Professor and former New York Times editor Frank Flaherty shares methods to reveal character Learn More
Pull the oars of your story quickly enough to get your reader excited, slow enough to share the scenery. Learn More
Inked Voices chats with middle grade authors Jen Malone, Gail Nall and Ronni Arno. We talk finding critique groups, giving critique, receiving feedback. And how things have evolved as they've gotten agents and publishers. Learn More
Member Suzanne Feldman shares her path, process and advice as an author of science fiction and literary fiction. Learn More
Dialogue can make or break a story. Great dialogue does more than convey who said what. It helps convey character, pace a scene, and further plot. Refresh the basics, like dialogue tags and dialogue format. Learn how to use dialogue to move your story forward. Learn More
Join us for our first lecture series. Teacher/author Brendan Halpin discusses key elements of plots. Learn More
Children’s editorial and publishing expert Emma D. Dryden discusses various facets of worldbuilding as we think about our stories. She explores the idea that the world of a story is not just description of place, but is the main character’s interaction with that place and she looks at the ways in which a keenly realized make-up of an exterior world can become an integral part of the make-up of the internal world of our main character and characters. Learn More
“No one ever looks at a tree and wonders, ‘Which is the trunk and which are the branches?’” says Frank Flaherty. “That same clarity should hold true for themes, too.” In this 1-hour webinar, non-fiction and journalism expert Frank Flaherty discusses the proper handling of the “big idea” of an article—its theme. Many overstuff their articles, so that identifying the theme takes some hard detective work. In this lecture, Mr. Flaherty will show that, like the trunk of a tree, theme should be unmistakable. Learn More
What makes a story pulsate with meaning? How can you keep imagery fresh and ideas and emotions tactile? In this webinar, we’ll discuss the multiple uses of objects in fiction: to develop character, to structure story, and to heighten emotional impact. Participants should read Cynthia Ozick’s short story “The Shawl” (http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1980/05/26/the-shawl) before listening. Writing exercises are incorporated into the lecture. Learn More
Point-of-view (POV) is all about perspective: who is telling the story and how? In Point-of-View: As Easy as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, we’ll discuss the basics of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person POV and explore the benefits, limits, and intricacies of each one through examples and exercises. We'll also look at the use of multiple POVs in one piece, when and how the use of multiple POVs is effective, and the challenges associated with this technique. Handouts and a list of resources will be provided. Learn More
The legendary editor Ursula Nordstrom, when asked what qualified her to edit books for children, replied, “I am a former child, and I haven’t forgotten a thing.” She was right, of course, but while we can all draw from our own experiences, how do we make sure our stories will speak to today’s kids in tone, language, and relevancy. This workshop will discuss concrete methods to nail those hard-to-match MG and YA voices, the pros and cons of using slang and/or pop culture references, issues relevant and appropriate to these ages, and what content does and doesn't fly in the current marketplace. Some topics will be covered jointly, but time will be also dedicated to discussions of each distinct category and what differentiates young adult from middle grade stories, beyond simply the main character's age. Learn More
Learn a technique for planning and outlining your story before you sit down to write. Libbie Hawker will discuss character flaws and character arc, as well as choosing a plot that complements your character's interior journey. She'll also talk about pacing and theme. Use these techniques to nail your story, and write a better book more quickly. Learn More
Even for thick-skinned writers, receiving criticism is rarely easy. But giving criticism can be even more challenging—especially to a writer friend or a member of your critique group. Most writers will insist that they can handle honest feedback, but if you find issues with their plot and pacing, can you express your concerns without crushing any egos? And if you love your critique partner’s story but have no idea why, should you say this at all? Based on her years as an in-house and freelance editor, Sangeeta Mehta provides the essentials on how to deliver constructive criticism. She will cover: *The pros and cons of the “sandwich” technique and the “rule of 3” *The macro vs. the micro critique *How to focus on the craft of writing vs. the business of writing *The difference between suggestive and directive critiquing *The trap of over-critiquing *Getting beyond "I liked it" Providing critiques is an art that can improve with practice. And by developing the ability to constructively critique others’ writing, we can all take our work to the next level. Learn More
It's a truth every interviewee knows: there's nothing more tragic than missing out on your dream job because the interviewer can't see past the stain on your collar. In this class, we'll tackle the grammar and style mistakes that even experienced writers make, and highlight winning strategies for scrubbing them out of your manuscript. Don't give your reader even one easy reason to toss your work aside: come learn how to put the "pro" in your prose! Learn More
What if we were to approach the revision of a poem as a conversation with a draft? After examining several metaphors for the process of revision, we’ll explore some fruitful directions and particulars for such a dialogue. The material for the session will be informed by the ideas of such poets as W. B. Yeats, Jane Hirshfield, and William Stafford. Writing exercises will be incorporated; participants should bring drafts of two or three poems for the exercises. Learn More
Fairy tales offer rich sources of inspiration for writers. We’ll read a short-short story by a contemporary master of the fairy tale, Angela Carter, and explore techniques such as everyday magic, intuitive logic, and archetypes. A writing prompt based on these concepts will give participants the opportunity to put them into practice. The lecture will also include recommendations for further reading and magazines interested in publishing fairy tales. Learn More
Self-doubt can come in many variations: depression, extreme shyness, shame and creative blockages. If we don’t fall into self-doubt, we are free to fail, free to write loudly and free to take the paths towards being read widely. So why don’t we? Come ready to clean your mental house so that all that’s left to stay are the self-identities and imagination that serve you. Learn More
As an author, you know you want to get the widest exposure for your book possible, but how can you tackle the many-headed beast that is book marketing? Should you hire outside help or rely on your in-house team? What will it all cost, and what exactly do marketers, publicists, and social media managers do? In this webinar, Atria author and book marketing expert Andrea Dunlop will explain everything you need to know about inner workings of in-house marketing, give a breakdown of the various kinds of professionals you might consider hiring to help, and explain how you can be the best advocate for your own work. Learn More
