses is simulated by the class members, facilitated by the instructor. Introduction. Explanation of what we're going to do. Assignment of class members into the various departments and roles in a publishing house. Running a book through the entire process, from rough draft to book on the shelf. Wrap-up and Q&A.

Workshop Title: Ideas & Inspiration  (WS2)

Level: B-C Hosted By: Deborah Raney Prerequisite: none Description: In this workshop, Deborah will take a look at a wide variety of resources for sparking creative story ideas; and more importantly, she will reveal secrets for getting--and staying--inspired to write once you have an idea nailed down. This session includes a hands-on exercise that will send conferees home with at least one "killer" book idea.

Workshop Title: Deepening Characterization  (WS3)

Level: D Hosted By: DiAnn Mills Prerequisite: none Description: By building on the psychology of a character, the writer can develop characters who are real, dynamic, and step off the page and into the readers' hearts.

Workshop Title: The Future Of Publishing  (WS4)

Level: E Hosted By: Chip MacGregor Prerequisite: 3 novels published in the past 2 years Description: This workshop, for experienced authors only, will explore what's happening with the sales, distribution, and marketing of books; the changes occurring in a slowed publishing economy; and especially what authors need to know about digital and electronic books. An author who began working in the publishing industry ten years ago would barely recognize the way our business is run today. To think strategically in today's publishing economy, there are several important issues every experienced author should explore: The New Way of Creating Books (Publishers, authors, agents, and entertainers have all shifted the way we all think about books The New Approach to Selling and Distributing Books (Or, "If Borders Goes Bankrupt, Does Barnes & Noble Only Have a Monopoly Until Everyone Owns a Kindle?") The New Method of Marketing Books (How our culture's love of celebrity has re-shaped the way we market our works) The New View of Christian Books (Will CBA survive? And does that even matter any more?) Christian fiction has been the fastest growing segment in all of publishing these past five years, and that has given CBA novelists weight in the industry. But the new reality is that religious fiction has slowed, creating calls for new directions in Christian novels. What that means, and how it is handled, could prove vitally important to all successful authors. Join us as we discuss the future of publishing. Please note, you will need to provide the title(s) and ISBN number(s) as required to meet prerequisites on the Conference registration form.

Workshop Title: Male POV  (WS5)

Level: A-C Hosted By: Randy Ingermanson Prerequisite: none Description: What's it like to be a guy? And are you sure you want to know the answer? The fact is that men and women are different. And aren't you glad? The world would be a much duller place if there were only one gender. However, the world is definitely a more confusing place because of those pesky gender differences. We will discuss several different points on which men and women differ, and we'll talk about what the female writer needs to know in order to make a somewhat more realistic male character. If you want to know why guys act the way they do, this may be the class for you, with the following caveat . . . WARNING: This class will be rated R. If you are appalled, befuddled, confused, dismayed, or embarrassed by the P-word, the B-word, the S-word, the V-word, or the O-word, then please go to a nice safe class on Promotion, Branding, Suspense, Vocabulary, or Organizing, because in this class we will be talking about stuff you don't want to hear. I am dreadfully sorry, but I don't think it's appropriate to use euphemisms when straight-arrow honesty is needed. Also, if you are under 21 or unmarried, you really need to think three times before you come to this class. Absolutely nobody under 18 will be allowed in the class. I AM NOT KIDDING. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Workshop Title: Make A Plot, Make It Work  (WS6)

Level: B-C Hosted By: Gail Sattler Prerequisite: none Description: Develop your plot and keep it rolling, building your story one scene at a time, keeping those pages turning until it's time to do or die. This workshop will teach how to develop a plot, then dig deeper into evaluating what works and what doesn't, using samples from my own books, showing the differences needed for novella length, Heartsong length, and Love Inspired length. Once a basic plotline is developed we will go over Scene and Sequel from Swain's Techniques of the Selling Writer, including credibility and not using convoluted circumstances to advance the plot and/or characterization as the writer increases the conflict and hooks the reader more with every additional scene. This will include learning how to create scene goals and conflict which build the plot, action scenes to enhance and pique reader interest, a temporary breather, then how to build more intensity into the next scene. It will be stressed at all times to know where the writer is going with the plot, with every scene leading closer to the black moment when it's do or die, for both the reader, and the writer.

