Monday, March 9, 2020

Hallie's writing workshops

HALLIE EPHRON: It’s WHAT WE’RE WRITING week and, as usual, I get to lead off. For the last month I’ve been writing short pieces like a “Behind the Book” essay for the paperback edition of CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR which comes out in August 2020. The darned thing took WEEKS. If I took that long to write a novel, I'd be on the four-year instead of the two-year plan.

I've also been updating material for writing workshops I’m slated to teach over the next few months.

I was a teacher (see below, me and my third-graders at PS 189 in Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood) long before I was a writer, and you’d think prepping for these workshops would be a piece of cake. After all, I’ve taught most of these topics before. But no, every time out, I create a new slide pack and new handouts. I like to add new insights and exercises, update the examples, and incorporate the controversies and issues in today’s publishing world. And this summer I'm developing 2 brand new workshops.

Here’s what I have on tap to teach this summer, assuming that COVID-19 doesn’t shutter writing workshop world completely.

June 12 – 16 – Yale Summer Writer’s Workshop - a small group, 4-day workshop on writing crime fiction: mystery, thriller, and suspense

If past experience is any guide, the people who sign up for this workshop will be exceptional. Last time out, there were at least five participants who, in my opinion, were within reaching distance of getting an agent and finding a solid publisher. In fact, I just got an email from one of them -- she’s been offered representation by an agent who represents some of the top crime fiction writers out there. I’m so thrilled for her. This was after a serious bump in the road when she signed with an "agent" with a sketchy business model. EVERYONE who gets an offer to publish or represent, due diligence! At a minimum, look them up on SFWA's WRITER BEWARE. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

June 25 – Manhattanville College Summer Writers Week 2020, Purchase NY – 3-hour afternoon class on writing a page turner

This is a crash course will be part of their annual week of writing workshops. I expect the class will have a diverse group of writers, across genres, from beginners to well-on-their-way writers. The workshop I'm giving is packed with tips and tricks for capturing the reader’s attention, hooking the reader with scene structure, building characters that make the reader care, Infusing the story with suspense and action, and building momentum while leaving room to grow. It’ll be a drink from a fire hose. 

July 31-August 2 – Willamette Writers Conference in Portland, OR
The Willamette Writers Conference is one of my all-time favorites. It takes place over 3 days at a Sheraton at the airport, and it’s got an especially strong film track. There’s always a healthy contingent of young, diverse writers and participants. I’ll be teaching a workshop on creating compelling characters and another on writing suspense. And I’ll be going one on one with writers, talking about their works in progress.

I love this conference, and not just because it’s in the heart of in my all-time favorite city. But the location is one reason why it draws an exceptional group of agents and editors along with so many talented writer/teachers. I’ll be teaching a pair of workshops—both for the first time. One on rooting suspense in domesticity, and a second on the nuts and bolts of giving a book talk. 

I’m especially excited because Jane Friedman (THE HOT SHEET) will be speaking. She is SO SMART, and her take on what’s going on in the publishing world is always bracing and informative. Way back when self-publishing was pretty much limited to vanity publishing, she was one of the first people who had any idea what a sea change was under way. 

Will you be teaching or taking any classes this summer (the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise).

42 comments:

  1. It looks like you’ve planned for a very busy summer, Hallie. Your workshops sound amazing . . . the lucky participants are certainly in for a treat . . . .

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    1. Thanks, Joan... but I think it's more like Lucky ME!

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  2. I understand why you have been so busy preparing. Lucky participants !

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    1. Believe me, preparing is much easier than actually writing fiction. MUCH.

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  3. I'm teaching a workshop at the Pennwriters Conference in May. I'll also be TAKING several there.

    Hallie, I love your workshops. I always come away inspired and armed with new tools for my writing toolbox.

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    1. I love Pennwriters, Annette! And thanks for the vote of confidence!!

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  4. Love the diversity of your workshop topics, Hallie! And the fact that you aren't phoning in the ones you've taught before. Seems pretty clear to me that those 3rd graders--and now your workshop participants--were in the hands of an exceptional teacher! Enjoy!

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    1. I wish I knew what happened to my students from PS 189... I was there for 4 terrific years and I wish I could trace some of their trajectories.

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  5. Killer Nashville. I still use your spider's web chart from the Mad Anthony workshop. Great set of notes!

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  6. Hallie, don't you think you learn as much from giving a workshop as your students do? I always found that, back when I taught. Student questions make you think about things in a new way, it seems.

    My middle daughter is moving to Portland this summer! I'd love to take your workshop.

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    1. I also think you learn different things from the same workshop, depending on where you are in your own learning curve. Come to Willamette! I'm teaching 2 short (1-2 hour) workshops and there are always fantastic presenters. Does your daughter write?

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    2. She doesn't. Right now she's being kept super busy with her job. But her writing ability got her the job in the first place. Engineers are not known for their creativity!

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    3. Sure they are Karen, just not for their writing skills, or their spelling! LOL

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    4. Speaking as the mother-in-law of a robotics engineer, I can attest to their creativity!

