Publishers of fiction look for a strong plot, which is based on characters who are interesting, believable, and have depth.
They look for an original approach the genre. It is very difficult to be totally original, and there is a temptation for authors to jump on the bandwagon of whatever is currently successful. But you still need something that makes your work different – publishers are not often interested in clones of already established authors.
If you are writing non-fiction, you must have an excellent knowledge of your subject, and if you have something new to say about it, you will have a good chance of publication.
Publishers want authors who use words well, whose prose is succinct, interesting, and easy to read, and who understand such basics as spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Good writing is like a work of art.
Publishers want authors who will be able to write additional publishable books or stories or features for them. They prefer an author who continues to write books in the same genre as their first work, rather than one who is a jack-of-all-trades.
The way to make sure your book is a work of art and your characters are the best they can be, is to attend workshops on writing and building characters, attend festivals, and join writers' groups to get feed back from your peers.
The next weekend workshop at Gondor Writers’ Centre is a combination of two vital workshops that will help you meet the publishers' criteria.
They look for an original approach the genre. It is very difficult to be totally original, and there is a temptation for authors to jump on the bandwagon of whatever is currently successful. But you still need something that makes your work different – publishers are not often interested in clones of already established authors.
If you are writing non-fiction, you must have an excellent knowledge of your subject, and if you have something new to say about it, you will have a good chance of publication.
Publishers want authors who use words well, whose prose is succinct, interesting, and easy to read, and who understand such basics as spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Good writing is like a work of art.
Publishers want authors who will be able to write additional publishable books or stories or features for them. They prefer an author who continues to write books in the same genre as their first work, rather than one who is a jack-of-all-trades.
The way to make sure your book is a work of art and your characters are the best they can be, is to attend workshops on writing and building characters, attend festivals, and join writers' groups to get feed back from your peers.
The next weekend workshop at Gondor Writers’ Centre is a combination of two vital workshops that will help you meet the publishers' criteria.
Because the people who have booked the Strengthening Your Writing workshop on August 29th and 30th didn't get to come to the Character workshop last month and wanted to, Elaine has added a section of the Character workshop into the weekend. So you will get two for the price of one.
Saturday 29th: Creating memorable characters:
Developing strong, believable characters that your reader either loves or hates ... depending on your intention is vital. Many writers make the mistake of having characters who are too similar to each other and not well enough developed. Humans are not the same; we are multidimensional beings. This workshop examines the many personality types we meet and shows you how to portray them effectively. For crime and mystery writers, the character workshop includes an examination of criminal types, and what drives them to commit crimes.
Sunday 30th: Strengthening your writing:
The use of word pictures, metaphors and similes, show not tell, and the ability to create rising tension are all important tools. This intensive workshop will teach you how to use these tools correctly to create your masterpiece, and much more.
Workshop only: $50 per day. You may book for either or both days.
Full weekend package: Includes 2 day workshops, lunch two days, evening meal at Gondor Saturday night and accommodation at the Kilcoy Motel: $240 with share accommodation in 3 bedroom cabin. $260 if single motel room accommodation.
Workshop and accommodation only: Share accommodation $170. Single motel room: $190.
Book now: http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshop-bookings.html
Competition: Send through the first 20 pages of your manuscript (any genre) by August 26th. See the website for more information on the competition.
Saturday 29th: Creating memorable characters:
Developing strong, believable characters that your reader either loves or hates ... depending on your intention is vital. Many writers make the mistake of having characters who are too similar to each other and not well enough developed. Humans are not the same; we are multidimensional beings. This workshop examines the many personality types we meet and shows you how to portray them effectively. For crime and mystery writers, the character workshop includes an examination of criminal types, and what drives them to commit crimes.
Sunday 30th: Strengthening your writing:
The use of word pictures, metaphors and similes, show not tell, and the ability to create rising tension are all important tools. This intensive workshop will teach you how to use these tools correctly to create your masterpiece, and much more.
Workshop only: $50 per day. You may book for either or both days.
Full weekend package: Includes 2 day workshops, lunch two days, evening meal at Gondor Saturday night and accommodation at the Kilcoy Motel: $240 with share accommodation in 3 bedroom cabin. $260 if single motel room accommodation.
Workshop and accommodation only: Share accommodation $170. Single motel room: $190.
Book now: http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshop-bookings.html
Competition: Send through the first 20 pages of your manuscript (any genre) by August 26th. See the website for more information on the competition.