Friday - Elective Workshops - 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm - Track B - (you may choose one of the following)

Workshop Title: Profiling Characters  (WS7)

Level: A-C Hosted By: Sue Brower Prerequisite: none Description: Learn to give your characters the type of depth that allows your readers to quickly connect to each and every character. Learn how make your character's actions consistent with their motive and personality. Make your fictional characters jump off the page.

Workshop Title: Tension & Conflict  (WS8)

Level: B-C Hosted By: Gail Martin Prerequisite: none Description: Forget arguments, novels need tension and conflicts. This workshop explains the importance elements of tension and conflict. Demonstrates techniques in developing internal and external conflicts that can move a story forward and covers how to use scene and sequel to enhance conflicts and create strong emotion.

Workshop Title: Working with Your Agent  (WS9)

Level: D-E Hosted By: Steve Laube & Ronie Kendig Prerequisite: none Description: This workshop provides guidelines on how to establish and maintain an agent-author relationship (ground rules, communication, dealing with frustration), as well as knowing when and how to end the relationship. Expectation - Ground Rules: expectations drive the definition of success in any relationship Communication - When (how often?) What (content?) How (method?) Frustration - How to deal with the inevitable Elimination - When do you say "no more"? and how?

Workshop Title: Author Advances: A Publisher's Perspective  (WS10)

Level: E Hosted By: Allen Arnold Prerequisite: 2 books published in the past 3 years Description: Advances are often a “taboo” subject. This workshop seeks to demystify the negotiation process while offering insights from the publisher side of the table. Should you be more focused on the advance or the royalty? Is sell-in or sell-through of product the more critical measure? And why is recouping an advance quickly better than a massive advance that may never earn out? There will be ample time for questions via a lively discussion. Please note, you will need to provide the title(s) and ISBN number(s) as required to meet prerequisites on the Conference registration form.

Workshop Title: Plots that Dance Across A Reader's Heart  (WS11)

Level: B-C Hosted By: DiAnn Mills Prerequisite: none Description: This hands-on workshop shows how plot embraces setting, dialogue, characterization, and narrative to form a work of art called fiction.

Workshop Title: How You Say It: Powering Up With Dialogue Cues  (WS12)

Level: C-D Hosted By: Margie Lawson Prerequisite: none Description: Writers will learn how to add psychological power to how the character delivers their dialogue in a variety of ways, including: using stimulus/response patterns, strengthening an emotional response, making them scene-themed, and using four levels to differentiate power. Writers will learn how to write award-winning dialogue cues! They'll learn how to expand their repertoire and describe how their characters' deliver dialogue in complex and creative ways--in ways that make their writing the envy of their critique partners. Workshop participants will learn how to differentiate these vocal qualities for their characters: Tone - angry, sarcastic, abrasive, fawning, cajoling, teasing Inflection - monotone, sing-song, drop or lift at end of words or sentences Pitch - high, deep, booming, resonant, too loud, too soft Quality - sophisticated, nasal, squeaky, reedy, enunciates or slurs words Rate - a breathy rush, pressured speech, long pauses.

Saturday - Elective Workshops - 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm - Track C - (you may choose one of the following)

Workshop Title: See It, Smell It, Taste It, Feel It, Hear It  (WS13)

Level: A-B Hosted By: Gail Sattler Prerequisite: none Description: How to realistically incorporate the five senses in your writing. This workshop will examine the five senses - sight, sound, scent, taste, and touch - and help the writer to incorporate them all in the written word. The workshop will use examples and ask questions to help the writer determine which senses to use at what times, how to use them, and how to insert the realistically and naturally into the storyline to enhance the story and pull the reader into the story and relate to the characters, and setting. This will also include a section on not using all the senses when only one will make a stronger impact, and when and how to know the difference.