When it comes to querying, there are certain standards that apply universally. However, it is possible to make your query letter stand out from the rest of the slush pile and tailor it to target the agent of your dreams. Get the inside scoop about querying from author and expert querier, Kristine Asselin. I will talk about queries that work (and why!) and perfecting the elements of your query. Discover what works, what doesn’t work, and when it is okay to “think outside the box”. See examples of real queries that landed an agent and later, a book deal. Be inspired! In this webinar, you won’t hear vague advice—you will get tangible tips to create an effective, concise query letter. Learn More
Listening to fellow writers read their work contributes to a supportive environment in our community, offers inspiration for our own work, and helps the creative process thrive. The reading is open to all members to participate or listen in. Learn More
Is your fiction flabby? Prose a bit paunchy? Do your characters wander aimlessly? If so, then join us for a closer look at narrative structure. Narrative structure is more than simply plot, moving characters from Point A to Point Z. In this webinar, we’ll take a closer look at how narrative structure works, how to use structure to increase tension, and how narrative structure can—and should—also reveal and develop character. We’ll explore the 4-stage model of narrative structure by taking a detailed look at William Carlos Williams’ short story “The Use of Force” and we’ll discuss how this looks in a novel by reviewing the narrative structure of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Learn More
In this talk, we will look exclusively at the ways in which picture books (fiction and nonfiction) benefit from a narrower scope and a focused structure. We will go through examples of finished books and works in progress so participants will be able to see some before and after editorial work. Learn More
The writing submission process can be confusing and time-consuming. Whether you’re trying to publish short fiction or personal essays, or write an article, submissions require finding and researching markets, carefully reading the guidelines, and tracking submissions. Streamlining these processes can help carve out more time for writing and make your submission process more efficient. In this session, we’ll review different methods, both online and offline, for discovering literary journals and markets best suited for your writing works. Learn More
In this talk we'll discuss what to expect from your agent and how to develop and maintain a lasting and productive relationship. What are the best questions to ask before committing to an agent? What role does an agent play in your career? To what degree does your agent participate in edits, sales, and publicity? We'll explore empowering communication strategies as well as how to get the most out of your author-agent relationship. Learn More
Are you tired of apologizing for your lack of grammar-savvy? Sick of crying in your commas, panicking over prepositions, and second-guessing your sentences? It’s not too late to become a confident writer! Join us as we ditch the sentence diagrams and MLA handbooks to focus exclusively on the grammar issues that are relevant to storytellers of all stripes—in a fun, fearless, fast-paced workshop guaranteed to leave you feeling empowered and inspired! Learn More
Sure, you know your way around a sentence. It’s just that often they sound too plain-ish, or too same-ish, or you feel like somehow the best parts are getting lost, even though they’re right there on the page. Worried wordsmiths, fret no more! In this deep-diving exploration of the science behind sizzling prose, we’ll equip you with bulletproof strategies for bringing your story-moments to life—one clean, sharp, arresting sentence at a time. Learn More
The Inked Voices community shares favorite tools and processes for scheduling, tracking and accountability. Learn More
Writers who want to see their writing and publishing activity pay off career-wise must do some high-level strategic thinking about who their writing is meant to reach. They must give some thought to their platform. Writers are often baffled by platform because it’s seen as a marketing and promotion mindset—antithetical to the artist mindset. However, there is a way to approach platform that isn’t about selling, but rather understanding human behavior (including your own!). Learn More
Do you have unfinished manuscripts fattening your filing cabinet? Or a work-in-progress that you're struggling to complete? Many writers do, but if you don't finish what you start, you can't share your work with a wider audience, enjoy the fulfillment of seeing your story in print, and move on with excitement and optimism to your next creative project. Learn why the revision process can be so difficult and what you can do to balance doubt, fear, boredom and the enticement of other sparkling ideas in order to finally finish. Learn More
As editors and agents, we see so many manuscripts that are competently written and well plotted, but does yours have the "sparkle factor" that makes it irresistible? In this talk we'll go beyond craft to get to the heart of how to tell the story you need to tell, why your art matters, and how to surprise and delight your readers. We'll look at voice, character, plot and, above all, emotional engagement. Learn More
Fear. Shame. Frustration. Doubt. If you’re writing about your own life experiences, you know these emotions well. But instead of trying to banish the anguish that accompanies creative nonfiction work (like that ever works), it’s best to stay on speaking terms with all facets of your inner life. Why? Because that’s where the magic happens. This workshop will introduce you to practices designed to keep you grounded and in touch with your creative spirit, while also minimizing the brain damage associated with memoir and personal essay writing. Whatever your current challenge—rampant self-criticism, procrastination, fear of embarrassment—rest assured. You already possess everything you need to quiet the voices and create your best work. Learn More
According to Aristotle in Poetics, a plot should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. A well-constructed plot cannot begin or end “at haphazard.” Instead, the beginning should naturally lead to some event or incident, and the end should tie up all loose ends. If we are to follow Aristotle’s advice for the main plot of their work, should we do the same for subplots and threads? Where do character arcs fit in? And how important is plot in low-concept and multi-viewpoint narratives? This webinar will explore these questions by looking at excerpts of popular fiction. We will also do an exercise to help you differentiate between the main plot, subplots, and threads of your work-in-progress. Learn More
A strong theme is not just essential to a great story—it is the juice—the motivation to return to the manuscript and dig. Are you ready to think big? To embrace the motivation behind your stories? To think about theme? Donald Maass, in The Fire in Fiction, calls theme “the underlying conviction that makes the words matter.” It is also the electricity that keeps us motivated to go back to our characters and story events and continue writing—even as expectations, disappointment, boredom, and ego challenge our senses of our selves. In this lecture, author Sarah Aronson will speak to the power of embracing theme as part of your writing process. She will show you how theme can help you tap into the three I’s of writing: inspiration, intellect, and intuition, and will offer tips and prompts to help you embrace theme in your writing and critical reading. Learn More
