Workshops for Writers

In addition to my presentations, workshops and author in residence programs for schools and libraries, I offer a number of services for writers including manuscript evaluation plus workshops for writers and teachers. I also conduct workshops in Calgary on a regular basis, notifications of which are posted on my blog and work as an instructor with Chinook Learning Services, the University of Calgary Continuing Education and the Alexandra Writers Centre Society. These are some examples of my workshops for writers, but I am very flexible and always happy to discuss your group’s individual requirements.

Writing and Publishing Your Children’s Novel

This session details my own experiences getting started as a writer of novels for young readers and the subsequent path to publication. We examine the writing process from initial concept through to the finished manuscript, including how to turn ideas into stories, the creation of outlines and the importance of editing and revision. We also examine ways to research which publishing houses to submit your work to and there is ample time left for questions.

Marketing and Promotion

This workshop explores dealing with the media, book launches and bookstore signings, promotional events, securing speaking engagements, as well as delving deeper into the publishing world.

Websites for Authors and Writers

This workshop examines what works best when creating websites for authors and writers by creating editorial content designed to get you noticed. We explore what’s right for you and the most effective means to promote yourself as a writer around the world.

Science Fiction and Fantasy for Younger Readers

My novels are for readers aged eight to twelve and this workshop looks at various aspects of the science fiction and fantasy genre for this age group. Topics covered include writing older, creating credible time machines and plausible technology, the need for the young protagonists to solve their own problems, realistic settings, and the creation of page turning beginnings and cliffhanger endings.

The Importance of Historical Research

Editors, teachers, librarians and critics may scrutinize the imaginary science in your science fiction story and the same applies to historical facts in time travel stories. Just as the scientific equipment has to be in working order, the historical details have to be well researched for the story to remain credible. This workshop looks at the importance of historical research when crafting stories set in different time periods.

Character Development

In these workshops, we explore where writers get ideas for the people in their stories. We explore the many ways to create memorable characters for a story and how to use descriptive language to build them. Participants invent their own unique characters and also learn how to write engaging dialogue for their creations, based on the personal characteristics they have created.

Time Travel Tales

The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox and The Heretic’s Tomb all have some elements of time travel. This session looks at where writers get their ideas and how they turn them into stories. Participants invent their own time machine, method or device, paying attention to the need for authentic historical settings and to creating a plausible means of traveling in time.

Editing and Revision

Your first novel could take several years of painstaking work, but although you’re convinced it could be a best seller and everyone you know is very enthusiastic, it still needs work before it can be submitted to a publisher. This workshop deals with the need for planning when writing your novel, the creation of detailed outlines, attention to detail and importance of editing and revision.

Suitable candidates and venues for these types of workshops include teacher’s conventions and professional development days, librarian conferences, parent groups, community associations and writers groups, although I am always open to invitations from a wide variety of audiences. If you are teaching children’s literature or a creative writing class at a college or university, for example, I can visit your classroom to provide your students with some useful insight from a published author. These are some examples of my workshops for writers, but I am very flexible and always happy to discuss your group’s individual requirements.

Please contact me directly for fees and availability for Workshops for Writers at writersworkshops@simon-rose.com

I am also frequently asked to give a keynote address or be a guest speaker at events both for children and adults, including book fairs, business associations, chambers of commerce, charity and fundraising events, church and community groups, conferences, conventions, entrepreneur meetings, literary and cultural festivals, and non-profit organizations.

Should your organization be interested in inviting me to your next event, please contact me directly for fees and availability for workshops, presentations, events and public speaking engagements at events@simon-rose.com