by Megan Haskell
This past weekend, Greta and I were thrilled to be instructors at the annual Southern California Writers’ Conference in Irvine. Truly “a weekend for words”, it’s also a weekend to find your tribe, improve your craft, and expand your horizons.
However, this September’s event was especially exciting for us as we tested out our new and improved workshop series, Take Charge of Your Author Career! Despite some technical difficulties on the first day (I forgot to bring the cord that would connect our iPads to the projector for our slides…whoops), the classes went really well, and we received some outstanding testimonials.
Session 1: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Writing Productivity
The workshop was very informative with tips, tricks, apps, and hacks that were all helpful and motivating! – Kathryn Atkins, Author and Speaker
Personally, I loved getting the chance to share all the things I’ve learned over the last six years as I’ve juggled being a stay-at-home-mom with littles and building a writing business. But it was also nice to hear from Greta’s perspective, and realize that just because you have open space on your calendar, doesn’t mean you’re easily accomplishing everything you need to. We’ll be expanding on that even more in the next session on October 2nd.
Session 2: Write Faster with the Character/Plot Menu
The second session was all about preparing for each writing session to speed up your writing process while building deeper, more well-rounded characters.
The brain dump and plot menu will keep your writing process fun and on track. You’ll break through the blocks and fears that slow down or stall your writing. – Kristine Fox
I know I’ve found that to be true in my own writing, and I think Greta’s method is easily applicable for both plotters and pantsers, which is what makes it truly unique.
Session 3: Choose the Right Publishing Path for You!
The second day was smoother. With technology functioning properly, the hiccups were kept to a minimum…though the banter was not. ????
Superbly crafted workshop! Good information across the publishing options to help aspiring authors find their personal path.- Tom Wing, Aspiring Author
And that’s exactly what we strive for! Greta and I hold the belief that there is no single right way to publish, just the right way for you, and your project. If you don’t already know, Greta has a seven book deal with Fawkes Press, but she is also the Amazon bestselling author of the indie published Wine and Chocolate Workout. And while I have so far indie published all of my own titles, I’m seriously considering making an attempt at the Big 5 deal for a sci-fi project I have in mind for the future.
The reality is, each path to publication has its place, and we’re here to help guide you to your best possible destination.
Session 4: Build Your Author Platform Early
Our final course was also our newest, but the feedback was amazing. Our goal was to help writers on the verge of publishing—regardless of their chosen path—understand the basics of building an author platform. It’s so important in the modern age to have an online presence, and for authors, it’s critical to success. You can’t assume your publisher will do all the marketing for you, or that readers will pick up your book without a clue as to who you are.
But what I loved the most was that even some of the most experienced writers in the room found some new ideas to test out.
Fantastic information! I wish I had this workshop before my books were published. I learned great tips to add to and improve my current author platform. – Laura Perkins, AKA Mercy Hollow Author
Continuing Education For Every Level
The book industry is constantly changing and continuing education should be a top priority for writers looking to build a solid career in the written word. It’s conferences like SCWC that not only give us a solid education, they also make it fun. I think I can speak for both myself and Greta when I say it’s an honor to be included on the teaching staff.
Bonus: despite my natural introverted tendencies, it turns out I really love to teach!
If you missed SCWC or any of our courses, never fear! We’re teaching all four sessions again in October. PLUS, if you buy the full workshop series by this Friday, September 29, you’ll receive a FREE ebook copy of our book, PUBLISH: Take Charge of Your Author Career. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Megan Haskell Program Director
Legend has it, I was born with a book in my hands. Thirty-ish years later, I’m a stay-at-home-mom who prefers a good story over doing the dishes. Only now, I’m building my own fantasy worlds! I’m the Award-Winning author of the Amazon bestselling series, The Sanyare Chronicles, and Program Director of O.C. Writers. You can find me on my website at www.meganhaskell.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
Despite the technical problems, I still got a lot out of that first session –and the others, too! I’m feeling inspired to be more organized and goal-oriented, and finally put “get a professional head shot taken” on my to-do list. Great job to both of you!
Thanks Joy! I was thrilled you came to our classes, and you gave us some fantastic feedback, which we’re incorporating into the next sessions. And it was fun to have you there to discuss “Joy’s Method”! You’re the best!
I was happy for the reminder to be more rigorous with my planning and scheduling — Joy’s Method only works if I actually DO it, after all!
You two are ON FIRE! Truly inspiring to all of us. I attended one of your other workshops, and you are a great team. What I like the most is having a workshop that is conducted by two people who are very centered, have no agenda other than to be helpful to other writers, and are articulate and well-planned!