Writing what you know is a good start, but what about what you don't know? We'll talk about how to enjoy the research rabbit hole without getting overwhelmed and how to use that research to write fiction with authority. This will include generating research questions, finding the best resources, staying organized, and figuring out what to do with the wealth of information you've gathered, bearing in mind different expectations across genres. Learn More
In this talk we’ll learn to create stories that capture and keep a reader’s attention from word one. We’ll discuss strategies for dealing with saggy middles, slow openings, and unsatisfying development, as well as learn to vary tension and, most importantly, eliminate the boring parts. Learn More
Join Eric Maisel, America's foremost creativity coach and the author of 50+ books, and learn how to effectively handle the challenges that all writers face with respect to cracking through everyday resistance, maintaining a regular writing practice, handling the writing blues, sustaining motivation, tolerating the realities of process, and much more! Learn More
Structure, for many writers, is the Bogeyman. Crime writers especially quake in fear. Foreshadowing! Planted clues! Misdirection! And -- gulp -- three-act organization! How is a poor writer supposed to make sense of this, let alone manipulate it all? Outlining, back-outlining, plotters-vs-pantsers, flashbacks or never flashbacks, it's all too much. The good news: no, it's not, really. Join SJ Rozan for an exploration of structure: what it is and what it isn't, what it can do and what it can't. We'll see how this unnecessarily intimidating concept can be demystified and put to work in the service of narrative. Which, after all, is the point of any element of the writing process: supporting narrative. Learn More
A strong opening chapter is essential in capturing not just an agent's attention, but in hooking your readers. It is your book's first impression, and for over-scheduled, savvy young readers of Middle Grade and Young Adult, that first impression needs to resonate right away. But what makes a truly engaging opening? How much backstory is too much backstory, and what is connecting your reader to your main character? And is capturing the entire scope of a novel in the opening pages really all that necessary? In this lecture, literary agent Sarah LaPolla will discuss the best ways to effectively present voice, story, and character in your opening pages in ways that reach teen readers and keep an agent wanting more. Learn More
Cheryl Klein will explore the differences between middle grade and young adult fiction in this structured Q&A session. There will be time for audience questions at the end of the Q&A. Learn More
Romance readers love tropes! This course will explore what craft elements a trope provides (insta-confict? insta-stakes?) and will practice applying those tropes to common writing problems. We’ll examine five common romance tropes in detail: enemies to lovers, surprise royalty, fake relationship, fish out of water, and second chance romance. We will discuss how each trope lends support to the essential elements of your romance and can help you write your book. Tropes are invaluable tool for writers of all genres, so all authors are welcome to attend. Lecture resources include a trope guide and a worksheet to storyboard the elements of your trope. Learn More
Have you ever found yourself so immersed in a story that you just didn't want it to finish? That emotional engagement is exactly what an editor is looking for when they talk about the elusive quality of "voice" - and it's important in fiction and nonfiction, from picture books to novels. In this seminar, we'll look at how to find your own unique voice with tips for getting it onto the page. We'll work on connecting with the reader through point-of-view writing, exploring different perspectives, and lots of hands-on exercises to help you overcome all the rules you were taught in school! Learn More
In this class, we’ll explore the landscape of internal and external goals, overarching desires, emotional wounds, and unacknowledged longings. We’ll parse their different functions and explore how they can best be employed on a scene-by-scene and page-by-page basis. We’ll also discuss when desires should be made overt to the reader and when they should operate in sub-text. Additionally, we’ll work with desire as a tool for creating tension, building apprehension and investment via dialogue, exposition, internal monologue, and more. Prepare for some hands-on work during this class! Learn More
One of the best ways I've found to see in an author/manuscript is 'ready' is to assess the writer in four key areas: voice, plot, structure and concept. If all four are high level, the book tends to break through. It's my belief that all writers are born with one of these as a guaranteed 'A'. But most of us also have one area that's a "D." And the other two fall somewhere in between. So, the key to success may be understanding where we are weak so we can "bring up our grade." During this webinar workshop, you will assess your strengths and weaknesses through questions and exercises - and get started on building the skills you need to be competitive. Learn More
Learn how to successfully market your own book without the support of a publisher. This session will look at case studies of authors who’ve done it well, the steps they followed, and how you can build a plan that’s customized for your work and target audience. Topics covered: the basics of leveraging your platform and driving awareness; how to best use Amazon; whether or not to enroll in KDP Select; how to use pricing/discounting as a strategic tool; how to secure early reviews; and more. Learn More
Even with their limited word counts, picture books must tell a fully realized story. In this session, we'll explore how to entice a young reader from opening to final page. We will focus on how a book's high level mechanics-- like character development and transformation, plotting, and structure--can be used to keep your book on track. Learn More
Call it the big decision. Point of view affects voice. It affects how we see the story and the world of that story. It offers a variety of surprises and opportunities that will make your story stronger. As the director of your story, you should choose point of view with intention. In this webinar, Sarah Aronson will help you explore those choices. She will start with definitions and limitations of each point of view and then delve deeper. She will offer anecdote and exercises to show you how to use point of view to help you understand your characters' inner conflicts and motivation as well as guide your revision. Learn More
Blending secrets from bestselling authors, tips from psychologists, and her own experiences as an editor and life coach for writers, Kendra Levin will share valuable advice for creating a regular writing practice that’s designed specifically for you. Kendra will reveal how the classic Hero’s Journey model of myth-making offers tools that can keep you writing regularly—and feeling good about it—not just today, not just tomorrow, but for years to come. Build a solid plan for how to finish your work-in-progress and do your very best writing while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Learn More