Workshop Title: Medical Details In Your Fiction: Get Them In, But Get Them Right  (WS14)

Level: A-E Hosted By: Dr. Richard Mabry Prerequisite: none Description: Dr. Richard Mabry, physician and author of medical suspense, will discuss incorporating medical scenarios into your fiction, suggesting ways to get the information needed to add authenticity to your writing. Want to draw your reader into your novel? Throw in a medical detail: injury, surgery, heart attack, stroke. But how do you present the material without being so graphic or technically complex that it turns your reader away? Equally as important, how can you make the medical aspect seem authentic? In this presentation, Dr. Richard Mabry, a retired physician and author of medical suspense fiction, will discuss a number of common medical scenarios and give advice on how to find the information needed to make your story believable.

Workshop Title: Marketing 101-401 in 45 Minutes  (WS15)

Level: C-D Hosted By: Jim Rubart Prerequisite: none Description: A crash course on the 12 essential skills of effective marketing every novelist must know to succeed.

Workshop Title: Working with Your Publishing Partner  (WS16)

Level: D-E Hosted By: Sue Brower Prerequisite: none Description: In this workshop, you will learn how to get your proposal in front of an editor, what it takes to get a book "sold," what you should expect during the publishing process. When an unpublished novelist wants to learn more about writing, he is usually talking about creativity and perfecting his craft. But it's just as important to learn how to navigate your way through the publishing process. In this workshop, you will learn how to get your proposal in front of an editor, what it takes to get a book "sold," what you should expect during the publishing process, You will also learn the "language" of publishing; advances, royalties, "earning out," deadlines, sell-in, sell-through, returns, etc.

Workshop Title: Passing the Publishing Torch  (WS17)

Level: E Hosted By: Chip MacGregor Prerequisite: 3 novels published in the last 2 years Description: What should every experienced author know about our industry? This workshop offers a quick overview of something every experienced author should know... but has possibly missed during a career spent in writing. I'd like to discuss with experienced authors the creation of the modern novel -- where it came from, who created it, and why it's important to pass this information along to up-and-coming writers. The material presented isn't just a dry re-telling of history -- it helps us see where books are going in the future as we move away from a print-based culture and toward an electronic world of books. And, just to keep you interested, we'll touch on murders, infidelities, sexual orientation, financial scandals, and why your earnings are about to be cut. Instead of sitting through one more marketing workshop, consider joining us for an insightful look at where we've been and where we're going. Please note, you will need to provide the title(s) and ISBN number(s) as required to meet prerequisites on the Conference registration form.

Workshop Title: Stories that Sparkle  (WS18)

Level: B-C Hosted By: Virginia Smith Prerequisite: none Description: Grip your readers with a story that sparkles by applying Sparkle Tips that address techniques for the creating tensions, seamless sensory description, avoiding throw-away words, and adding backstory that enhances the plot without hijacking it. How do you tell your story in a way that grips your readers? This course will discuss fiction writing techniques: proper spacing of plot points, seamless sensory description, creating tension, avoiding throw away words, and adding back-story that enhances the plot without hijacking it Showing verses Telling - an illustration will be examined, with practical, line-by-line commentary to assist attendees in being able to identify showing and telling, and when to use each. First Impressions - a discussion on the importance of grabbing a reader within the first five words of a novel; attendees will examine great novel beginnings, and discuss why they work. Creating tension - various ways to create tension will be presented, including techniques to keep the reader turning the page; included are examples of gripping scene/chapter endings, as well as less dramatic but no less compelling techniques for creating intriguing questions in the mind of the reader that makes them want to keep reading. Maintain a Linear Timeline - Understanding the readers expectations in regards to the timeline on which a story unfolds; techniques for maintaining the impression of forward motion; an examination of books that use multiple timelines; flashbacks versus backstory; Revisions - an overview of the revision process, including identifying pet and throwaway words, identifying wordy phrases, adding sensory detail that enhances the scene.

