Online Workshops and Appearances

Putting wings on the backstory to keep your novel soaring.
Online workshop from Athena Critique Services

You've met someone at a party. He decides to tell you his life's story: the uncut version. How long does he keep your attention? Even if his story is an interesting one--climbing Mount Everest, or canoeing across the Atlantic Ocean--your mind will wander as you wait for him to take a breath so that you can excuse yourself to the bathroom, the bar, to call you mother-in-law. Anything to escape!

In much the same way, the reader will want to escape your novel if you bore her with backstory. And she doesn't need an excuse to walk away. It is all too easy for her to put the book down and never come back.

How then, can you convey information about your character's past to the reader? This workshop will consider different techniques for keeping your story moving forward while providing the reader with crucial information about the past. We'll look at examples from books and movies and try some hands on writing exercises to practice creating flashbacks as well as weaving backstory into dialogue and internal monologue.

$25.00 (limit 25 participants)

To register or find out more about Athena Critique Services visit
http://www.athenacrits.com or e-mail info@athenacrits.com

April 21-May 2: Creating 3-D Action Scenes with Teresa Bodwell
Online workshop from Athena Critique Services

Every action scene needs to be Deep, Definite and Dynamic. Layers of emotion give the scene depth. The action must be clear and definite to carry the readers along for the ride. Finally, the scene must be energetic and forceful. Dynamic scenes create a reality for the puts the reader right in the action.

Join multi-published author Teresa Bodwell for discussion and writing exercises that will make your action scenes 3-D.

$25.00 (limit 25 participants)

To register or find out more about Athena Critique Services visit
http://www.athenacrits.com or e-mail info@athenacrits.com

Teresa is available to do workshop presentations to your group on the topic of Copyright Law for writers as well as any of the other workshops listed here. Contact her to arrange for her services.