Success selling books takes more than great stories, eye-catching covers, and social media savvy. The business of books involves a wonderful mix of art and science; the art of creation, planning, and marketing, and the science of engineering, demand analysis, and logistics. This lecture, geared toward indie authors, offers a holistic view of publishing, considering aspects from editing and design to printing and inventory management. Jerry will walk you through designing for multiple formats, production planning for offset and digital printing, DIY vs. For-hire order management, and the many avenues for independent publishers to get books on shelves and in readers’ hands. Learn More
We're all adapting to change right now, whether it's working from home, shifting hours, virtual schooling, or shifting how we interact with our communities - and in times of stress, it can be hard to be creative. But creativity gives us joy and that helps us be present and positive for ourselves and those around us. That is why Inked Voices and San Diego Writers, Ink are tag teaming to bring you a community yoga style writing session. Kristen Fogle, author of Dare to Write, will lead us through 2-3 prompts during this 45 minute session. There's nothing to prepare in advance and we promise you will leave with filled pages. We hope you'll feel more centered, too. Learn More
In this workshop, Lorin will present strategies to help keep promising early chapters from melting into a mushy middle. Bring your WIP and be prepared to explore methods for building your novel’s premise and other story elements to make certain you’re creating the foundation for a rich work, filled with escalating stakes and complications; developing fully formed characters whose backstories, desires, and motivations are powerful enough to support a compelling narrative; and more! Learn More
External feedback can be incredibly helpful to our growth as writers, but it can also be disheartening, frustrating, or even damaging. In this talk, Brooke McIntyre will talk about feedback from both sides of the equation. She'll offer advice for the writer seeking feedback from partners and groups, and at conferences. Participants will also learn tactics to give feedback that's productive, professional, and constructive. Learn More
In this uncertain, uncharted time, what if we put pen to paper, using friendly, simple, and uplifting prompts to propel us forward? Join us for a generative write-in, where you'll write in community with fellow writers and create new pages for yourself. Kristen Fogle will lead us through three to four friendly, uplifting writing prompts all related to the theme of new beginnings, and she'll send us away with a few to try on our own. Whether you have a story or project in mind or simply want to see where your imagination takes you, we look forward to exploring the possibilities of new beginnings together in our writing. Learn More
Join us for a conversation with Ellen Airgood, author of middle grade books PRAIRIE EVERS and THE EDUCATION OF IVY BLAKE, and the adult fiction SOUTH OF SUPERIOR and TIN CAMP ROAD (forthcoming from Penguin Random House’s Riverhead Books in 2021). Ellen will answer questions about her journey from our members. Learn More
Kristen Fogle will lead us through writing prompts designed to help you with ongoing projects, whether you're deep in the drafting phase, stuck, or revising. Learn More
Time is one of the most precious things anyone has, so it’s a smart writer who asks, “Is this social media stuff really the best use of my time?” While it can be a highly subjective matter (every career has different needs and phases), we’ll talk about how to quantify your activity on social media, analyze its impact, and make the best choices for the short term and long term. Rather than being driven by trends (or what your friends are doing), we’ll look at how you can make the best decision for you. Learn More
Writing a connection between characters that leaps off the page can be challenging. Humor, the senses, various narrative devices... The writer has many tools in the toolkit to help craft a connection between characters that truly comes to life. Whether your characters are in love or about to battle each other to the finish, crafting believable, engaging, and effective chemistry on the page can be a challenge for writers of all genres. Jeanne De Vita will explain the various techniques an author can employ to infuse a scene with page-turning action, laugh-out-loud banter, and swoon-worthy chemistry. Learn More
Suspense, defined as "a state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen," is the engine that drives all fiction. From fairy tales (will Cinderella make it home from the ball?) to ancient classics (will Penelope remain faithful to Odysseus?) no story exists without its question, its narrative thrust. But why? Why do we care, why do we have a drive to know what happens? After all, by definition the characters in fiction, like the story, aren't real, and what happens to them doesn't actually matter. And how? What are the tools writers use to create suspense, to keep up us late into the night concerned about characters who aren't real? This session will explore some of these questions. We'll look at what suspense is, how it works, how a writer can build it in various ways. Learn More
With a focus on pragmatic and actionable advice, Courtney Maum will empower debuting authors with the knowledge they’ll need to make the most of their first publishing experience. From tips on pre-pub communication with your editorial team to navigating the stormy waters of self-promotion and prepping for interviews (both virtual and IRL), the author of BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL will deliver been-there-made-that-mistake wisdom in her signature heartfelt, candid style. Learn More
Learn how to shape your writing space for optimal creativity, whatever your circumstances. As we work from home in often shared or multi-purpose spaces, it's become more important than ever to have a physical environment that cues creativity. Architect and author Donald Rattner (My Creative Space, 2019) will talk about the psychology of design and share practical techniques for getting ideas to flow that you can apply throughout your home. Learn More
Join us for a conversation with Megan E. Freeman to talk about her journey as a poet and storyteller. We'll learn about Megan's writing process, what excites her as a writer, and her path to her debut middle grade book ALONE, a novel in verse. Megan will also share what she's learned from the business side of writing, from querying to marketing her work. Interview with Brooke McIntyre. Learn More
This presentation will discuss ways to determine when your manuscript is ready for revision; different revision approaches and techniques (from tearing it all down to the bones to hand-polishing for submission) and when to use them; and tips for using feedback to guide your revision. This is the true story of what happens when authors stop being polite, and start getting real about their manuscripts. Sean will share client examples to show the evolution of a book after being shared with him, changes with his feedback, and changes with editor revisions. This talk will focus on picture books, but the concepts will apply to writers in other categories. Learn More