Saturday - Elective Workshops - 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm - Track D - (you may choose one of the following)

Workshop Title: Sin + Virtue = Bestseller  (WS19)

Level: A-C Hosted By: Natasha Kern Prerequisite: none Description: As characters face temptation, overcome sin and choose virtue, a novel develops a powerful appeal. As characters face temptation, overcome sin and choose virtue, a novel develops powerful appeal.

Workshop Title: Hero & Heroine Journeys  (WS20)

Level: C-D Hosted By: Camy Tang Prerequisite: none Description: Make your story resonate with readers on a deeper level by utilizing the elements of the Hero or Heroine's Journey structure. Once a writer grasps the basics of story structure, you can bump it up a notch by utilizing facets of the Hero or Heroine's Journey. The Hero's Journey is based on common elements of classic myths, which have survived the ravages of time. These myths survived because they had certain aspects that resonated with the audience on a deep, psychological and emotional level. The Hero's Journey is a common screen writing tool-blockbuster movies utilize this story structure to create entertaining and memorable stories. Writers exploring suspense, thrillers, mysteries, science fiction/fantasy/speculative fiction, historical fiction/epics and other strongly plot-driven stories may find that a deeper understanding of the Hero's Journey can help them create better pacing and emotions in their manuscripts. The Heroine's Journey is similar, but tailored to the specific psychological and emotional needs of women. It is based on the Hero's Journey but explores a more emotional journey than a plot-driven one. Writers exploring romance and women's fiction may find that a deeper understanding of the Heroine's Journey can help them create more vibrant characters and strongly emotional plots. This workshop will go into the details of both the Hero and Heroine's Journeys, tailoring the structure and information for novelists (as opposed to screenwriters). The workshop is geared for both seat-of-the-pants writers and plotters, and will help to strengthen a manuscript's existing story structure or to create a more powerful new storyline.

Workshop Title: Building a Readership  (WS21)

Level: E Hosted By: Colleen Coble Prerequisite: at least 1 contracted book Description: Promotion and publicity are often foreign and confusing to an author. This interactive workshop will teach you everything you need to know to build a growing readership. We'll discuss topics from what elements are necessary on a website to how to use social networking tools to interact with readers. Colleen will talk about what works and what doesn't and where you might best use any publicity money you might want to invest. She will also tell you the one thing you SHOULD do that few authors do.

Workshop Title: Writing Press Releases & Web Copy for Promotion  (WS22)

Level: C-D Hosted By: Jim Rubart Prerequisite: none Description: Proven methods for writing Web site copy and press releases that will be read, make an impact, and cause your brand to be burned into the recipients mind.

Workshop Title: Plot out Characters  (WS23)

Level: A-B Hosted By: Jeff Gerke Prerequisite: none Description: Helping character-first novelists create solid, satisfying, white-knuckle plots for their fantastic characters to star in.

Workshop Title: Writing Body Language Like A Psychologist  (WS24)

Level: B-D Hosted By: Margie Lawson Prerequisite: none Description: Writing Body Language Like a Psychologist teaches writers how to understand and write the full range of body language in fresh, psychologically enhanced ways. Learn how to write body language cues from a kinesics specialist. Writers will learn the components of nonverbal communication. They'll learn how to think like a psychologist on the page. They'¦ll learn the full range of body language and how to write fresh The workshop covers: Body Language Basics: facial messages, lips, eyes, chin, full facial expression, flicker-face, gestures, posture, hierarchical zones, posture . . .Body Language Clusters, Avoidance and Deception cues, Turning Points driven by subtle body language cues ,Digging Deep into Kinesics: Emblems, Illustrators, Affective Displays, Regulators, Adaptors. Each teaching point will be illustrated with examples from bestselling authors, their excerpts dissected and analyzed.