Workshops Presented
by Astrid Cooper
(N.B. these are not on-line workshops!)
Astrid runs writing workshops and seminars throughout each year - both privately and for writing groups and organisations.

To coincide with Literacy Week in Australia, Astrid is organising a "all you wanted to know about writing and publishing" seminar, for Sunday, 6th September, 2009 in Kapunda, from 9.30 am to 4pm. Guest authors will present - including internationally acclaimed children's/young adult author, Rosanne Hawke.

If you are interested in any workshop, or wish to be placed on the mailing list for workshops, please contact Astrid.

Do you want to :

Write commercial fiction?

Learn "inside" tips of the trade from an industry professional?

Discover your untapped writing potential?

Understand the publishing process and "target" your work?

Create unforgettable characters, scenes, plots, tension and conflict?

Regardless of your age, writing experience or chosen genre, if you've answered "yes" to any (or all) of the above questions, then this workshop is for you.

This workshop is being planned, so register your interest now and receive a mail out when the workshop is to be held.

Structure:
Talks, discussions, non-threatening, fun writing exercises to stimulate creativity.

Topics to be covered include:
The paths to publication and the new technologies
Tapping creativity
Dare to be Different: Creating scenes, plots and tension: the "modern voice"
Creating memorable characters
Point of View and "flying body parts"

What's included?
Afternoon tea.
Handouts, giveaways and some prizes.

Aims of the workshop:
Participants will learn many "tricks of the trade" to create dramatic and unforgettable characters, scenes, plots
Participants will have commenced a "character portfolio" and "scene/plot chart" for their manuscript

Cost: $70 per person.
Payment can be made via PAYPAL, cheque or money order.
No bookings can be accepted without full payment.

Upon registration, a receipt will be forwarded to you, together with other details.

please contact Astrid:
asti8@bigpond.com
Other workshops Astrid has presented:

1. Stress and the Writer. An in-depth look at what stress is, its psychological and physiological effects; how it affects a writer; strategies to overcome stress.

2. Writing the query letter and synopsis. How to compose a query letter that will hook an editor or agent. How to write back-cover blurb. What is a synopsis? Examples of successful synopses.

3. World-building using the Five Senses. An audio-visual presentation that explores ways in which a writer can bring scenes and characters alive by using the 5 senses.

4. Creating Memorable Scenes and Characters. Various ways in which a writer can create memorable characters and scenes.

5. Writing erotica. Writing romantic erotica. What is erotica? Is it pornography? What is romantic erotica? The language of erotica. Markets for erotica.

6. Beginning a story. Where to begin? Creating characters; the theme of story; action and narrative beginnings; how to choose the best viewpoint character. What is a plot? Maximising your plots and scenes ("in-gathering'). Aim to be brilliant, not mediocre. Making your prose come alive.

7. Character motivation and conflict. Who is in control of the story - the writer or the character (sometimes a humorous 'take' on how writers DO lose out to their creations! - But is it a bad thing?)

8. Manuscript presentation. How to present a professional submission.

9. The Business of Writing. Includes the perils and pitfalls facing the new writer. Book doctors, agents and vanity presses - what are they and what can they do for you?

10. New technologies: new markets for the 21st century.

Extensive handouts supplied with most seminars.

If you are interested in Astrid presenting any of these (or other topics), she can design something specifically for your group.

Astrid has given presentations at conferences for: Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America (Aust. Chapter), South Australian Writers' Centre, Eyre Writers' Group and has spoken to various community groups, e.g. Lions Club.

Contact Astrid if you would like her to talk to your organisation or school. A fee can be negotiated, based on professional charges (ASA standards).