Distilling your story into a synopsis is definitely challenging; for some writers, it’s harder than writing a full-length book! This is especially true if your novel is more low-concept (character-driven) than high-concept (plot-driven). Still, a story must take place, and the synopsis is your opportunity to highlight its main points. It’s becoming increasingly common for agents to request synopses with either the writer’s query letter or their first few chapters. Getting your synopsis in top shape will help ensure them that your novel is, too. This webinar is designed for all fiction genres and categories and will cover: *The key elements of an effective novel synopsis *The difference between a novel synopsis and a summary that might be used as part of your query letter or cover copy *Best practices on how to start and finish your synopsis *What your synopsis can tell you about your story’s opening, pacing & plot *Tips on how to revise your novel based on your synopsis, or vice versa Learn More
Four Inked Voices members will talk about their querying journey and signing with their agents. They'll share their experiences and advice, and take questions. Join Kate Robbins, Sasha Thomas, Betty Yee, and Karen Winn to hear about their querying process, including navigating multiple offers and deciding to change agents. Learn More
What is it about fairy tales that make them relevant to both young and old and why do we keep returning to them? Through her latest fantasy novel, THE LIGHT OF THE MIDNIGHT STARS, Rena Rossner will discuss the very real place in her books where fantasy and history meet - and the places where fairy tales, legends, folk tales and local history can often converge in relation to her work and others in the genre. How do we decide as writers how much or how little of a fairy tale to use, and how close our stories should stay to the original? For historical settings - how true must we stay to history, and where are the places where history and fantasy meet? What stories are ours to tell and which should we avoid? Rossner looks forward to discussing the nuts and bolts of using folklore, mythology and the fantastic with you. Learn More
Bring your pen and paper for a writing session focused on generating new ideas. The session will focus on picture books, but will apply to easy readers and chapter books as well. Writers from other categories welcome. Jen will guide us, and we will each write independently. Please note that we won't be sharing work / reading aloud during this session. Learn More
In this class, we’ll take a deep dive into the fundamental building blocks of fiction: scenes. Moving quickly through foundational principles, we’ll explore different approaches to scene structure, how scenes function as part of the whole story, and how to ensure your scenes are solid and dynamic, formed by your characters’ goals and desires in the story. Expect to take a close look at your own scenes and to generate ideas for new ones. This will be a lively, hands-on class. Learn More
If in Deep Scene I, we dive deep into scene structure, in Part 2, we thoroughly explore those depths. We’ll work to make sure you’re maximizing every element of your scenes to create the effect that you wish to have on your readers. We’ll also talk about types of scenes traditionally found in certain genres, how to deliver them in the most satisfying way, and how to subvert expectations when the time is right. As always, this will be a generative, fun class with loads of opportunities for hands-on work. Learn More
Love poetry but don’t consider yourself a poet? The instructor of this workshop has been there. This 75-minute class is for any writer looking to use the tools of poetry to enhance their prose. Kip Wilson will share examples from some favorite verse and prose novels that use poetic techniques to create lyrical images. Learn More
Join us for a conversation with Beth Terrill, Editor at NorthSouth Books, interviewed by Brooke McIntyre. We'll discuss editing, picture books, and the publishing industry. Learn More
Are you intrigued by all the novels in verse that are finding their way into the marketplace? Have you experimented with poetry or contemplated writing a novel in verse? In this workshop, we will explore differences between writing in verse and prose, look at a variety of middle grade and young adult mentor texts, and play with possibilities for using poetry in your own work. Learn More
Compelling characters have very specific perspectives and distinct voices. Learn how to tap into the way your characters experience the world so that you can convey their unique voices in your writing. Through exercises and discussion, we will look at how we as writers can understand our characters, their motivations, and their voices. Learn More
There’s something special about helping kids along their way to discovering themselves as independent readers. Learn about the unique space chapter books occupy between early readers and middle grade (and what that means for your writing), and explore the kinds of concepts and characters that stretch young readers’ imaginations while also inspiring confidence and an enduring love of books. Learn More
Set yourself up for a creative year with a fresh, playful approach to your writing. We'll focus on how to leverage curiosity and creativity to enhance our writing life. We'll get rid of all the expectations that dismantle confidence and instead, find new strategies for discovery and revision. Sarah will offer you fundamentals about how to approach writing and creativity through play. We'll discuss all three phases of the creative process: inspiration, intuition, and intellect, and how to validate our effort whether we are drafting or revising. We will discuss what it takes to shut down expectations and put a new mindset into practice–one that emphasizes exploration, discovery, vulnerability, and even fun. Throughout the class, we'll put these ideas to work through writing. Sarah will offer a variety of tools, activities, and follow-up resources to bring the joy back to your writing process. Learn More
Inside every writer lurks a secret desire to be specially selected and admired for their writing. We yearn to be told: Yes, you are meant to be a writer. We hope such assurances will help quiet anxieties related to age, status, education, relationships, and what our family will think of us. But one of the first steps to becoming a lifelong writer is realizing how we can be our own worst enemy, falling prey to psychological traps—like focusing on “Do I have talent?” Jane helps you learn to spot and avoid writerly self-sabotage. Learn More
Propulsive fiction is a key element for readers today. Life is busy, and they want a fully immersive experience, a book that hums along with no dead spots. Join K.J. Howe to learn how to hone your pacing to keep readers up late burning through your novel. Learn More
Join us for a writerly conversation with Inked Voices member Lisa Stringfellow, interviewed by Brooke McIntyre. We will talk writing process, craft, and celebrate Lisa's debut middle grade fantasy novel A COMB OF WISHES. Learn More