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    5. Well, that was what her employer told her. She has always been super creative.

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  7. I have no hard plans for...anything, really (some are firmer than others, but all in varying stages of "probably"). I wish I could be in NYC for your August class on giving a book talk. My last one went well, but I'm sure that was because I was with Annette. It's always easier to do things in pairs!

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    1. That's one of the things I'll talk about -- presenting WITH other writers (in pairs, panels...) It also helps when you're getting started to present with someone more experienced. I learned a lot early on from Katherine Hall Page. Also watch Hank 'in conversation with' another writer and you'll see how a pro does it.

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  8. You are such a great teacher! And I gasped when I saw that picture of you with the sweater and your hair up… I honestly thought that was me. I am looking for a picture to prove it.
    And I’m teaching at writers digest too! Hooray!

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    1. There's probably some genetic link, waaaaay back?
      Oh, goody, hopefully it'll be a go.

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  9. Wow, what a great line-up of workshops, Hallie. I echo the comments of "lucky students"! If I were able to be at any of them, I would sign up in a flash. In my experience, I can always learn something relevant from a good teacher, regardless of whether the topic being taught is spot-on for my current situation or not. I'll say it again, lucky students! (And, oh, those third graders -- and that necklace, Hallie. Did they appreciate your style?)

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    1. I got dressed up that day because I knew there'd be a photographer. You can tell it's the 70s.

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  10. I want to go to them ALL! How lucky the participants are to have you as a prof, Hallie! So jealous!

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    1. Jenn, you should be TEACHING at them all... Seriously, a class on writing funny? I'd love to take it.

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  11. The classes sound divine! And just down the road a piece, too. Oh Hallie, I'd go just to hear what you have to say but I'd feel guilty taking a spot away from someone who is actually writing something.(sigh)

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    1. These are things that rarely sell out, so no danger of that. If only!

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  12. Signing up for Willamette and looking forward to it. Got permission from my daughter to leave the state for three days sold mainly because the conference is at the airport so less travel. Otherwise, I'm doing a Litreactor class now and signed up for Masterclass. On line is convenient but it's not the same as learning from a human being.

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  13. They all sound great but I'll stick with the reading end of things. Like Judy, I wouldn't want to take a spot that should be filled by an actual writer.

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  14. I am always amazed that writers take time away from their own writing to teach writing! Very generous!

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    1. ummm... not really. Usually I get paid. If most of us had to rely on royalties and advances we'd be ... flipping burgers on the side.

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  15. Hallie, I'll echo Jenn - I want to take ALL your classes. Whenever I see another writer teach, I'm amazed at how much I don't know.

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    1. Awhile back I was on the faculty for Mystery Writers of American "university" and I heard my co-presenters speak multiple times, and I got something different out of the SAME talk each time!

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  16. Hallie, I absolutely love the photo!! I don't remember ever having an elementary school teacher as chic as you were.

    And your workshop students are all so lucky. I especially like the last topics, rooting suspense in domesticity and how to give a book talk. I still struggle with that one! It's so much easier when you partner with someone. I am generally in awe of writers who teach, as it is SO not my strong point. I attended an MWA seminar taught by Jeff Deaver a couple of years ago and it was fabulous. I still have my notes.

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    1. When I give a solo talk I usually use a slide pack. Heavy on the nonfiction hook. You're right, with a partner is easy but only great if it's someone who knows how to share the spotlight and does the homework needed to be able to toss the lead back and forth.

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  17. Oh, boy, can I just sit at your feet while you teach, Hallie? I'm slated to teach two mystery-writing workshops at the Cape Cod Writers' Conference in early August and I'm already quaking in my slippers. I plan to rely heavily on your book and Paula Munier's - with full credit, of course. I haven't taught these topics before, despite being fully immersed in the practice of the craft, and I'm nervous here in early March.

    That said, my spring June international travel is cancelled, so I'll have more time to prepare!

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    1. Be sure to have HANDOUTS! People love them and it anchors them and you.
      Oh, boo - cancelled travel. But wise.

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    2. Yeah - it felt a little risky even going to Puerto Rico this last week (safely home a couple of hours ago). Ireland, London, and a French coast cruise in May and June? Not happening.

      Handouts will be produced! (I'm a former academic...no sweat.)

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  18. Hallie, all that beautiful, plentiful hair! I vaguely remember those days myself. Teaching can be so rewarding, both to teacher and students. I am sure that your writing students are so much better prepared and focused after taking your courses. They would be interesting to me even though I don't write books. I love to hear about the craft of writing from those who succeed at it. I wish my son could take one of your courses. Maybe someday.

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  19. Hallie, I will be! I'm on the SinC Speakers Bureau and I'll be teaching two workshops to the Denver chapter. "The Magic of Setting" and "It's a Funny Thing: Fifteen Ways to Add Humor to Your Writing." And yes, I have handouts.

    Your workshops sound fab. But they always are.

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