Upcoming workshops

Duration: 1.5 hour

Facilitator: Tim Owen

Cost: $100

Workshop Description:

What are the best tools to use to write your manuscript? When we first start to write, we use MS Word or Open Office. As our manuscript gets more unwieldy and our characters more complex, we begin to wonder if there is a better tool to use to help keep track of our chapters, events, timelines and characters.

Some continue with a basic word processor while others decide to use a writing program, either paid or free. We all eventually settle on what works best for us.

In this workshop we will discuss the following tools, the pros and cons  and how to make the most of each one:

Microsoft Windows and Word

• Using a directory structure to map out your timeline
• One big document or many little ones?
• Using HEADING in word to assist in navigating your manuscript
• Setting up standard formats in MS Word
• Keeping track of character traits, place descriptions etc. in a separate document
• Using Miro to map out your timeline

Papyrus Author

• Free + $14.99/m
• Mapping your plot with Thinkboard
• Focussing on dialogue with Direct Speech
• Managing your Timeline
• Hiding unwanted text with Ghost Text
• Keeping track of My Characters
• Finalizing document to publish - PDF or ePub
• Using daily word goals to stay motivated

Scrivener

• $99 once-off
• Character information
• Settings information
• Use of folders and sub folders
• Compiling your manuscript

yWriter

• Free
• Simple interface
• Track characters, locations and objects
• Compile your manuscript

Duration: 1 hour

Facilitators: Tim Owen & Nicky Lee

Cost: $80

Workshop Description:

1. Ability to tap into your Stream of Consciousness, getting your thoughts down uncensored and unedited - the Brain Dump or Brain Download
2. How to process the output of outcome 1, finding the hidden gems
3. Guidelines on reviewing past chapters
4. Why you should always try to hear your story read out loud
5. Where to find support. Writing is lonely work, and getting support will go a long way in helping you persevere
6. Introduction to tools and methodologies that can help keep you motivated to meet your daily or weekly writing objectives.

* A print-ready, formatted manuscript is required in order to get the full benefit of this workshop.

Next Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/782463388057?aff=oddtdtcreator

Duration: 1 hour for e-book, optional extra half hour to cover publishing in paperback

Facilitators: Tim Owen

Cost: $75 / $100

Workshop Description:

After the endless hours of writing, editing and rewriting your manuscript, you'll eventually decide that it is finished. The next step is publication. The vast majority of writers struggle to find representation and if your manuscript is truly polished and the best it can be, you may want to publish it yourself on Amazon.

Important: You only get one chance to launch your book, so don't rush it. You need to work it and revise and edit until your fingers bleed, and then do it all again, and then a third time. Just because your book is on Amazon doesn't mean people will buy it if it is not a product worthy of the most esteemed publisher.

This workshop will guide you through the publishing process from beginning to end,  discussing the various decisions you will need to make along the way. Decisions like size, price, genres and royalty options.

By the end of this workshop, your book will be in review with Amazon, and if you followed our guidance, will be approved for sale withing 3 days.

Duration: 1 hour

Facilitators: Tim Owen

Cost: $80

Workshop Description:

1. Get signed up to Amazon Author Central
2. Linking your existing books
3. Why you should add book recommendations
4. View all reviews
5. View BookScan weekly sales 
6. View sales rank

Duration: 1 hour

Facilitators: Tim Owen

Cost: $80

Workshop Description:

Getting your book published is just the beginning. The hard work comes in afterwards; getting word of your book out into the world and generating sales.

To do this, you will need to promote on as many social media platforms as possible, such as Facebook, X, Threads and Goodreads.

This workshop discusses the marketing tools available on Amazon, how to draw attention to your book and get people clicking that buy button. We will discuss the different types of promotions you can use, how to monitor sales, how to generate additional exposure and income vie KDP Select and more.

You will need to be brave - this is where the real work begins!

Duration: 1 hour

Facilitators: Suzanne Bradley 

Cost: $80

Workshop Description:

1. Introduction to the basics of screen writing
2. Learn the format of a screen play manuscript
3. Understand film story structure
4. Learn how to master dialogue

Duration: 2 hours

Facilitators: Frances Denny

Cost: $100

Workshop Description:

Duration: 3 x 1 hour sessions

Facilitators: Frances Denny

Cost: 3 x $40

Workshop Description:

Duration: 1 hour

Facilitators: Frances Denny

Cost: $70

Workshop Description:

1. Introduction to the basics of screen writing
2. Learn the format of a screen play manuscript
3. Understand film story structure
4. Learn how to master dialogue