What are the essential elements of a great author's website? Whether you are pre-published or published, there are key elements everyone should include on their websites. In this webinar, Lisa Stringfellow will share her experience as an author and technology instructor to discuss elements of good website design and how to establish a web presence that will help your readers connect with you. She’ll discuss platforms and tools, branding, accessibility, and the nuts and bolts of building and updating your site. Learn how to make sure your author website has the essentials it needs to make an impact! Learn More
Join us for a writerly conversation between Inked Voices member Charlotte Offsay and Brooke McIntyre. We'll talk about Charlotte's writing journey, get tips on what's worked well for her, and celebrate her latest picture book A GRANDMA'S MAGIC. Learn More
Bring your pen and paper for a prompt-filled writing session to generate new ideas. The session will focus on picture books, but will apply to easy readers and chapter books as well. Writers from other categories welcome. Jen will guide us, and we will each write independently. Please note that we won't be sharing work. Learn More
Join us for a panel with members who've built their author sites. We'll talk about branding, content choices, and the tech stuff. Learn More
Love. Hate. Fear. How can we write about big feelings, whether for a character in a story or in our poems, and have the reader feel with us? In this workshop we’ll analyze poems that do it well and discuss why big abstract words like “love” or “fear” aren’t effective. We’ll also try out specific techniques to get those big feelings into our work. Bring your pens for a few in-class writing exercises. Learn More
Join us for a conversation with Amy Novesky, Editorial Director at Cameron Kids and author of picture books including GIRL ON A MOTORCYCLE, ROOTS & WINGS, CLOTH LULLABY, and ME, FRIDA. We'll dip into Amy's many roles - writing her own stories, cultivating the work of others as an editor, and curating an imprint. Interview hosted by Brooke McIntyre. Learn More
Join us for a conversation with Remy Lai, author and illustrator of children's books and middle-grade graphic novels, including PIE IN THE SKY, PAWCASSO, and FLY ON THE WALL. We'll talk about Remy's writing journey, her process as a creator, and more. Remy was interviewed by Brooke McIntyre. Learn More
In this multi-genre craft workshop, we will explore how writers use music to inform us of their characters' desires, contradictions, fears, aspirations, and aesthetic sensibilities as well as deepen our understanding of the time period, setting, and relevant political issues. This workshop will provide practical tips on how music in written narratives can serve a similar function as soundtracks in film and help writers view and develop their characters through another medium. Learn More
Join us for a conversation on building a writing life with young adult fiction author Betty Yee (GOLD MOUNTAIN) and adult fiction author Karen Winn (OUR LITTLE WORLD) --critique partners who both released their debuts this spring. We'll talk about building community, critique groups, the debut process, and more. Betty and Karen were interviewed by Brooke McIntyre. Learn More
Does fear of rejections feel like an obstacle in your quest to becoming traditionally published? Do you find yourself procrastinating submissions or suffering painfully when a rejection comes in? In this workshop, we will redefine the premise through which we think about rejection and come away with a new perspective on how to see rejection as a gift in the process of finding the right home for our work. Learn More
A great antagonist can intensify the conflict in your story and turn it into a riveting read. But how do you create an antagonist who propels the story forward and forces your protagonist to change – all while fascinating the reader? In this workshop, we will discuss the different types of “Big Bads” and do a series of writing exercises that will help you discover and design the antagonist who will best challenge your protagonist to their personal breaking point. Learn More
<p>Learn the basics of Scrivener in this session with Oliver Evensen of Literature and Latte. </p><p>NOTE: Access to this video has expired. Please join us next we offer a Scrivener class! <br></p> Learn More
Often writers begin with what they think is a great character or a great story idea, only to fizzle out a few chapters into the work. Why? Because a strong, sustainable narrative relies on a number of factors: an interesting story world; a complex character with complex relationships; goals that escalate and put the protagonist through interesting and unexpected paces; and stakes that operate on both the personal and public level. In this 90-minute class, we’ll explore the essential elements to a strong story concept that will give you plenty to work with, help you avoid—or defeat—the saggy middle, and ultimately ensure you deliver a rewarding and memorable experience to your reader. Learn More
This Scrivener session will be for digging into Scrivener's features beyond the basics. Send us questions and your objectives when you register and we'll tailor the presentation accordingly! Learn More
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">From Elvish to Dothraki, from Newspeak to Nadsat, from Valley English to U’ivu*, constructed languages (“conlangs”) add depth, plausibility, and substance to the world of a story.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">But you don’t have to go full-on Tolkien to imbue your writing with made-up language. With a small conlang of your own, you can give your characters unique speech traits, create perfect names for people and places, or subtly evoke abstract ideas. Writers wishing to do more can invent inscriptions for an ancient artifact, create sets of speculative slang terms, or even write full-scale dialogue in a language that has never existed. </span></p> Learn More
<p>Join us for a writerly conversation between Inked Voices member Jennifer Raudenbush and Brooke McIntyre. We'll talk about Jen's writing journey, get tips on what's worked well for her, and celebrate her debut picture book IN THE PALM OF MY HAND (Running Press, 2023).<br></p> Learn More
<p>Bestsellers start with fascinating people. Verbalizing your projects creates characters that shine and stories that tell (and sell) themselves. Go beyond looks, persona, and boilerplate traits with a simple, powerful technique that will strengthen your plots, your hooks, and your voice so you can dazzle your readers. Whether you like to wing it or bring it, you’ll leave with a new set of tools to populate your pages and lay the foundations of unforgettable fiction.<br></p> Learn More
<p>It’s often said that the pandemic has accelerated changes already underway in business, and that’s proven especially true for book publishing. Even though the industry is often considered slow and not as susceptible to technological change (and print just enjoyed its most robust sales in more than a decade), it’s been a transformative time for the business of books.</p><p>This talk will include: current book sales trends in the United States, the rise of BookTok and its importance to book sales, the DOJ vs PRH suit and what we can take away from the 2022 trial, the growth of online literature (such as Wattpad), trends in digital audio, and more.</p> Learn More
<p>Join us for a conversation with Deeba Zargarpur, Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Salaam Reads, and author of the young adult novel <i>House of Yesterday </i>and the forthcoming <i>Farrah Noorzad and The Ring of Fate</i>. We'll talk about Deeba's writing and editing, with time for your questions, too. Interview hosted by Brooke McIntyre.</p> Learn More
<p>When a story isn’t ending quite right, the answer is often in the beginning. In this 75-minute webinar, we’ll discuss how to set up the beginning of your manuscript to serve up a satisfying ending. You’ll learn how to engage your reader from the get-go so they will be invested in your story all the way through the finish line.<br></p> Learn More
<div dir="ltr" style="">Join NYT bestselling author Beth Revis as she shows you how to chart your novel in a simple, one-page chart that will give you the basis to write your entire book. With a focus on consequences, action, and emotion, charting your novel can be used to either draft a clean manuscript or revise a manuscript you've already written, with an eye on tight pacing, strong characters, and an engaging plot.</div> Learn More
<p>Join us for a new write-in time! We will meet for 90 minutes, checking in at the beginning and end. Because this write-in is new, we will decide as a group whether we also want to do a mid-way check-in. </p><p>The write-in is listed as Tuesday evenings, but early risers across the globe, perhaps this time can work for you as well.</p><p>Once you register, you'll have the joining info for all of the February sessions.</p> Learn More
<p>Join us for a conversation between Margaret Chiu Greanias, literary agent Sean McCarthy, and Brooke McIntyre to talk about how Margaret's latest book <i>How This Book Got Red </i>was made. We'll talk about the book's journey from initial writing and revision, to submission and revision, and then acquisition through launch. You'll get both author and agent perspectives on the process, and we'll have time for your questions.</p> Learn More
<p>In this webinar, authors will get a crash course on how to write engaging and realistic dialogue as well as tips on how to use speech tags, non-verbal context clues, and subtle mannerisms to develop voice. Writers will look at charming, tension-filled, and nuanced examples of voice in both high and low stakes fiction, focusing on how dialogue is used to signal character arc shifts and relationship dynamics. <br></p> Learn More
<p>Join us for live writing sprints to work on your projects. We will do 30-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks in between. This session is for adult and children's writers of any category or genre, and any stage: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising.</p> Learn More
<p>Writing humorous picture books can be daunting, especially when trying to get both children and adult readers to laugh. Author Tara <span class="il" style="">Luebbe</span> has found that the best way to face the challenge is to, well, read a ton of funny books. So, in this class, we will dissect an array of mentor texts that have mastered this fine art. But since humor is not one-size-fits-all, we’ll analyze it from a variety of angles, from sidesplitting concepts to hilarious voice to that age-old favorite, potty humor…all with the goal of giving you some tools to use in your own work.<br></p> Learn More
<p>Join us for live writing sprints to work on your projects. We will do 30-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks in between. This session is for adult and children's writers of any category or genre, and any stage: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising.<br></p> Learn More
<p>Join us for a live writing session to work on your projects. We will start with a thirty-minute community check-in to chat about our projects and progress, followed by 1 hour of writing. This session is for adult and children's writers of any category or genre, and any stage: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising.<br></p> Learn More
<p>Join us for a conversation with children's author Jen Malia to talk about her writing journey and celebrate the launch of her chapter book series THE INFINITY RAINBOW CLUB. We'll have time for audience questions as well, which you'll be able to send ahead or ask at the end of the discussion.</p> Learn More
<p>Join us for an interview with member Cindy Goyette in celebration of her debut mystery novel OBEY ALL LAWS. We'll talk about craft, process, and Cindy's journey to publication.</p><p>We'll have time for audience questions as well. You may send questions ahead or ask at the end of the discussion.<br></p> Learn More
<div style="">Social Emotional Learning helps children understand their emotions and how those feelings affect their interactions with others. SEL is becoming a part of more school curriculums and reading picture books to children is an effective tool to support the SEL framework. In this class, you will learn about SEL competencies and how they can translate into story themes and shape the emotional resonance of your picture book. </div><div style=""><br></div><div style="">Participants in this class will receive a handout with writing exercises they can use to bring forth the SEL components of their own work, a list of resources to learn more about Social Emotional Learning, and a recommended reading picture book list.</div> Learn More
<p>Join us for a conversation with Esther Cajahuaringa, Editor at Knopf Books for Young Readers. We'll discuss the publishing industry, Esther's approach to editing and working with creators, and we'll take your questions, too. Interview hosted by Brooke McIntyre.</p> Learn More
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Join your fellow writers virtually (from the comfort of your own home) as we take a day for our writing.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Participate in extended write-in sprints throughout the morning and afternoon. Come and go, as needed, but block out the day for the best effect. <br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><u>Schedule</u></span></p><div>9:30AM-12:00pm ET</div><div>Break noon-1:00pm ET</div><div>1:00-3:30 pm ET</div> Learn More
<p>We all get stuck. Ask H.M. Naqvi, who has been writing professionally for two decades. "Writer's block" is a catchall for issues ranging from a crisis of confidence to a lack of clarity about an aspect of craft. In this class, you'll learn strategies and practical exercises to get you going in the short run. We'll also tackle methods to clear technical hurdles. It all begins with a conversation.<br></p> Learn More
<p>Join us for a conversation with four Inked Voices member-creators who signed with literary agents in the past year. We will talk about querying, what it's like to query when you've been previously agented, handling the ups and downs, and about what helped these creators get their yes. </p><p>With: Kathy Kelly, Carolyn Le, Katherine Pew and Jan Schwaid.</p> Learn More
<p>You've written, revised, and polished your novel. Critique partners have told you it's ready. Now you're looking to query. In this webinar, you'll hear from a literary agent who has read hundreds of queries. Antoinëtte will apply her lens as an industry professional as she deconstructs the key elements of successful query writing, including what makes a query compelling, attention grabbing, and stand out in the slush pile. Lecture topics will also include things that should be avoided in a query, successful query examples, and how to balance telling too much vs too little in your synopsis. She'll also share what agents are looking for in opening pages so your project has the best chance of catching an agent's eye. </p> Learn More
<p>What makes an editor snap up a nonfiction book and readers return to it time and time again? In today’s competitive nonfiction market, books must make a point and offer a surprising take for young readers from page one. This 75-minute webinar will show you how to uncover the point you are trying to make and shape it into a strong takeaway that resonates with readers. You will receive a handout of prompts and exercises to help you shape your takeaway.<br></p> Learn More
<p>Imagine you had a writing system that helped you:</p><ul><li>Clarify your vision and increase the energy you bring to your writing</li><li>Create a healthy sense of urgency and motivation</li><li>Focus on the only the most important tasks necessary to reach your goals</li><li>Design a writing routine that reduced stress by making you more consistent and productive</li><li>Build confidence that you can finish any writing project you start</li></ul><p>If you had a writing system like this in place today, what would that mean for your writing projects? What would it mean for your peace of mind? What would your life look like in a year? Two years? What might be possible?</p><p>The first half of the workshop will introduce the 12 Week Year for Writers, a proven system for helping writers of all genres plan, execute, and manage their writing. The second half will focus on helping fiction writers use the system by answering questions from the Inked Voices community members:</p><ul><li>How can I plan creative work, especially if I’m a pantser?</li><li>How can I use the system to track my writing without getting overwhelmed by metrics?</li><li>How can I deal weeks that go off the rails?</li><li>How can I handle busy seasons, non-writing tasks, and multiple projects?</li><li>How can I break projects into more manageable chunks?</li></ul><p>The session will conclude with time for questions from participants.</p> Learn More
<p>Like it or hate it, artificial intelligence is already an inescapable feature of work and life for writing and publishing today. The tools and services you use already include AI technology, including Microsoft Word, Zoom, Grammarly, Gmail, Google search, and Google Docs. Eventually, AI will be an accepted and normal part of the writing and publishing process.<br><br>In plain English, Jane will explain how AI is being used by authors and publishers for positive and creative ends. There are legal, safe, and effective ways to use free and paid AI tools to help you with marketing, research, brainstorming, and deciphering the latest contract you've been sent.<br><br>Of course, there are plenty of bad actors using AI, too, and Jane will discuss the most prevalent types of fraud or infringement, and what you can do if you find yourself affected. We'll look at how to talk with your agent and publisher about use of AI in connection with your work, plus other steps you can take to protect your rights and intellectual property.<br><br>Developments and concerns surrounding AI are constantly shifting, as will the content of this session. It will summarize the current status of copyright lawsuits against the AI companies, the latest concerns surrounding AI tools, and any other breaking news that affects writers and publishers.<br></p> Learn More
<p style="margin: 0in;">It’s okay to laugh at the idea of consulting a Tarot deck to help you get past creative blocks. It’s a little out there. But shaking up your writing process should be fun. How else will you entice yourself back into your story or memoir? To be clear, you do not need to know anything about the Tarot to benefit from this workshop. We’ll be using the cards to do intuitive writing by tapping into your imagination. Each card, with its striking and powerful imagery, is an invitation to go deeper. But don’t take my word for it -- both Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell wrote about the Tarot’s psychological and mythic elements…the very elements that make for powerful storytelling. </p><p style="margin: 0in;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0in;">We’ll spend the first hour of the workshop exploring how to use the cards as a source of creative inspiration and how Tarot reading techniques can enhance your writing process. We'll go over how to mine the cards’ archetypal imagery and multi-layered symbolism to create more evocative characters, settings, and scenes. In the final thirty minutes, we’ll do Tarot-based writing exercises specifically for your current work-in-progress. No matter what kind of writing you do or where you are in your draft, this workshop is sure to stimulate your imagination and sense of discovery. <i>Handout included.</i></p> Learn More
<p style="margin-top: var(--bs-gutter-y); margin-bottom: 15px; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; flex-shrink: 0; width: 713.325px; max-width: 100%; padding-right: calc(var(--bs-gutter-x)/2); padding-left: calc(var(--bs-gutter-x)/2);"></p><p style="margin-bottom: 15px; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Join us for live writing sprints to work on your projects. We will do 30-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks in between. This session is for adult and children's writers of any category or genre, and any stage: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising.</p> Learn More
<p>Unlock the secrets of creating compelling, episodic stories for young readers! In this interactive workshop, you'll explore the art of developing a series with engaging characters and captivating narratives that keep kids coming back for more. Whether you're writing early readers, chapter books, or comics, this workshop will provide the tools you need to plan, write, and sustain stories that hook young readers from start to finish. Perfect for aspiring and experienced writers alike! Handout included.</p><p>This workshop will cover:</p><ul><li>the difference between a series premise and a book premise</li><li>how to create a series premise</li><li>how to test your premise for series sustainability</li><li>how to summarize your premise in a 1-2 sentence pitch</li></ul> Learn More
<p>Throughlines, like other forms of repetition (the rule of three, golden threads, and so on), exist for a greater purpose. Whether a single thread or a layered tapestry, throughlines weave a story together and can create an emotional impact for readers. Throughlines may be used in pictures books or novels, fiction or nonfiction, and can communicate theme, add to character development, create a mood, and more. In this session you’ll learn about the power of throughlines, discover how a throughline is developed, observe examples of single and layered throughlines, see throughlines in action in mentor texts, and explore the possibility of throughlines in your own writing. Along the way you may discover that a throughline can communicate the heart of your writing. Please have a drafted picture book, the first chapter of your novel, or two or three poems handy to use in writing activities during the session.<br></p> Learn More
<p>Join your fellow writers virtually (from the comfort of your own home) as we take a day for our writing. We've chosen Chateau d' Hassonville in Belgium for our next virtual write-in destination. We're staying in a CASTLE! The hotel site is https://www.hassonville.be/en . </p><p>Participate in extended write-in sprints throughout the morning and afternoon. Come and go, as needed, but block out the day for the best effect. </p><p><u>Schedule</u></p><p>9:30AM-12:00pm ET</p><p>Break</p><p>12:30-3:00pm ET</p> Learn More